EA Sports Cup Preview

NOW the curtain has been raised on the 2014 season and the rust has been worn off after the first round of league fixtures, the EA Sports Cup takes its bow with seven games scheduled for Monday night.

The standout tie comes from Pool 1 where Cork City, following a 1-1 draw with St Patrick’s Athletic in front of over 5,000 fans, entertain Limerick at Turner’s Cross. Stuart Taylor, the Shannonsiders’ manager, missed out on their scoreless league opener against Bray due to an outstanding suspension but he can see no better game to return to the touchline.

Limerick won seven of the nine league points contested between the sides last season and the game is likely to have some added spice considering a couple of players swapped clubs in the off-season.

“Forgetting about the Cup itself, the most important thing is that it’s a derby game. There’s nothing better, as we know from last year, than winning derby games,” Taylor says of the trip south. “We want to come out on top again this year.”

The Limerick captain, Shane Duggan, who left Cork in the winter to join his hometown team was sent off against Bray but that suspension will not kick in until after his Leeside return. New goalkeeper Ali Abass and midfielder Prince Agyemang are available for selection.

Cork, meanwhile, will have taken plenty of positives from their draw with St Pat’s - despite leading, they played much of the second half with ten men after the dismissal of their captain, John Dunleavy - even if new manager John Caulfield will likely give some fringe players a run-out.

“We’ll be going with a strong team, although there will be a couple of changes,” he said. “There are a couple of guys that need games, but we still have to be strong. Limerick have made some great signings and we are expecting a tough game.”

Ian Turner returns from suspension for the home team but Danny Morrissey and new addition Michael Rafter a unavailable due to ankle injuries.

The other game in Pool 1 sees Waterford United welcome Caulfield’s former club, Avondale United to the RSC.

The Blues made the long trip to Ballybofey on Friday and came away with a respectable point against Finn Harps, who face Cockhill Celtic in Pool 2, but manager Tommy Griffin has promised to make several changes. Shane Murray, Vinny Sullivan, Philip Drohan are all doubts.

“We’ll certainly be looking to win this game but we won’t underestimate Avondale. We know they are a very, very good Munster Senior League team with some experienced players so they’ll be well up for it as well.”

In Pool 3, Shelbourne welcome Bray Wanderers and former manager Alan Mathews in what could be a fascinating encounter. Shels started life back in the first division with a 2-0 win at home to Wexford Youths, while Bray had that draw at Limerick.

Keith Quinn returns for the Reds having served a suspension which carried over from last season on Friday, while Robbie Gaul could make a comeback following a shoulder injury. A thigh strain rules John Sullivan out.

Drogheda United make the short trip to Crumlin United with manager Robbie Horgan admitting to going into the tie blind.

“Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to go out and scout Crumlin but I am aware that they are a good footballing side,” he said.

“They are not exactly a physical team but they will be dangerous from set-pieces. Crumlin have a couple of ex-League of Ireland players so we can’t afford to underestimate them.”

Bohemians make the trip to Belfield for the second time in 72 hours and will be hoping for a similar outcome to Friday’s league game, which they won 3-0. Robbie Creevy is sidelined for the hosts and manager Aaron Callaghan will give playing time to some fringe players. 

"I will be looking to give game time to players who didn't feature on Friday and I expect to see these players make the most of this opportunity and advance to the next round."

The final game sees Athlone welcome Longford in a midlands derby. Mick Cooke's team have a clean bill of health.

EA SPORTS Cup First Round

Pool 1

Cork City v Limerick, Turner’s Cross, 19.45.

Waterford United v Avondale United, RSC, 19.45.

Pool 2

Finn Harps v Cockhill Celtic, Finn Park, 19.45.

Pool 3

Crumlin United v Drogheda United, John Hyland Park, 19:45.

Shelbourne v Bray Wanderers, Tolka Park, 20:00.

Pool 4

Athlone Town v Longford Town, Athlone Town Stadium, 19:45.

UCD v Bohemians, The UCD Bowl, 19:45.