EA Sports Cup Preview: UCD -v- Cabinteely FC
- Dave Donnelly
- Mon, Mar 09 2015
UCD AFC
UCD adapted to life in the second tier with apparent ease on Saturday night, coasting to a 3-0 victory away at Cobh Ramblers. Debutants Gary O'Neill, Ryan Swan and Jamie Doyle got the goals, and could have won more handsomely had Conor Cannon not seen his first half penalty saved by David Browne.
The Students will expect to be serious challengers for automatic promotion, but an expected win at home to new entrants Cabinteely offers an early opportunity to begin a morale-boosting cup run.
CABINTEELY FC
Cabinteely similarly adapted to life in league football with unusual aplomb, seeing off the challenge of Wexford Youths at Blackrock College RFC's grounds in Stradbrook Park. Midfielder John McKeown guaranteed his place in pub trivia folklore as he became Cabinteely's first goalscorer in Airtricity League football, and his late first half strike was the difference between the two sides, a result that saw Cabo top the First Division.
A victory over UCD would be a tall order, though with an extra day's preparation manager Eddie Gormley will be hopeful his young side can upset the odds in Belfield.
Referee: Ben Connolly
MATCH STATS
UCD and Cabinteely have never met before.
UCD were knocked out in the First Round of the EA Sports Cup last year as they lost 3-0 to Bohemians in Belfield, having been beaten by the same opposition and by the same scoreline three days earlier in their opening Premier Division encounter.
Cabinteely have never competed in the EA Sports Cup before but, coincidentally, were also beaten 3-0 by Bohemians in their final pre-season friendly.
BETTING
UCD 4/11; Cabinteely 6/11; Draw 10/3
PREDICTION
UCD 3-0 Cabinteely
UCD
Injured: Unknown
Doubtful: Unknown
Suspended: None
Cabinteely
Injured: Unknown
Doubtful: Unknown
Suspended: None