FAI Cup Preview: Maynooth University Town -v- Cobh Ramblers

• Andrew Dempsey
• Sat, Aug 28 2021




MAYNOOTH UNIVERSITY TOWN

Maynooth University Town will be looking to create their own slice of FAI Cup history this evening as they host Cobh Ramblers at John Hyland Park (kick-off is at 7pm).

Maynooth have never reached the last eight of the FAI Cup before, but this is the third year on the spin where they have reached the last 16.

They did not play in the FAI Cup last season due to the fallout of Covid-19.

But they will be eyeing this game against Cobh Ramblers as a chance to reach the quarter-finals.

“It’s a great opportunity for our group,” Maynooth University Town assistant boss and player-coach Ciaran Kilduff said.

“No disrespect to Cobh but they are a First Division side, and they are a side that we feel we can give a good account of ourselves against.

“They are a League of Ireland club, but for a club like us and for what we want to do in the future, it’s a big opportunity.

“We’re looking forward to it. Our lads are enjoying the buzz around the game and it’s important that we make the most of it because the opportunities are there.

“It’s a great game to be a part of and we’re looking forward to welcoming Cobh for what I feel will be a close enough game. We’ll be ready but they will be too.”

COBH RAMBLERS

With their league campaign all but over, Cobh Ramblers head to Dublin as they look to save their season with a tangible cup run.

The Rams have FAI Cup pedigree as a junior side, so they will be aware of the challenge they face against a junior outfit in Maynooth University Town.

“By all accounts they are happy with the draw, to get us, but we’ve done our homework on them and are ready for the game,” their manager Darren Murphy said.

“Cup games are always different; they’ll be well up for it. They see us as a scalp, and we have to take that on-board.

“A cup run would be huge. It gives the whole club a boost. You have to put in a performance every round and that’s the challenge for the players. 

“All we can do is prepare and have the lads confident and ready to go. It’s up to them when they step on the pitch.”

In terms of team news for Cobh, Danny O’Connell, Cian Murphy, Darryl Walsh, Jake Hegarty and Pierce Phillips are all listed as doubts.

Referee: Alan Patchell.

 

BETTING

Maynooth University Town 14/5; Draw 13/5; Cobh Ramblers 3/4.

PREDICTION

Maynooth University Town 2 - 1 Cobh Ramblers

 

Maynooth University Town

Injured: N/A.

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended: None.

 

Cobh Ramblers

Injured: None.

Doubtful: Pierce Phillips, Jake Hegarty, Cian Murphy, Darryl Walsh, Danny O’Connell.

Suspended: None.

Ciaran Kilduff: 'I'm sure Kildare has the appetite for League of Ireland football' https://t.co/xSPSAvKbz5pic.twitter.com/kzQcCsfm9i

— Extratime.com (@ExtratimeNews) August 28, 2021