Shamrock Rovers -v- Sheriff YC

• Simon O'Gorman
• Fri, Aug 23 2013




SHAMROCK ROVERS

Shamrock Rovers, despite not having lifted the FAI Cup in 26 years, are still synonymous with a competition they have won a record 24 times. And a bit of Cup magic is just what the regulars at Whitestown Way could do with.

 

Rovers have had a difficult year with manager Trevor Croly overseeing a league campaign that has been littered with disappointing draws despite having put together what looked on paper to be a squad more than capable of challenging for the title.

 

Expectations at Tallaght are always high and as Stephen Kenny discovered before him there is little time afforded to managers of the Hoops for acclimatisation. With the league now realistically out of reach the club will be hoping for some morale boosting success in the Cups

 

Rovers have already claimed the Setanta Cup with an emphatic 7-1 win over Drogheda United back in May and the Hoops have also booked a place in the EA Sports Cup final against the same opposition, which will take place on September 21st. The Leinster Senior Cup is another trophy in which the Tallaght club maintain an interest and their semi-final against LSL side Wayside Celtic is scheduled for September 2nd, with St Pats waiting in the final for whoever progresses.

 

Which brings us to the FAI Cup and a tie with Sheriff YC of the AUL league standing between them and a place in the quarter-finals. Croly will be without Billy Denny and Richard Brush for the game, both are injured, while Sean O’Connor also misses out through suspension. Recently signed midfielder Richie ryan is doubtful with a hamstring strain.

 

SHERIFF YC

Sheriff YC have proven themselves to be one of the countries top non-league sides over the past couple of years and the FAI Junior Cup holders recently beat Avondale United, the current Munster Senior league Champions and three-times winners of the FAI Intermediate Cup, 3-2 in the Tom Hand Memorial Trophy at Turner’s Cross.

 

Sheriff also beat Avondale in the previous round of the FAI Cup, winning 2-1 win at Avondale Park back in early June. Prior to that Sheriff beat LSL side Leixlip United 3-1 in the first round.

 

Over the summer manager Alan O’Neill has seen some key players move on with Anto Murphy rejoining the League of Ireland ranks and signing for Bohemians, while goalkeeper Lee Murphy was signed by new Shelbourne boss Johnny McDonnell. Keith Dunne will also be missing on the night as he continues his recovery from a broken foot.

 

The Dublin side’s FAI Cup pedigree includes the dramatic events of 2011 when wins over College Corinthians and Salthill Devon took them to the last-16 where they defeated Shelbourne 3-2 having been 2-0 down at half-time. Only the fielding of an ineligible player kept Sheriff out of the quarter-finals and Shels went on to reach the final that year.

 

 

Referee: Rob Harvey.

 

 

MATCH STATS

Shamrock Rovers last won the FAI Cup in 1987 when they beat Dundalk in the final. They last made the final in 2010 when they were beaten in a penalty shootout by Sligo Rovers.

 

Billy Dennehy is Shamrock Rovers leading scorer in the Cups with a total of seven, including two against Salthill Devon in the last round of the FAI Cup.

 

Sheriff YC are the current holders of seven trophies. Shamrock Rovers hold one.

 

 

BETTING

Shamrock R 1/6; Draw 6/1; Sheriff YC 11/1.

 

PREDICTION

A narrow win for Shamrock Rovers:  2-1

 

 

Shamrock Rovers

Injured: Billy Dennehy, Richard Brush.
Doubtful: Richie Ryan.
Suspended: Sean O’Connor.

 

Sheriff YC

Injured: Keith Dunne.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.