IRN-Bru Cup Preview: Bohemians -v- Sutton United

BOHEMIANS

Bohemians will look to bounce back from Monday night's FAI Cup semi-final elimination as they host a novel encounter with English side Sutton United in the Scotish Challenge Cup (kick-off 3pm).

Keith Long's side will be licking their wounds after seeing their ten-game unbeaten run come to an end at the hands of holders Cork City at Turner's Cross.

A second-half wonderstrike from Ian Morris wasn't enough for the Gypsies after Karl Sheppard and Graham Cummins had given the Rebels a 2-0 half-time lead.

“Every one of the players and staff remarked on the effort of our supporters to pick us up on Monday,” Long told the club's website.

“It’s been the same for months. But what we saw from our supporters on Monday in the way they stayed behind and tried to give us a lift after the game was special.

“It really meant a lot to everyone, you just don’t see that other clubs.”

Turning to Sutton, Long added: “[It] is unfamiliar opposition in an unfamiliar competition but we want to progress.

“It will be hard to pick everyone up but we want to get back winning and this is a chance for us to get to a quarter-final.

“We don’t know a lot about them other than the video footage we’ve seen of them. But they play at a good standard.

“The Conference in England have the likes of Adam Rooney and Rory Gaffney playing there so it’s a tough league with a high calibre of player and a very competitive standard.

“We’re looking forward to it. We want to win to help put a smile back on the faces of our players and supporters.”

Dan Kelly and Dan Casey return from suspension, but defender Casey is a doubt with a calf strain. Strikers Ryan Swan and Ryan Masterson miss out with injury.

SUTTON UNITED

Sutton United will hope to put a mixed start to the National League season to the back of their minds as they face a first-ever competitive game on Irish soil.

The English fifth-tier side advanced past Scottish side Airdrie in the previous round thanks to a goal from Tommy Wright, but he's one of a number of absent players this time around.

Sutton, whose scheduled league match with Barnet this afternoon was postponed, come into the game on the back of a narrow defeat to Barrow Town.

Paul Doswell's side ninth the National League's top tier with seven wins and five defeats, plus three draws, from their 15 games to date.

As well as Wright, Sutton also expect to be missing Dean Beckwith, Nicky Bailey and Jamie Collins with injury.

Two players Bohemians fans may be familiar with are Aaron Drinan, the former Cork City striker on loan from Ipswich, and former Galway United striker Jonah Ayunga.

Referee: Mike Roncone.

BETTING

Bohemians 11/10; Draw 9/4; Sutton United 15/8.

PREDICTION

Bohemians 2 – 1 Sutton United

Bohemians

Injured: Ryan Masterson (quad), Ryan Swan (cruciate).

Doubtful: Dan Casey (calf).

Suspended: None.

Sutton United

Injured: Dean Beckwith, Nicky Bailey, Jamie Collins, Tommy Wright.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.