FAI Cup Preview: Kerry -v- Bohemians

• Andrew Dempsey
• Sun, Aug 18 2024




KERRY 

Kerry can become the fifth First Division side to reach the last-eight of the FAI Cup on Sunday afternoon when they host Bohemians at Mounthawk Park (kick-off is at 4pm).

UCD, Athlone Town, Treaty United and Wexford are all in the quarter-finals, joining Premier Division outfits Shelbourne, Derry City and Drogheda United there.

And the Kingdom, if they claim a scalp, could join them there.

But assistant boss James Sugrue is keen to stress how difficult the game will be for his side.

“We are just taking it as another game,” he said. “It’s knockout football so it can all depend on the day. It’s very exciting, it’s great for the town, great for the county of Kerry and great for the club and supporters. 

“But we must keep our heads down and work no differently from any other game. The players need to relish the occasion, go out and don’t let it pass them by. 

“These are the games everyone wants to be involved in, in front of big crowds, but you have to turn up on the day, get the job done and move on to the quarter-final.”

BOHEMIANS

Bohemians head to Tralee with a point to prove after struggling in the league. 

Last weekend, the Gypsies fell to a demoralising 3-2 loss at home to Waterford after taking a two-nil lead. 

Alan Reynolds’ side have also failed to win in the league since May when they defeated Sligo Rovers at Dalymount Park.

But the Dublin 7 side claimed a 1-0 triumph over Shamrock Rovers in the second-round of the cup last month to reach this round of the competition.

Bohs remain without the services of long-term absentees James McManus, Rob Cornwall and Keith Buckley. Jordan Flores is also a doubt having missed out against Waterford last weekend.

Referee: Neil Doyle. 

PREDICTION

Kerry 1-2 Bohemians 

 

Kerry

Injured: Valerii Dolia, Antonio Tuta. 

Doubtful: Oran Crowe. 

Suspended: None

 

Bohemians

Injured: Keith Buckley, James McManus, Rob Cornwall.

Doubtful: Jordan Flores. 

Suspended: None.

FAI Cup wrap: Athlone Town cause shock with win over Waterford, while Wexford stroll past Ballyfermot United - https://t.co/94rjArr8tjhttps://t.co/alXZNH0o92

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