FAI Cup Preview: Cork City -v- Bohemians
- Josh Dolan
- Fri, Aug 22 2014
CORK CITY
Cork City face Bohemians for the second time in three weeks as the two teams battle for a place in the quarter finals of the FAI Cup at Turners Cross on Friday night.
Cork went down 2-0 to Owen Heary's side back in July when goals from Steven Beattie and Owen Wearen won them the points. City Boss, John Caulfield, will be hoping that the Phibsborough club won't repeat the "outstanding" performance that saw his side beaten in late July.
"When we played Bohs three weeks ago, they came out of the traps at the start and scored an early goal. We were on the back foot from that point on and it was a very difficult night for us. They really tore into us and we found it difficult to get into the game. On the night we were beaten fair and square and they gave an outstanding performance."
The Rebels advanced to the last 16 of this year's FAI Cup after beating Dublin outfit St Mochta's 6-0 at Turner's Cross and despite being involved in the SSE Airtricity league Premier Division title race Caulfield welcomes the break from league football that comes with being in the later stages of the FAI Cup.
"It is a good opportunity for us to get into the quarter final, and while it will be a difficult game, everyone enjoys the feeling of still being in the cup as the season progresses; there’s a good buzz when you’re in the cup and it is a break from the league."
The Muster club's preparations for this game has been disrupted by the news that the club have accepted a bid from an unnamed club for midfielder Brian Lenihan. Caulfield has called for the City faithful to come out in force to say goodbye to the 20 year old in what’s likely to be his final performance for City.
City will be without Michael Rafter, Rob Lehane, John O'Flynn and Gavin Kavanagh through injury, while Ross Gaynor is cup tied having played in the competition with former club Sligo Rovers.
BOHEMIANS
The postponement of the game between Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers on Monday night means that The Gypsies haven't played in a week, However, Heary insists that the postponement of the game was no help to him or his charges.
"We were looking forward to the game. The players were ready to go, particularly after the result on Friday [2-1 against Drogheda United]. They were well set up for the game.
Although Heary admits that his squad will take confidence from their recent performances against Cork he knows that the Leesiders will be up for the game and believes that the Munster outfit will be looking to avenge their recent defeat to his Bohemians side.
"Cork will be well up for it, particularly as we beat them in Dalymount. They’re a good team, a strong, physical team. They’re up at the top of the table on merit and they will have massive support down there.
Heary admits that, being a cup game, it could go either way and could hinge on a mistake or a moment of magic.
"Cup games can go any way. They can be decided by a moment of madness or a moment of genius," Heary explained. "The cup is important for us. We got beaten in the semi-final of another competition. If we can finish on a cup final this year, it will be a tremendous achievement.
The former defender is eager to achieve glory and qualify for Europe, something that would be an excellent reward for both the players and the club.
"If we do get to the cup final, it could be a passage to Europe and it’s a medal for the players. That has to be an incentive for the players, that they have something in the hand at the end of the season to show for their hard work."
Steven Beattie is available despite being suspended for league games, Anto Murphy is out with an ankle injury, Roberto Lopes is suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards, while Jack Memery remains tied up with college commitments.
Referee: Paul McLaughlin.
MATCH STATS
Bohemians are one of just three sides Cork have yet to beat this season.
Bohemians beat Cork 2-0 at Dalymount Park in July, while the teams played out a 1-1 draw at Turners Cross in April.
Cork's 6-1 victory over St Mochtas in the second round of the FAI Cup was the biggest winning margin in the second round of this year's competition.
BETTING
Cork 8/11; Draw 12/5; Bohemians 15/4.
PREDICTION
Cork 1-1 Bohemians
Cork City
Injured: Michael Rafter, John O'Flynn, Gavin Kavanagh, Rob Lehane.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.
Cup Tied: Ross Gaynor.
Bohemians
Injured: Anto Murphy.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: Roberto Lopes.
Unavailable: Jack Memery.
About Josh Dolan
Josh Dolan is one of our Dublin based reporters, who also helps out with Extratime.ie’s administration tasks.
Josh, who was recommended to us by fellow reporters, joined the site as a teenager …