Leinster Senior Cup Final Preview: Dundalk - v - Shamrock Rovers

• Tom O'Connor
• Sun, Oct 25 2015




DUNDALK 

Less than three weeks after their fraught encounter in Tallaght, Dundalk FC and Shamrock Rovers lock horns once more; this time it is in the final of the Leinster Senior Cup which takes place in Oriel Park on Bank Holiday Monday with a 5pm kick-off (with extratime and penalties if required).

 

However, unlike last time out in the league draw in Tallaght which provided the champions with the title clinching point, the teams selected by the respective managers are probably going to be similar to those fielded throughout this competition - a blend of youth and experience with an emphasis on playing those who haven't played regularly in the league.

 

For Stephen Kenny's men, Friday night saw a difficult away trip to Cork City safely negotiated without injury, suspensions or a defeat and it is likely that the team selected will be similar to that which last played in the league at Oriel Park.

 

In that draw with Galway United, it was Gabriel Sava's second clean sheet at Oriel against the Tribesmen in two league starts this season and the ex Monaghan Utd stopper is likely start on Monday.

 

His defence may see the likes of Paul Finnegan added to the squad with fellow under 19 player Georgie Poynton, barring injury, keeping his place in the match day squad.

 

Kurtis Byrne and Sean Maguire will also be pushing hard for a start. There are no suspension or injury worries for the Louth men although Ciaran Kilduff is cup tied having lined out for St. Pat's earlier in the competition, scoring twice in a 7-0 win for the Saints over Tolka Rovers.

 

SHAMROCK ROVERS

Pat Fenlon's men saw off Bohemians in the semi-finals with Damien Duff and Stephen Mc Phail starting in the side. However, following his excellent goal and 90 minute appearance against Limerick on Friday, it's unlikely McPhail will take part in this fixture.

 

Similar to Dundalk, Craig Hyland, the current back up goalkeeper, will be in pole position to start in goal. While outfield, young stars Dylan and Cian Kavanagh and Gareth Mc Caffrey should be named in the squad alongside the likes of Kieran Marty Waters, Sean O Connor and Ryan Brennan. 

 

Danny North is unlikely to play with those Rovers players not involved in the game training on Monday morning.

 

Maxime Blanchard missed the win over Limerick, due to a broken nose, and played in the LSC semi-final so may still line out in this one.

 

Shamrock Rovers' under 19s played on Saturday evening, defeating Bohemians 3-1 while Dundalk FC under 19s do not play until Wednesday night so this may alter the opinions of the respective managers with regards to their squads.

 

Speaking to extratime.ie following their win over Limerick, Fenlon conceded that the younger squad members would be in his thoughts, though he wasn't especially positive regarding the aforementioned underage fixtures.

 

"It is difficult for us now. We have to be careful with the young players and giving them two games in 48 hours is not ideal but that is for others to look at. We will give plenty of players a game on Monday. It is the last thing that Stephen (Kenny) also needs ahead of the FAI Cup final to be worrying about the Leinster Senior Cup but the young boys have done well in the competition and we will give them another go."

 

While the Leinster Senior Cup may not be seen as one of the premier competitions for LOI teams, this will not dilute the atmosphere in Oriel Park on Monday night. Shamrock Rovers will be keen to put one over on the home team following Dundalk FC clinching the league on Rovers' own patch.

 

Similarly, the Carrick Road fringe players are running out of matches to impress boss Stephen Kenny enough to be included in the squad for the FAI Cup final on November 8th. Expect fireworks and vocal celebrations from the winners.

 

For more from Pat Fenlon, see article here.

 

Referee: To be confirmed

 

MATCH FACTS 

Dundalk have won the Leinster Senior Cup six times, most recently in 1977/78 , while Shamrock Rovers have lifted the trophy 18 times with their most recent success occurring in 2012/13.

 

Stephen Kenny has won this trophy with Shamrock Rovers in 2012, while his counterpart Pat Fenlon has triumphed on two occasions as a player with both Bohemians in 1993 and Shamrock Rovers in 1997.

 

The two sides have met in the final three times previously with Rovers having the upper hand with two victories (1928/9 and 1981/2) compared to Dundalk's single success (1970/1).

 

PATHS TO THE FINAL

Athlone Town 1 Shamrock Rovers 3 (North, Hanney 2)
Dundalk 2 (Mc Millan, Finn) UCD 1

Longford Town 0 Shamrock Rovers 1 (Mc Caffrey)
Wexford Youths 0 Dundalk 3 (O Connor, Grimes 2)

St Patrick's Athletic 0 Dundalk 1 (O' Donnell)
Bohemians 0 Shamrock Rovers 0 (Rovers won on penalties AET)

 

PREDICTION
Dundalk 3 Shamrock Rovers 2

 

Dundalk FC

Injuries: None
Doubtful: None
Suspensions: None
Cup Tied: Ciaran Kilduff

Shamrock Rovers

Injuries: None
Doubtful: None
Suspensions: None