League Preview: Shamrock Rovers -v- Dundalk

• Josh Dolan
• Fri, Sep 12 2014




SHAMROCK ROVERS

The Hoops continue their drive for 25 as they take on Dundalk in the Quarter Finals of the FAI Cup, at Tallaght Stadium, on Friday evening.

 

After last week’s defeat to Cork City Pat Fenlon’s side lie five points behind arch rivals St Patrick’s Athletic who lie in third and occupy the league’s final European qualification spot.

 

The FAI Cup is of course another route for Rovers with the winner being awarded a place in the first qualifying round of the Europa League.

 

Despite this major reward and the burden of not winning the country’s biggest cup in 27 years Hoops Manager, Pat Fenlon insists his full focus is on Friday night’s Quarter Final tie with Dundalk.

 

“People keep reminding me how long it's been since Shamrock Rovers won the FAI Cup and we'd love for this year to be our year again. But even if we win against Dundalk there is still a long way to go to get to that stage. So right now it's all about doing everything to get the win tomorrow night and secure our place in the semi-final draw.”

 

Since arriving in early August Fenlon has enjoyed three straight wins at Tallaght Stadium and the 45 year old says he’s looking forward to another great occasion at the Tallaght venue.

 

“It's a great occasion to be involved in and we're well up for it," Fenlon said.

 

Ryan Brennan returns to the squad following injury, David O’Connor is a doubt for the game as he continues his comeback from a hamstring injury. Sean O’Connor is suspended after being sent-off in The Hoops last 16 tie with Longford Town.

 

 

DUNDALK

Stephen Kenny’s charges take a break from the pressure of the Premier Division title race, as the Louth side travel to Tallaght for an FAI Cup Quarter Final tie with Pat Fenlon’s Shamrock Rovers.

 

Dundalk can take their break on the back of a convincing win over Peter Hutton’s Derry City, as The Lilywhites rocked four past The Candystripes without response at Oriel Park on Monday night.

 

Along with their excellent league form Kenny’s side have been exemplary on the cup front this season. Not only are The Lilywhites just two games away from an FAI Cup final at The Aviva Stadium, but they can also boast an EA Sports Cup Final against The Hoops later this month and the fact that  they already hold runners up medals from the Setanta Sports Cup which took place earlier on this year.

 

Lilywhites Assistant Manager, Vinny Perth feels that Monday’s win was important, but insists that the squad are happy to be breaking from the league.

 

“It was a good performance from us and to score 5 was pleasing. It was important to the win which we got and it was a good night for us. We can put the league to one side for a bit,” Perth insisted.

 

Despite last week’s defeat to Cork City Perth believes that Shamrock Rovers are on an upward curve. However, the 38 year old insists that The Lilywhites squad are confident and looking forward to Friday’s encounter.

 

“Shamrock Rovers is obviously a big game. They’re a very good side and since Pat Fenlon came in they have improved. We are looking forward to the game though. We have won there already this season twice but that means nothing on Friday. Form tends to go out the window but we’re confident and looking forward to the game.”

 

Winger Daryl Horgan echoes Perth’s ego of confidence. The Galway native believes that Dundalk are more than capable of achieving a result once they perform on Friday night.

 

“It’s a Cup competition and we are going there to win the game though and are confident after winning there earlier in the season and if we can play to our best hopefully we can get the victory,” Horgan told dundalkfc.com.

 

Club captain, Stephen O’Donnell remains out with the knee injury. However, the midfielder is making positive progress towards a return. Defender Simon Kelly is also out with a calf injury.

 

Referee: Padraigh Sutton.

 

 

MATCH STATS

The Lilywhites have already won at Tallaght this season, as a solitary Pat Hoban goal helped Stephen Kenny’s men to a 1-0 win back in July.

 

The Hoops were victorious over the Louth side in both the EA Sports Cup and the Leinster Senior Cup last season. The Tallaght side went on to win both competitions.

 

Rovers have only ever lost one FAI cup tie at Tallaght Stadium. That was the 2-1 defeat to Sporting Fingal in a quarter final back in 2009.

 

 

BETTING

Shamrock Rovers 15/8; Draw 11/5; Dundalk 7/5.

 

PREDICTION

Shamrock Rovers 1-1 Dundalk.


 

Shamrock Rovers

Injured: None.

Doubtful: David O’Connor.

Suspended: Sean O’Connor.

 

Dundalk

Injured: Stephen O’Donnell (Knee), Simon Kelly (Calf).

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.