2014 FAI CUP Semi Finals
13.45 5 Oct 2014 - Richmond Park
Referee: Derek Tomney
13.45 5 Oct 2014 - Richmond Park
Referee: Derek Tomney
League Preview: St. Patrick's Athletic -v- Finn Harps
- Josh Dolan
- Sun, Oct 05 2014
ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC
St Pat’s host Finn Harps in the first of this season’s FAI Ford Cup semi-finals at Richmond Park, on Sunday afternoon.
The game kicks off at 1:45 PM and the winner of the tie will meet the winners of the other semi-final between Shamrock Rovers and Derry City.
The game provides the Saints with a great opportunity to qualify for their fourth FAI Cup final in the last seven years, however Saints Boss, Liam Buckley knows from experience that Finn Harps shouldn’t be taken lightly just because of their first division status.
“We know that we’re favourites for this game, but we’re taking nothing for granted. I was manager of Sporting Fingal when we won the cup, and as a First Division team, no one expected us to go all the way so we know very well not to underestimate Harps,” Buckley told stpatsfc.com.
FAI Cup semi-finals are always massive occasions and Buckley insists that Sunday's will be no different, as The Saints continue their pursuit of their first FAI Cup since 1961.
“It’s a big occasion for both teams and sets of supporters so the lads are really looking forward to it and raring to go.”
Saints midfielder Keith Fahey is hopeful that despite there being a poor crowd at The Saints’ win over Bohemians last week that The Pat’s faithful will come out in their numbers and cheer the team on as they aim to qualify for their second FAI Ford Cup final at the Aviva Stadium.
“Hopefully the crowd get behind us on Sunday. There wasn’t many at our game the other night, but Sunday is a good time to go and watch a game for people and for families as well so here’s hoping it’s a great occasion,” Fahey told stpatsfc.com.
The Saints have no injury concerns ahead of Sunday’s clash, however Greg Bolger will miss out through suspension, while Aaron Greene is cup-tied having already played in this year’s competition with Sligo Rovers.
FINN HARPS
The Donegal outfit will be looking to reach their first FAI Cup final since 1974 when they travel to the capital on Sunday afternoon.
Harps last competed in an FAI Cup final when they beat Sunday’s opponents by 3-1 at Dalymount Park.
While Harps Boss, Ollie Horgan admits that there is a real buzz around the club at the moment, he insists that his team are fully aware of the size of the challenge that his side will face when they walk out at Richmond Park on Sunday afternoon.
“Obviously there is a good atmosphere around the club but I think everybody is realistic about what we are going into in Inchicore,” Horgan explained.
Horgan admits that reaching the semi-finals of this season’s FAI Ford Cup is huge for the club and is just reward for The Harps board, who according to Horgan have worked exceptionally hard this term.
“It's good for the club in general to be involved at this stage especially the Board who have worked their socks off trying to put buses on the road and feed the lads up and down the country all year.”
The Harps Manager, who’s serving his first season at The Harps helm admits that he’s an admirer of the superior quality that St Patrick’s Athletic Manager Liam Buckley has at his disposal.
“They are a top class side with top quality from Brendan Clarke up to Chris Forrester and more to add in reserve. There is a huge gulf in ability between us and Pats.”
The 44 year old manager is aware that neutrals expect his side to be comfortably beaten by Premier Division Champions , however he admits that he’s seen stranger things in football.
“I don't think anyone involved in the league will expect much from us, and our indifferent league form sitting middle of the First Division would point to that as well.
“But stranger things have happened and in a two-horse race you just don’t know what could happen,” the Harps Boss admitted.
Brian McGrory and Gareth Harkin are Horgan’s only worries heading into Sunday’s semi-final and both will be assessed closer to the game
Referee: Derek Tomney.
MATCH STATS
Finn Harps have lost just once in five games in Dublin this season.
The sides last met at Richmond Park back in 2008, when St Pat’s thrashed Finn Harps 5-1.
The Donegalmen haven’t been victorious at the home of The Saints since 2001, when Harps beat won 4-1.
BETTING
St Patrick’s Athletic 1/9; Draw 7/1; Finn Harps 16/1
PREDICTION
St Patrick’s Athletic 2-0 Finn Harps
ST PATRICK’S ATHlETIC
Injured: None.
Suspended: Greg Bolger.
Unavailable: Aaron Greene (Cup-tied).
FINN HARPS
Injured: None.
Doubtful: Brian McGrory, Gareth Harkin.
Suspended: None.
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 …