FAI CUP Preview: Tolka Rovers -v- Waterford United

• Aaron Clarke
• Thu, May 28 2015




 

TOLKA ROVERS

Tolka Rovers head into Friday’s clash with Waterford United at Frank Cooke Park on the back of some indifferent results, which include a 4-0 defeat to Crumlin United in the FAI Intermediate Cup final.

 

Extratime.ie spoke to Tolka Rovers attacker Mark Townley about the his sides recent run of bad form which has seen Tolka lose four of their last five over a two week period.

 

“It's been a terrible end to the season for us and not good enough for a club like Tolka Rovers. You could blame the fixture pile up but a lot of other sides have had to deal with it too. It's been a nightmare for ourselves with so many lads Injured and working shifts that we can't get the bodies back in recovered and ready for action.”

 

Speaking about playing Waterford at home, Townley explains that originally they were excited about having the opportunity to be really competitive and getting a result.

 
“The Waterford draw was a nice one to get at home and with a full and fit squad we would fancy ourselves at having a really good pop at them but again injuries and work commitments won't help the cause. It's a glamour game for junior and intermediate players to play in these games and I’ll still look forward to it.”

Tolka won through five rounds of the Intermediate Cup to reach the final including a 6-1 victory over Dunboyne in round four and an 8-2 win over Cork side Casement Celtic in the quarter-finals. They received a bye through the first round of the FAI senior Cup.


Kick off 7:45pm in Frank Cooke Park

 

WATERFORD UNITED

Waterford United make their second trip to the capital in seven days after Roddy Collins’ side suffered their first defeat since his arrival against Shelbourne 1-0 in Tolka Park last weekend. He had started his reign as manager with a home win against Cabinteely 3-1 the previous weekend.

 

Collins will be hoping that Friday’s game against non league Tolka Rovers will give his squad a chance to return to winning ways as they attempt to build momentum for their league campaign.

 

Speaking to Waterford-united.ie Roddy Collins explained that he was not unhappy with how his side performed against Shels.

 

“There is no low for me (after the Shelbourne defeat). There would have been a low if the players did not work hard and put the effort in. I’m disappointed but that’s football. It was a scrappy penalty and we could have got a 0-0 draw or a 1-1 draw and go home with a point. It’s just football, you win some and you lose some.

 

“I am actually happier than I was last week with particular players. The penalty was scrappy. He (Jack Doherty) came across with his right foot and Philly (Hughes) was cute enough to lean into to him and the penalty was awarded.”

 

As Waterford build up to the clash with the Leinster Senior League side Collins explains that this week his side have trained well and that he is looking forward to Friday’s game.

 

“Training was good all week and I thought Dylan Mernagh did well as indeed did Brian Nolan when he came on. I had asked the lads to get a little run going and we could have got something from the match.

 

“A little bounce of the ball here or there could have won this game. A set piece on both sides was always going to win this game and that’s what happened. We are planning at the club right now and I have learnt loads and I am happier tonight than I was last week.”

 

Referee: Michael O’Connor

 

 

MATCH STATS

The sides clashed twice in 2007, a 2-2 Draw in Frank Cooke Park, while Waterford United were victorious 4-1 in the RSC

 

2013 was the last time Tolka Rovers won an FAI Cup game, losing their last two, both against non league clubs

 

Waterford United have lost their last three FAI Cup fixtures

 

 

BETTING

Tolka Rovers 8/1; Draw 7/2; Waterford United 1/3.

 

PREDICTION

Tolka Rovers 1-3 Waterford United

 

 

Tolka Rovers

Injured: Unknown.
Doubtful: Unknown. 
Suspended: None.

 

Waterford United

Injured: Anthony McAlavey, Anthony O’Donnell, Thomas Croke .
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.