FAI Cup Semi-Final Preview: Bray Wanderers -v- Cork City

Bray Wanderers will welcome Cork City to the Carlisle Grounds on Sunday afternoon as the two sides meet in the semi-final of the Irish Daily Mail FAI Cup, as they hope to confirm a place in November’s final against Dundalk at the Aviva Stadium.

Bray Wanderers

The Seagulls have performed above all expectations so far, and their results of late would suggest they have already began prioritizing the cup, as they fell to a surprise defeat away to Sligo Rovers in their last outing in the SSE Airtricity League.

Mick Cooke’s side had only conceded three times in thirteen games before Limerick visited the seaside town, but have shipped five goals in their two matches since drawing 2-2 against the Blues before the aforementioned 3-2 defeat in The Showgrounds. 

Despite their rather unorthodox league standing of sixth place, it has not all been smooth sailing for the Wanderers in 2015, as alleged off-field issues have had the club in the headlines for unwelcomed reasons.

The Wicklow club have not got their hands on silverware since winning the First Division in the 1999/2000 season, though their finest hour in existence has come in this very competition as they were crowned FAI Cup winners on two occasions: in 1990 and 1999.

Speaking in the week leading up to the fixture, Bray boss Cooke talked up the occasion, but hopes to use his experience of appearing in the latter stages of the tournament in his side’s favour.

“We're 90 minutes away from the Aviva and no one knows what can happen in a semi final as I know from my last one,” he said, in reference to his defeat against Dundalk at this stage in 2013.

“Players can get sent off, there can be penalties, the best of players can freeze, unknown men can become heroes.

“This game is the perfect time for the people of Bray and surrounding areas to come out and support the club. We can show them what way we're heading and what we're trying to do".

Cork City

With the Premier Division title looking all but confirmed as Dundalk’s again this season, Cork will be eager to get their name on the cup to give them something to celebrate come the season’s end. City will have been hoping to battle Dundalk right until the very end in the league, as they did last season, but currently find themselves 13 point the defending champions.

The Rebel Army will be looking forward to playing someone other than Derry City this week, as they are coming off the back of facing the Candystripes in three successive matches, with the league fixture and initial cup quarter final finishing all square, before Cork went on to win the cup replay.

Speaking to Corkcityfc.ie in the build-up to the game, City boss John Caulfield was aware of the threat Sunday’s hosts will pose.

“We have a massive challenge ahead of us on Sunday, but we have an opportunity to get to a cup final, where we have not been for eight years. We are looking forward to Sunday, we know how difficult it will be, but it is ninety minutes between us and them, and there’s the opportunity to get to a cup final.”

“Bray have been underestimated, a bit like we were last season, and people probably haven’t given them the respect they deserve. They had a slow start to the league season and there has been a lot of chopping and changing, but they have done phenomenally well.”

“They have a lot of guys who have been around the block and they are at a good age. They are a very solid, well-organised side; they defend deep and break quickly and that is why they don’t give away many goals. You would imagine it will be a really tight game and that one goal will decide it.” “

“We have four or five lads who haven’t trained this week due to illness or injury which is not ideal, but it is a cup semi final and I am sure everyone is going to be bursting to be on the starting team on Sunday.”

Referee: Neil Doyle.

MATCH STATS

City’s last defeat in an FAI Cup semi-final was coincidentally also on October 4, when they lost 1-0 to Derry City at Turner’s Cross in 2002.

In their three meetings this season, Cork have slightly edged affairs, with City claiming two 1-0 victories, while the most recent meeting at the Carlisle on September 5 saw the teams play out a scoreless draw.

Bray have kept five clean sheets in their last eight home matches in all competitions, including the aforementioned draw with Sunday’s visitors to the Carlisle.

BETTING

Bray Wanderers 10/3; Draw 12/5; Cork City 17/20.

PREDICTION

Expect Cork to set up a thrilling final at the Aviva with Dundalk. 1-2.

Bray Wanderers

Injured: Stephen McGuiness.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: David Cassidy.

Cup-tied: John Sullivan.

Cork City

Injured: John Kavanagh, Colin Healy.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended:

Cup-tied: Steven Beattie, Stephen Folan.