FAI Cup Preview: Bray Wanderers -v- Killester United

• Dave Donnelly
• Fri, Sep 11 2015




BRAY WANDERERS

Bray Wanderers welcome Killester United to the Carlisle Grounds (kick-off 7.45pm) amid indifferent league form, having lost three of their last six games, but last Friday's draw with second-placed Cork City will have the Seagulls in flying form.

 

Mick Cooke's side booked their place in the quarter final with a 1-0 victory over Bohemians at Dalymount Park, though it was a game mired in controversy after linesman Robert Clarke ruled Peter McGlynn's cross-shot to have crossed the line, though not even the video evidence is conclusive.

 

“[Killester] weren't given a free pass to the semi-finals,” Cooke told the Irish Sun. “They're a good side, a tough side. We're rightly favourites as the Premier Division side, but we will have to work hard to prove it.”

 

Bray will be without long-term absentees Adam Hanlon and Stephen McGuinness through injury, while John Sullivan is cup-tied having lined out for Crumlin United earlier in the competition.

 

 

KILLESTER UNITED        

Killester United return to the last eight of the FAI Cup, having last competed at this stage of the competition in 2006, when they forced a replay before finally being eliminated by Sligo Rovers after extra time.

 

The Gerry Davis managed side booked their place in the quarter finals with an emphatic 4-0 win over Tolka Rovers at Frank Cooke Park, having overcome league side Cobh Ramblers 3-0 in the previous round.

 

The Leinster Senior League side haven't had the ideal start to their season, however, having followed up a 5-2 loss to St Pats CY on the opening day with a 2-2 draw against Greystones.

 

Killester will have goalkeeper Evan Whelan available following his summer signing from First Division Cabinteely.

 

Referee: Ben Connolly.

 

 

MATCH STATS

Bray Wanderers and Killester United have never previously met at this level.

 

Bray have scored four goals and conceded one in their two FAI Cup ties to date, while Killester have scored ten and conceded none in their three games.

 

 

BETTING

Bray Wanderers 4/11; Draw 7/2; Killester United 15/2.

 

PREDICTION

Bray Wanderers 3 – 2 Killester United

 

 

Bray Wanderers

Injured: Adam Hanlon (knee), Stephen McGuinness (ankle).

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Unavailable: John Sullivan (cup-tied).

 

Killester United

Injured: Unknown.

Doubtful: Unknown.

Suspended: None.