FAI Cup Preview: Shamrock Rovers -v- Midleton

SHAMROCK ROVERS

The Hoops come into this fixture off the back of a 2-0 defeat to Wexford Youths in Ferrycarrig Park and will be eager to get back on track with tonight’s FAI Cup game. Pat Fenlon won’t be taking any chances with the MSL side Midleton and he will be fielding his strongest side available.

Fenlon was speaking to shamrockrovers.ie about Midleton, with the manager admitting to having done his homework on their opponents. “Myself and Hendo [Dave Henderson] went to watch Midleton on Sunday afternoon and they are a very good side, very good experience in there and they are flying in their own league.”

The Rovers manager knows how much the FAI Cup means to the fans and after a disappointing start to the league he will be hoping he can bring glory. Although holding the record for most FAI Cup wins, The Hoops haven't won it since 1987.

Fenlon reiterated about the importance of the tie by finishing off with “tomorrow is about going out and respecting them and being in the next round of the cup”.

Also a special mention for Hoops man, Mikey Drennan who announced on Thursday he will be taking some time out of football to focus on personal matters. We wish him all the best and hope to see him back on the pitch soon.

MIDLETON

Midleton play in the Munster Senior League and currently sit 2nd in their division. The will be hoping to they can pull off something of a giant killing, as Shamrock Rovers have only been beaten once in the FAI Cup by non-league opposition and it was almost 70 years ago.

The Cork side, although being amateur, do boast some players with League of Ireland experience and none other than Dan Murray. The ex-hoops man captained them to back to back league wins in 2010 and 2011.

Murray only retired from Cork City at the end of last season and Roves manager Fenlon spoke about him to shamrockrovers.ie “Dan [Murray] played last week and he’s a very good player. He has valuable experience, he’s been through it all with Cork City and he’ll bring experience to his side.” 

Referee: Derek Tomney

MATCH STATS

Shamrock Rovers boast the record having won the FAI Cup times the most, a total of twenty-four times.

Shamrock Rovers have an impressive record against non-league teams, only losing once from 38 games.

Midelton are only one of three non-league clubs to knock out the current holders when they beat Bray Wanderers in 1991.

Midelton player Dan Murray was part of the last Shamrock Rovers team to reach the final in 2010, although he missed out through injury and the Hoops lost on penalties.

BETTING

Shamrock Rovers 1/66; Draw 12/1; Midleton 50/1.

PREDICTION

Shamrock Rovers 5-0 Midleton

Shamrock Rovers

Injured: Luke Byrne, David Webster, Gavin Brennan, Gareth McCaffery.

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None

Midleton

Injured: None

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None