FAI Cup Replay: Bohemians -v- Cork City
- Simon O'Gorman
- Mon, Aug 25 2014
BOHEMIANS
Despite the fact that Bohs and Cork played out a thrilling 2-2 draw last Friday, the star of this FAI Cup replay could yet turn out to be the pitch. This will be the first game on the Dalymount surface since the ill-fated abandonment of the league derby one week ago and there will be considerable interest in the state of the turf.
The Dalymount pitch passed an inspection on Sunday morning so the Rebel Army can travel in confidence, leaving Bohemians’ performance in the drawn game the main source of concern for the away support. Bohemians led until the 86th minute at Turner’s Cross and manager Owen Heary was more than pleased with his players’ performance, if not with the outcome.
"We were down bodies but the lads who came in did very well”, he said. “Steven Beattie came in at left-back and Keith Buckley at right-back. Both of them put in really good shifts. Dinny took both of his goals very well. We should have won the game but we live to fight another day."
Bohs have had the better of their clashes with Cork in 2014 and they are a side on an upward curve having lost just one of their last eight league matches. The 5-0 win over Bray in mid June began a sequence which included wins over Limerick, Cork and Drogheda and just the one defeat, a 4-0 reverse away to Derry City.
Bohs will be without the injured Anto Murphy while Ryan McEvoy is another possible absentee with a back strain. Steven Beattie will also sit this one out as he is suspendedRoberto Lopes returns from suspension while Derek Pender is once again available having missed the trip to Cork due to work commitments.
CORK CITY
City should not have been surprised by the Gypsies as, despite their lofty league placing, John Caulfield’s men have failed to beat Bohs this year. A 1-1 draw at Turner’s Cross in April was followed a 2-0 defeat at Dalymount last month. This will be City’s fourth attempt at over-turning a team that are 25 points behind them in the league table.
John Caulfield’s side needed an 88th minute equaliser from veteran defender Dan Murray on Friday night to keep them in this years competition. Their journey to Dublin for Monday night’s replay brings up the fact that they haven’t beaten Premier Division opposition away from home in a cup tie since the 1-0 win over Shamrock Rovers in the FAI Cup fourth round in 2008.
Overall, City’s form in 2014 has been exceptional and they remain involved in the title race with just eight league games to play. But their last seven fixtures, in all competitions, have yielded just two wins - against St Pats and Derry - while Shamrock Rovers, Bohemians and Dundalk have all beaten the Leesiders.
Not expected to be one of the frontrunners this year, Caulfield can point to the spirit within his camp as one of his side’s most potent qualities.
Speaking about Friday’s draw, Caulfield said, “When we got back into the match and made it one all, I felt that we would go on and have a strong finish, but then they broke to get the second goal and it looked like it was over. To be fair to the lads though, I keep saying they are fantastic players and they have great character, and thankfully they hung in there and got the equaliser. After that, either team could have got the winner, but it was a fantastic cup tie.”
Rob Lehane and Michael Rafter are both inured for Monday’s tie, while Michael McSweeney and John O’Flynn are both doubts. Caulfield must also do without Ross Gaynor who is cup-tied.
Referee: Neil Doyle
MATCH STATS
Bohemians are winning their ongoing contest with Cork this season, leading 5-3 on aggregate after three games.
City’s beat Bohemians three times out of three last season including a 2-1 win on their only trip to Dalymount Park. Denis Behan and Danny Morrissey scored for Cork that night, while Bohs’ score came from a Colin Healy og.
The last time Cork won away from home in the FAI Cup was when they beat Wexford Youths at Ferrycarrig Park in 2011.
BETTING
Bohemians 13/8, Draw 11/5, Cork City 8/5.
PREDICTION
Recent form favours Bohs - Bohemians 2 v 1 Cork City
Bohemians
Injured: Anto Murphy.
Doubtful: Ryan McEvoy.
Suspended: Steven Beattie.
Cork City
Injured: Rob Lehane, Michael Rafter.
Doubtful: Michael McSweeney, John O’Flynn.
Suspended: None.
Cup-Tied: Ross Gaynor.
About Simon O'Gorman
Simon O'Gorman began reporting for Extratime in 2010. He remembers Milltown and Flower Lodge and, back in the mists of time, saw Diego Maradona play at Lansdowne Road. He now lives in Co Kildare and …