EA Sports Cup Preview: Galway United -v- Cockhill Celtic

• Gareth O'Reilly
• Mon, Apr 06 2015




GALWAY UNITED

Galway United are set to take on Cockhill Celtic in the Second Round of the EA Sports Cup this afternoon in a game that carries a 5PM start time.

 

Tommy Dunne’s men have struggled to adapt to life in the Premier Division with the Tribesmen only victory to date coming at home to Drogheda United. The Western based side travelled to Dublin on Friday night and were thoroughly outplayed by a Rovers team, as the hosts dispatched of their visitors by three goals to nil.

 

Speaking ahead of the game Tommy Dunne admits that he has had his work cut out in getting some information on Cockhill Celtic.

 

“I’ve been speaking to a few people about Cockhill Celtic. We’re trying to gather as much information about them as possible.

 

“Make no mistake about it, this is a very important fixture for us. We want to progress into the next round of the cup.

 

“The whole club knows how difficult a game this will be, we don’t want a repeat of what happened last time out. From the off, we need to be after the game and dictating things.”

 

In injury news, Galway will be without Jason Molloy who broke his toe against Shamrock Rovers on Friday night. David O’Leary, Killian Cantewell (knee), Aaron McDonagh are also ruled out of this one with the three all suffering from knee injuries.

 

“We’ve got to win the game, do we rotate the squad? You have to be careful. Right now, we’ve got a lengthy injury and suspension list so that may not even be an option,” commented the former Cork boss.

“We are down a few players with David O’Leary having a knee problem along with Jay Molloy, who is now ruled out for 4 weeks with a broken toe.”

 

 

COCKHILL CELTIC

Cockhill made it into the Second Round without having to play a game as they received a bye in the first stage of the competition. Celtic fell down 3-2 to Finn Harps at this same stage last time round and so will be hoping to fashion a massive upset when they take to the field in Eamonn Deacy Park.

 

Cockhill also took on Drogheda United last season, in the FAI Cup. A 4-2 defeat was the final result on that occasion although Galway should take note heading into this afternoon’s fixture that Celtic managed to notch four goals against League of Ireland opposition in 2014.

 

In fact the Ulster Senior League side managed to secure a 2-1 victory in January 2014 when they beat Finn Harps in one of the First Division’s side pre-season friendlies.

 

Referee: Robert Hennessy

 

 

MATCH FACTS

United have yet to score away from home but at Deacy Park they have managed to find the net on three occasion, although four goals have also found their way beyond their back line.

 

A less than idle pre-season schedule for Dunne’s men saw the Tribesmen play just two friendlies after their third scheduled game with UCD was called off. On the bright side Galway went unbeaten in both of those friendlies.

 

The last time these two side’s men met Celtic actually ended up winning 3-1, against what was a Galway team in turmoil back in 2011.

 

 

BETTING

Galway United 1/4; Draw 9/2; Cockhill Celtic 15/2.

 

PREDICTION

Galway United 3-1 Cockhill Celtic.

 

 

Galway United

Injured: Jason Molloy (toe), David O’Leary (knee), Killian Cantewell (knee), Aaron McDonagh (knee).

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Sam Oji.

 

Cockhill Celtic

Injured: Unknown.

Doubtful: Unknown.

Suspended: None.