EA Sports Cup Preview: Crumlin United -v- St. Patrick's Athletic

• Gareth O'Reilly
• Mon, Apr 06 2015




CRUMLIN UNITED

Crumlin United are officially the home team in this tie but they have opted to host the game at the home of their opponents St. Patrick’s Athletic in Richmond Park at 7.45pm on Tuesday evening.

 

United have already beaten League of Ireland opposition this season with a four goals to two victory over Bray Wanderers allowing them to progress to this round. The Leinster Senior League side also managed to progress back in February when they easily thumped Crettyard United 5-0.

 

Crumlin will be buoyed by their recent six goals to nil win over Firhouse Clover in the Intermediate Cup.

 

 

ST. PATRICK’S ATHLETIC

Pat’s head into this game having failed to win in two of their last four fixtures. Realistically though this should be a routine job for the Inchicore men who are strong favourites to emerge victorious on Tuesday night.

 

Brendan Clarke once again misses out due to an ankle injury while Gavin Brennan is set to serve the second game of his additional two game ban.

 

Liam Buckley, speaking ahead of the game to stpatsfc.com, is hoping to be able to keep their recent run of good home form going when they welcome the non-league side to what is officially an away match for the Saints.

 

"We're looking forward to Tuesday's game in Crumlin as we've started the season well in Richmond with three wins in our games there to date against Cabinteely, Bray and Derry so we'll be looking to keep that run going.”

 

Chris Forrester and Conan Byrne managed to rescue a point on Saturday night against an impressive Longford Town side and Buckley was satisfied to get anything out of the game considering the Saints horrendous start.

 

"Saturday was a tough game against Longford so we'll assess the squad again before kick-off when we're selecting our team. Crumlin had a fantastic win on Friday night against Firhouse, and were impressive against Bray in the last round so we know they will give us a stern test."

 

Referee: Robert Rogers

 

 

MATCH FACTS

Pat’s have won the EA Sports Cup twice and will be hoping to end a 12 year wait in 2015 since their last successful League Cup campaign occurred.

 

Crumlin were last year dumped out in the First Round of the Cup thanks to a three one defeat to Drogheda United, although that game was played in Pearse Park with Crumlin keeping home advantage on that occasion.

 

 

BETTING

Crumlin United 15/2; Draw 9/2; St Patrick’s Athletic 1/4.

 

PREDICTION

Crumlin United 1-4 St Patrick’s Athletic.

 

 

Crumlin United

Injured: Unknown.

Doubtful: Unknown.

Suspended: Unknown.

 

St Patrick’s Athletic

Injured: Brendan Clarke (ankle).

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Gavin Brennan.