Dundalk -v- Bohemians

• Raymond Denning
• Fri, Sep 16 2011


A place in the last four of the Ford FAI Cup is up for grabs when old foes Dundalk and Bohemians square up at Oriel Park on Friday evening (Kick-off, 7.45pm).

The pair are regular opponents in the cup, with this match being the 14th tie between Dundalk and Bohs in the history of the competition. (The Gypsies have won on nine occasions with Dundalk winning five times). Their last FAI Cup meeting in August 2009 saw Bohemians progress thanks to a 4-2 win on penalties following two scoreless draws.

Dundalk have been in poor form of late, with the 2-1 victory over neighbours Drogheda United in the last round of the FAI Cup being their only win in the last nine outings.

The Louth side also have to cope with something of an injury crisis for the match. Eoghan Osborne (fractured tibia), Stephen McDonnell (knee), Stephen Maher (fractured metatarsal) and Chris Kerr (torn hamstring) are all ruled out, while Colin Hawkins (knee) and Ross Gaynor (ankle) are doubtful. Keith Ward is available following suspension, however.

Manager Ian Foster was anticipating a good cup tie: “Tonight is a huge event and we are all really looking forward to it,” he said. Foster also highlighted the good cup form his side has shown this season: “We have been blessed this season with the run that we enjoyed in the Setanta Sports Cup (they were defeated finalists), and hopefully we can continue that in this competition. We know that it’s not going to be easy. But we’ll give it everything we’ve got and see if we can progress to the last four. My players will be desperate to do so,” he said.

The Gypsies are travelling to Dundalk “full of confidence”, according to Bohs centre half Liam Burns. They come into the match on the back of a five match unbeaten run, with this cup meeting coming just four days after they secured a 3-1 win over the Lilywhites in the league at Dalymount Park.

Meanwhile, Ollie Cahill is the only injury doubt for Pat Fenlon’s men.

Dundalk
Injured: Eoghan Osborne (fractured tibia), Stephen McDonnell (knee), Stephen Maher (fractured metatarsal) Chris Kerr (torn hamstring).
Doubtful: Colin Hawkins (knee) Ross Gaynor (ankle).
Suspended: None.

Bohemians
Injured: None.
Doubtful: Ollie Cahill.
Suspended: None.

Referee: Anthony Buttimer.
Paddy Power Odds: Dundalk 9/5; Draw 11/5; Bohemians 7/5.
Extratime prediction: Dundalk 1-2 Bohemians.