19.45 7 Oct 2014 - The Brandywell
Referee: Paul McLaughlin
FAI Cup Preview: Derry City -v- Shamrock Rovers
- Macdara Ferris
- Mon, Oct 06 2014
DERRY CITY
The Candystripes were just three minutes away from falling at the semi-final FAI Cup hurdle on Sunday and missing the big day out in the Aviva Stadium in the season’s domestic finale. However Rory Patterson’s late goal against Shamrock Rovers means the clubs get to do it all again in the Brandywell on Tuesday evening (kick off 7.45pm).
Derry probably feel unlucky that they didn’t score in injury time and earn the win in Tallaght. Michael Duffy’s chance was saved by Barry Murphy in the Rovers goal to set up the replay on Derry home turf.
“We could have snatched it right at the death," said City boss Peter Hutton to rte.ie after the game. "The 'keeper pulled off a great save from young Michael Duffy.
“We changed it slightly [after conceding]. We went three at the back and pushed Barry Molloy back into the middle, which freed up Philip Lowry to get more advanced.”
If Hutton’s men can get the win over the Hoops, it will set up another final against St. Patrick’s Athletic. The sides have met twice in the last eight finals with the Candystripes prevailing on both occasions.
SHAMROCK ROVERS
The Hoops’ drive for 25 cups wins will have nearly another 500km on the clock as they make the journey to the Brandywell on Tuesday. If they are to come back with a place in the FAI Cup final, they must overcome a resilent Derry City side on their home patch.
With St. Patrick’s Athletic awaiting the winners in the final, Rovers also know their reward for progressing would be European football for the Hoops in 2015. Substitute Dean Kelly had given Rovers a 78th minute lead in Sunday’s game in Tallaght but they were pegged back by Rory Patterson’s goal three minutes from time.
“We played okay and we just need to build on that level,” said Hoops boss Pat Fenlon ahead of the match. “If we get in front, we need to see out the game. They are at home so we expect them to have a bigger go.
“It is a quick turnaround so we just have to deal with it,” said Fenlon about Tuesday’s game that will go to extra time and penalties if the teams cannot be separated. Rovers have already won in the Brandywell this season with Gary McCabe’s goal earning the Hoops a 1-0 league win in May.
Not that Rovers need any other incentive to win the tie, but they now know a victory will guarantee European football in Tallaght for the first time since 2012. However Fenlon simply has his Hoops team focussed on winning the match. “It doesn’t make a difference to us. We just need to win the game to get to that cup final.”
Luke Byrne is suspended for the game having picked up his fourth yellow card of the season but otherwise Rovers have a full squad available.
Referee: Paul McLaughlin.
MATCH STATS
Shamrock Rovers have yet to beat Derry City in the FAI Cup. The teams have been drawn against each other on five occasions. However, the Hoops have won a cup tie in Brandwell. Rovers won the second leg of the 2012 Setanta Sports Cup semi-final 2-0 but it wasn’t enough to prevent the Candystripes progessing to the final of the all island competition 3-2 on aggregate.
The teams have met five times in the Brandywell in the last three season. Derry have won just once (2-1 in April 2013), there has been one draw and three away wins. Those Rovers wins include that 2012 Setanta Sports Cup match as well as two league wins; a 2-1 win in 2012 and last May’s 1-0 win where Gary McCabe got the winner for the Hoops.
Before Sunday’s game, the last time the teams met was in the 2002 FAI Cup played at Tolka Park. Rovers were using the northside Dublin venue as their home stadium that season but couldn’t make “home” advantage count as Liam Coyle’s goal won the cup for the Candystripes.
BETTING
Derry City 8/5; Draw 11/5; Shamrock Rovers 13/8 (90 mins only).
PREDICTION
2-1 away win after extra time.
Derry City
Injured: Unavailable.
Doubtful: Danny Ventre (knee), Shaun Kelly, Stephen Dooley, Barry Molloy.
Suspended: None.
Shamrock Rovers
Injured: None.
Suspended: Luke Byrne.
About Macdara Ferris
Macdara Ferris is a contributor since 2007 to Hoops Scene (Shamrock Rovers' match day programme) and is the co-author of two books on Shamrock Rovers - 'Tallaght Time: Shamrock Rovers 2009 to 2012' (with Karl …