FAI Cup Preview: Dublin Bus -v- CIE Ranch

• Dave Donnelly
• Sat, Aug 11 2018




DUBLIN BUS

Dublin Bus host CIE Ranch at Coldcut Road in the first round of the FAI Cup in a game that's been dubbed 'El Traffico' (kick-off 3pm).

Dublin Bus overcame FAI Intermediate Cup finalists Firhouse Clover in the preliminary round thanks to a 4-2 win on Coldcut Road.

Yuta Sasaki scored twice, while Colm Dunne and Paul McMahon were also on target, in Darren Sheridan's last game before he was replaced by Paul Doyle.

“It will be [winnable] because you're playing somebody at your level,” said Doyle.

“The first round is coming too early for a lot of Leinster Senior League clubs because we're only back in pre-season and our league hasn't started yet.

“We're still in the middle of our pre-season programs so fitness is going to be a major advantage to the League of Ireland sides who are nearly finished.

“The fact we're playing a team like the Ranch, who are on an even keel with ourselves, fitnesswise, playerwise and standardwise, it's probably a fairer draw for us.

“It's been this way for the past number of years – it's always tough for a Leinster Senior League to advance to the next round.

“I'm sure Ranch will be looking at it the same way we are, it's an easier draw to get to the next round and hopefully pull a League of Ireland club in the next one.”

CIE RANCH

CIE Ranch make the short trip west from Inchicore to face Dublin Bus in the only all-Leinster Senior League match-up of round one.

Ranch – managed by Keith Cronin, brother of Shamrock Rovers assistant Glen – beat FAI Intermediate Cup semi-finalists Letterkenny Rovers to reach this stage.

Gary Sullivan scored the only goal of the game as Ranch overcame the Donegal side at the CIE Works in April.

“I think it's a great opportunity for both sides,” said Cronin.

“If we get through this draw, we're nearly guaranteed a big club.

“You'd be unlucky if you didn't get a League of Ireland club with only two intermediate clubs facing each other [in this round].

“I heard one there last week about if you can't get into the CIE Ranch and Dublin Bus game with a leap card then there's something wrong. I've heard them all – it's good craic.

 

Referee: TBC

 

MATCH STATS

But for the bounce of the ball on the final day, Dublin Bus and CIE Ranch could be beginning the season in the same league.

On the same day Ranch were promoted as winners of Leinster Senior League 1B, the Bus avoided relegation from Senior 1 by a single point.

Dublin Bus last competed in the FAI Senior Cup eight years ago when they reached round three before losing 2-0 to Shelbourne.

Current manager Paul Doyle's brothers Geoff and Graham were part of the Bus team that day – Geoff is still on the playing staff, while Graham is Paul's assistant manager.

 

BETTING

Dublin Bus 11/10; Draw 12/5; CIE Ranch 15/8.

PREDICTION

Dublin Bus 1 – 2 CIE Ranch

 

Dublin Bus

Injured: Unavailable.

Doubtful: Unavailable.

Suspended: None.

CIE Ranch

Injured: Unavailable.

Doubtful: Unavailable.

Suspended: None.