FAI Cup games

[ArFella]

Right anyway, Dundalk drawn away in the cup again which, barring a reply, means we'll have played every round away from home this season, despite the obvious conspiracy against us (blurry video stills to be released later this week), I would be confident in making the final but it will be a massive game for Sligo and a real shot at silverware in what has been a few tough years since the successes of 2013.

The Dublin derby cup-final semi-final extravaganza will obviously be the tie of the round (unless Crumlin emerge as THE BIG CLUB(TM) in the last QF game), would be a fantastic game for the New Dalymount but alas it has come too soon. Could go either way really but you can almost guarantee a red card (which will be forensically examined by our resident foot.ie detectives for evidence of skullduggery).

Anyone know if RTÉ will be showing both/either semi finals or will it be wall to wall rugby coverage?

[sbgawa]

Youd have to think RTE will cover it....
Sligo away based on the last league match you played up there should be easy enough but the cup dynamic might change things....first goal vital.

[ArFella]

Youd have to think RTE will cover it....

"B...b...but the rugby" exclaims Hugo from D4

Thankfully the WC is in Japan so kickoff times will be in the early morning, a-la 2002, so yeah shouldn't be an issue for RTÉ to show them.

[EatYerGreens]

Both away though, Toughest draw Dundalk could have got. Another all Rovers final on the cards.FAI wouldn't be too upset by that.

Given the mountain of evidence of their at best indifference, and at worst disdain, it is laughable to think the FAI are really that bothered or interested in who reaches the final of the cup. They've important international friendlies to worry about, you know.

[dundalkfc10]

Would not be too sure RTE will cover both games.

They are starting to show GAA Club Championship games either this weekend or next

[Ezeikial]

Youd have to think RTE will cover it....
Sligo away based on the last league match you played up there should be easy enough but the cup dynamic might change things....first goal vital.

Sligo are the only league team in the semi draw to have beaten Dundalk this season - apart from the 2-1 win in the Showgrounds last April, they are also one of only two teams to take a point away from Oriel Park.

Dundalk are likely to be favourities, but certainly not a foregone conclusion.

[WeAreRovers]

Both games live on RTÉ2. Details soon.

[redobit]

Given the mountain of evidence of their at best indifference, and at worst disdain, it is laughable to think the FAI are really that bothered or interested in who reaches the final of the cup. They've important international friendlies to worry about, you know.

Given the FAI get a % from all FAI games it wouldnt surprise. Given all the crap that has and is still coming out about this shower it would be naive to presume anything.

[White Horse]

Sligo v Dundalk on a Sunday at 5pm. Not the best time for a game to be honest, but RTE are calling the shots.

[Nesta99]

Awkward game away, unusual time, league form goes out the window at this stage of the cup so nothing to be taken for granted from a Dundalk perspective. Win the LC Saturday and I actually think the bit will really be between the teeth with the possibility of that rarest of dometic treble in modern times. Still think Bohs are annointed FAI Cup wunners!

[placid casual]

Jesus wept, I was takin the pi$$.... 🙃🙃.
Does no-one have a sense of humour anymore..🤪

[Nesta99]

Post seems a bit random PC even for you!

[placid casual]

Sorry, yeah I was referring to the bohs semi final/ final thingy a couple of pages ago..😀

[marinobohs]

Sorry, yeah I was referring to the bohs semi final/ final thingy a couple of pages ago..😀
The drugs DO work 😁

[hoopy]

After watching Dundalk players fall to the ground unchallenged again last night it's hard to believe there's not one referee in the league who hasn't been conned by them over the last few seasons. Even pundits who normally wouldn't mention it are starting to comment on the 'soft' free kicks they win. Been happening since Kenny took over and has got progressively worse, but still refs don't have the balls to stop it. While Sligo won't cause them any problems in the semi, I hope Rovers or Bohs can put it up to them in the final.

[Dalymountrower]

Agreed Hurling themselves to the ground with an exagerated cryof pain mustbe part of their training routine.Noticed that the refs didn't buy it in their Euro games, works for them in this league though.

[Nah Nah Nah Nah]

After watching Dundalk players fall to the ground unchallenged again last night it's hard to believe there's not one referee in the league who hasn't been conned by them over the last few seasons. Even pundits who normally wouldn't mention it are starting to comment on the 'soft' free kicks they win. Been happening since Kenny took over and has got progressively worse, but still refs don't have the balls to stop it. While Sligo won't cause them any problems in the semi, I hope Rovers or Bohs can put it up to them in the final.

I think we're in a much better run of form then Bohs at the moment but would be short odds on a Dundalk Shams final

[hoopy]

I think we're in a much better run of form then Bohs at the moment but would be short odds on a Dundalk Shams final

Cup football and all that of course, it would still be a shock though.

[marinobohs]

I think we're in a much better run of form then Bohs at the moment but would be short odds on a Dundalk Shams final
Both Dundalk and shams away in semis. Two full houses guaranteed and hopping atmosphere. Wouldn’t be too sure on either result, should be two (or more) cracking games.

[mcgonigle]

After watching Dundalk players fall to the ground unchallenged again last night it's hard to believe there's not one referee in the league who hasn't been conned by them over the last few seasons. Even pundits who normally wouldn't mention it are starting to comment on the 'soft' free kicks they win. Been happening since Kenny took over and has got progressively worse, but still refs don't have the balls to stop it. While Sligo won't cause them any problems in the semi, I hope Rovers or Bohs can put it up to them in the final.

Dry your eyes Stephen. We don't win trophies because we are the best at play acting we win because we're the best at everything

[hoopy]

Dry your eyes Stephen. We don't win trophies because we are the best at play acting we win because we're the best at everything

No argument about the players' ability. But there's no point denying the fact that your players are encouraged to dive/fall to the ground and have been since Kenny took over.

[mcgonigle]

No argument about the players' ability. But there's no point denying the fact that your players are encouraged to dive/fall to the ground and have been since Kenny took over.

Plenty of point. Show me the proof and then prove that other teams don't do it. I'll wait....

[marinobohs]

Plenty of point. Show me the proof and then prove that other teams don't do it. I'll wait....
I think Dundalk are far better at the "dark arts" than other LOI teams. Whether that is the experience acquired from serial winning or something they are "coached in" I'm less sure. In a game often decided by small margins Dundalk do eek out every drop of advantage, most successful teams do.

[Nesta99]

You'd swear that the 'dark arts' are new to the league. There was significant debate on how Seanie Maguire used to creatively 'win' penalties, not by diving but catching a trailing foot or checking a run so a chasing defender would barge in to the back. Rafa Cretaro was one of the cutest hoors for winning frees from nothing. It's grown it to the game to a greater extent all over the world. With exposure to playing in Europe it hardly surprising that players pick up such game management techniques. It may be a scourge on the spectacle of a game if its spoiling but nothing is stopping other clubs from adding it to the array of tactics.

[sbgawa]

Wouldn't help our league but the var in the UK are missing a huge PR opportunity considering the negative stuff about VAR , dive = automatic 2 game ban, problem solved overnight.
All the technology is being applied to correct bad mistakes by ref but missing an opportunity to do something positive for the game

[hoopy]

Plenty of point. Show me the proof and then prove that other teams don't do it. I'll wait....

I can only go by what I see, can't we all? If by proof you mean yellow cards then I can't, which is my point, that refs let them away with it. Of course there are times when a player from other clubs do it. But with Dundalk it seems that every player will try it. Not just now but serial divers like O'Donnell and Meenan to name but two from the past. Nobody is saying Dundalk aren't good footballers, they obviously are. But it's silly to say they don't dive a lot when everyone can see they do.

[marinobohs]

You'd swear that the 'dark arts' are new to the league. There was significant debate on how Seanie Maguire used to creatively 'win' penalties, not by diving but catching a trailing foot or checking a run so a chasing defender would barge in to the back. Rafa Cretaro was one of the cutest hoors for winning frees from nothing. It's grown it to the game to a greater extent all over the world. With exposure to playing in Europe it hardly surprising that players pick up such game management techniques. It may be a scourge on the spectacle of a game if its spoiling but nothing is stopping other clubs from adding it to the array of tactics.
Nobody said it was "new" or unique to Dundalk, simply that they seem more adept at it than any other LOI team - which is clearly fair comment.
BTW calling it "game management" doesn't make it any less cheating 😁

[sbgawa]

So Crumlin v Bohs tonight, assuming Bohs beat Crumlin and we are due to play them on Friday the 27th do we put a full strength team out on Monday in Dundalk, risking tiredness injuries and suspensions and then play Bohs on Friday minus a couple or go with a second string?
Even if we went up to Dundalk and won (assuming we both win this Friday) DFC would be 7 points clear with 4 games remaining and with the run they are on that is game over.
I suspect they will go with a strong team which is daft in my opinion and will look even dafter if we pick up injuries etc.
Maybe Pats will do us a favour and win Friday to make it academic.
If by any miricle Crumlin beat bohs my opinion wouldn't change re playing a strong team on Monday, a cup semi final is a cup semi final and the league is done and dusted...
What do other Rovers supporters think?

[dundalkfc10]

I can only go by what I see, can't we all? If by proof you mean yellow cards then I can't, which is my point, that refs let them away with it. Of course there are times when a player from other clubs do it. But with Dundalk it seems that every player will try it. Not just now but serial divers like O'Donnell and Meenan to name but two from the past. Nobody is saying Dundalk aren't good footballers, they obviously are. But it's silly to say they don't dive a lot when everyone can see they do.

O Donnell learned all the diving at Rovers, sure he has all Pats players in the pool once a week practising their dives.

[mcgonigle]

I can only go by what I see, can't we all? If by proof you mean yellow cards then I can't, which is my point, that refs let them away with it. Of course there are times when a player from other clubs do it. But with Dundalk it seems that every player will try it. Not just now but serial divers like O'Donnell and Meenan to name but two from the past. Nobody is saying Dundalk aren't good footballers, they obviously are. But it's silly to say they don't dive a lot when everyone can see they do.

So just your biased opinion then. We'll leave it at that

[Nesta99]

Nobody said it was "new" or unique to Dundalk, simply that they seem more adept at it than any other LOI team - which is clearly fair comment.
BTW calling it "game management" doesn't make it any less cheating 

I'm just using the current term that's used, but that changes depending on who is playing of course :p . Watching the way BATE and Legia used this as part of their strategy was very frustrating to watch when we were trying to chase the game and it was very effective. In recent times we have had comment on Dundalk players surrounding the ref yet all players do it, O'Donnell was singled out as reffing games but again most captains are in the refs ear and if they are not trying to gain an edge then thay arent doing their job. It was also pointed out that Perth was always at the 4th official but Caulfield, Fenlon, even Long et al have been seen charging at the 4th official or screaming murder on the sidelines. A bit like this malarkey about handball in the box, arms at side/away from the body, ball to hand etc. there is inconsistency; if contact is made with a player it gives them a chance to go over and win a free - it doesnt make it not a free even if soft. It is refreshing when a ref doesnt whistle up for everything. A recent example of things going with a side was the RoI goal v Switzerland - many referees would have given a free against McClean's challange to win the ball back as it was a half shove leaning in to the Swizz chap and not really shoulder to shoulder and McGoldrick had his hands on both shoulders of the defender with a nudge, if it had happened they other way round there would have been many a rant. My issues would be more with the inconsistency of how the officials deals with this stuff than issue with the players taking advantage. To use the Legia game again as an example, the sheer number of fouls they did make yet there was no sign of a card for persistant fouling is still an irritant Its hard to be subjective in football at the best of times as people are rerely totally neutral in analysis of things.

[marinobohs]

I'm just using the current term that's used, but that changes depending on who is playing of course :p . Watching the way BATE and Legia used this as part of their strategy was very frustrating to watch when we were trying to chase the game and it was very effective. In recent times we have had comment on Dundalk players surrounding the ref yet all players do it, O'Donnell was singled out as reffing games but again most captains are in the refs ear and if they are not trying to gain an edge then thay arent doing their job. It was also pointed out that Perth was always at the 4th official but Caulfield, Fenlon, even Long et al have been seen charging at the 4th official or screaming murder on the sidelines. A bit like this malarkey about handball in the box, arms at side/away from the body, ball to hand etc. there is inconsistency; if contact is made with a player it gives them a chance to go over and win a free - it doesnt make it not a free even if soft. It is refreshing when a ref doesnt whistle up for everything. A recent example of things going with a side was the RoI goal v Switzerland - many referees would have given a free against McClean's challange to win the ball back as it was a half shove leaning in to the Swizz chap and not really shoulder to shoulder and McGoldrick had his hands on both shoulders of the defender with a nudge, if it had happened they other way round there would have been many a ran. My issues would be more with the inconsistency of how the officials deals with this stuff than issue with the players taking advantage. To use the Legia game again as an example, the sheer number of fouls they did make yet there was no sign of a card for persistant fouling is still an irritant Its hard to be subjective in football at the best of times as people are rerely totally neutral in analysis of things.
Once again, nobody said Dundalk are the ONLY team to do this just that they do it more often and consistently (maybe better 😁) than anyone else in the League here.
As with other things when your team does it it’s “game management “ when the opposition do it it’s “cheating”.

[Kiki Balboa]

Baiscally, any team that is winning that isnt the team I support = cheating / immoral

"My team doesnt want to win because we dont stoop low and cheat like Dundalk......"





Not like Bohs ever had a player booked for time wasting in oriel this year, or Rovers never surrond the Ref. Ye are tiresome, Dundalk dont do the Black arts anymore than anyone else, not more or more consistently, its just they are winning.

Hope I clears it up your ;)

[marinobohs]

Baiscally, any team that is winning that isnt the team I support = cheating / immoral

"My team doesnt want to win because we dont stoop low and cheat like Dundalk......"





Not like Bohs ever had a player booked for time wasting in oriel this year, or Rovers never surrond the Ref. Ye are tiresome, Dundalk dont do the Black arts anymore than anyone else, not more or more consistently, its just they are winning.

Hope I clears it up your ;)

Once more for the VERY slow, nobody said Dundalk are the only team to do it.
Even Dundalk fans admit they are more adept at the "dark arts" than other LOI clubs.

Now climb down off you self made cross and wind in the paranoia. Enjoy an excellent ultra professional team, in all aspects.

[mcgonigle]

Let's put it to bed (he says optimistically). We will take it as a compliment. We are superior in every department, it's natural rivals will look for something to throw at you, pretty standard. It's weak but they need something

[marinobohs]

FT Crumlin 0 Bohs 2 (Wright, Lyons).
....it's on 😎

[Nesta99]

I still am going with Boh's name on the trophy already!

[Nesta99]

Once more for the VERY slow, nobody said Dundalk are the only team to do it.
Even Dundalk fans admit they are more adept at the "dark arts" than other LOI clubs.

Now climb down off you self made cross and wind in the paranoia. Enjoy an excellent ultra professional team, in all aspects.

Oh we are, dont doubt that for one moment!! Blurry pictures of shadows of handballs, penalties at the box, falling over a wild challanges with players sent off after - its all great enjoyment currently!

[marinobohs]

Oh we are, dont doubt that for one moment!! Blurry pictures of shadows of handballs, penalties at the box, falling over a wild challanges with players sent off after - its all great enjoyment currently!
And don't worry, we have kept the buckets for the next time 😁

[Nesta99]

In anticipation of such a response Marino i stuck in 'currently'. You can always rely on Bohs supporters for their sense of moral duty!

[disgruntled]

Fans should always enjoy the good times because being the League of Ireland the bad times can't be far behind them :wink:
Its as sure as night following day.

[Ezeikial]

So Crumlin v Bohs tonight, assuming Bohs beat Crumlin and we are due to play them on Friday the 27th do we put a full strength team out on Monday in Dundalk, risking tiredness injuries and suspensions and then play Bohs on Friday minus a couple or go with a second string?
Even if we went up to Dundalk and won (assuming we both win this Friday) DFC would be 7 points clear with 4 games remaining and with the run they are on that is game over.
I suspect they will go with a strong team which is daft in my opinion and will look even dafter if we pick up injuries etc.
Maybe Pats will do us a favour and win Friday to make it academic.
If by any miricle Crumlin beat bohs my opinion wouldn't change re playing a strong team on Monday, a cup semi final is a cup semi final and the league is done and dusted...
What do other Rovers supporters think?

Maybe the question is too sensitive for Rovers supporters to engage with?

Unless Dundalk get turned over in Waterford this weekend, the league title will be there to be won by Dundalk against Rovers next Monday in Oriel (irrespective of Friday's result between Rovers & St Pats)

While Rovers management, players and fans would like to prevent Dundalk winning the title against them again, it may be that pride overcome's pragmatism. I expect that Rovers will put out their strongest side in the hope of getting a morale boosting win and trying to finish within 10 points.

[marinobohs]

Maybe the question is too sensitive for Rovers supporters to engage with?

Unless Dundalk get turned over in Waterford this weekend, the league title will be there to be won by Dundalk against Rovers next Monday in Oriel (irrespective of Friday's result between Rovers & St Pats)

While Rovers management, players and fans would like to prevent Dundalk winning the title against them again, it may be that pride overcome's pragmatism. I expect that Rovers will put out their strongest side in the hope of getting a morale boosting win and trying to finish within 10 points.

Not sure full time players couldn’t manage a game Monday AND Friday, especially two big games (presume players want to play in such games). Maybe if a player has a niggle they would be rested Monday but otherwise seems over cautious.

[sbgawa]

Not worth the risk regardless of who we are playing imo.
A sending off or an injury on Monday in a meaningless game (i don't suffer with pride) that deprives the club of a player for a cup semi would be nuts.
Its not about the ability to handle two games Monday and Friday (its actually 3 Friday/Monday/Friday) and even if they are able to handle it why take the risk.
Its simple for me ...Would the players be in better knick on Friday if they don't play Monday? Do they risk a suspension by not playing Monday?
If we play a strong team and get a couple of injuries i will not be amused and if we were playing Crumlin i would say the same thing one match means something the other doesn't.

[placid casual]

I think Bradley will play a strong 11 on Friday, rest the major players for Monday game and be ready for Rovers biggest game of the season on Friday week. The game on Monday is irrelevant at this stage, as the league is over. Rovers would rather win the cup and finish 10 points behind than win nothing and the gap to finish at 7.

[Dalymountrower]

I would be surprised if Bradley did that.Mondays a long way from Friday.
Decent game in Inchicore last night , good crowd too. Best of the Brady bunch at left back for Crumlin.

[mcgonigle]

Bradley will go with his strongest team on Monday, he knows how fickle Rovers fans are. Holding up "Bradley out" arts and crafts one week, hailing the progression the next. Finish within 10 points and they'll probably build a statue of him.

Serious question. Lose to Bohs and finish within 10 points, still progress?

[Kingswood Rover]

Bradley will go with his strongest team on Monday, he knows how fickle Rovers fans are. Holding up "Bradley out" arts and crafts one week, hailing the progression the next. Finish within 10 points and they'll probably build a statue of him.

Serious question. Lose to Bohs and finish within 10 points, still progress?
oh yes

[marinobohs]

oh yes

Really ? Would have thought that would be anathema to shams “hard core” (considering some of them thought Keith Longs job was in jeopardy after the most recent derby game 😁).
Given the resources invested And a relatively poor league (Cork and Waterford collapse, Pats HK implosion) I would expect better.

Anything less than sub 10 point finish and (at least) a cup final surely a very poor return ?

[Ezeikial]

oh yes

I suppose different fans have different expectations, but I very much doubt that there would be many Rovers fans who would find a cup semi final exit to Bohs as a sign of progress.

Similarly a 9 point losing margin in the league is as unlikely to spark wild optimism as an 11 point margin would trigger despondency and gloom.

Personally I would prefer a Dundalk - Bohs cup final, but the upside of Rovers getting there is that it would secure Bradsers job for a while longer