League Cup QF

[Angus]

I am not sensing much enthusiasm among our support for the league cup.

It is clearly the third priority in the season but it would still be silverware and with respect to Harps, we have a home draw and therefore have a great chance to get to the semis.

Natch if we won and got a decent side in the semis, if they took it seriously, we might struggle but it would still be great to get to a final and possibly even win it.

[John83]

It's the league cup. Nobody cares.

[DmanDmythDledge]

It will be the typical 2nd/3rd gear league cup peformance and will be upped to about 4th when/if Harps start to cause us problems.

[DRDoc]

Hi - why you not sensing interest in this one ?

Its a very win-able game for UCD isnt it - as you said

fairly strong team played vs Kildare wasnt there?

Will the regulars all feature on Monday do you think?

[Schumi]

Its a very win-able game for UCD isnt it - as you said

fairly strong team played vs Kildare wasnt there?

Will the regulars all feature on Monday do you think?

Yes to all three. There's just something wrong about caring about the league cup until near the end.

[pineapple stu]

Harps on a run of five wins in a row; think they've kept clean sheets in all too. Going to be a much tougher game than when the draw was made.

But obviously, earlier reservations about the competition remain. Still, hopefully an enjoyable game.

[Mr A]

A match preview is now on site at www.finnharps.com

Tough fixture for us but we're in great form. We've a fair few injury problems and have played a lot of games recently and I worry that this may be a game too far. A lot will depend on UCD's attitude to the competition- but it can't be too bad if ye knocked out Pats at Richmond.

Reckon we might sneak a result all the same.

[CollegeTillIDie]

When you have failed to win the thing in 26 attempts despite being in two finals in recent years, it is easy not to care about the competition.

[Angus]

RTE reporting that Quigley is in for Gregg. I think we have more or less played a full side in this competition - Bogdan has played the first 2 games - not sure if he still around.....

[DmanDmythDledge]

RTE reporting that Quigley is in for Gregg. I think we have more or less played a full side in this competition - Bogdan has played the first 2 games - not sure if he still around.....

We won't be full strength. Maybe about 3/4 that don't usually start.

[Poor Student]

We won't be full strength. Maybe about 3/4 that don't usually start.

Though with our squad these days that means the likes of Quigley, Crowley, Finn etc. coming in and that makes no large difference in terms of overall quality to the team.

[StranorLad]

It'll be close enough right enough, we've a few injuries and possible with an eye on promotion more. I say it'll go to the wire.

Anyone at UCD usually film your matches?

[DmanDmythDledge]

Anyone at UCD usually film your matches?

Yes. Not sure about League Cup though, but I don't see why the club wouldn't.

[pineapple stu]

Goals from Derek Doyle and Conor Sammon saw UCD throuh to the last four of the League Cup, but they had to withstand a late Harps barrage, having passed up a number of chances to make the game safe.

With top scorer Paul Byrne suspended, Conan Byrne was moved up front alongside Sammon, with Shane Fitzgerald coming in on the right wing. Darren Quigley got another League Cup start in goal, while Paul Crowley was back after his recent ban.

In what was a lively encounter, Harps had the game's first real chance when Paul Crowley was forced to clear off the line before Shane Fitzgerald served warning on the visiting defence with a mazy run past three players before getting crowded out as he shot. And it was Fitzgerald who set up the opening goal on the quarter hour as he broke past the Harps defence to square for the unmarked Derek Doyle to tap home past James Gallagher.

Harps could have been level within minutes as Brown went past three weak UCD challenges and curled just past the far post from 20 yards, but it was UCD who scored next five mintues later - Conan Byrne sending in a cross to find Conor Sammon, who had time to take the ball down, turn and plant it in the far corner from 12 yards with the Harps defence again absent.

Darren Quigley was called into action late on to produce a superb save from McGowan after the Harps winger had broken through the UCD defence, Quigley parrying away his drive for a corner.

Into the second half, and James Gallagher emulated his opposite number with an equally fine save from Conan Byrne on 53 minutes. A constant spell of pressure saw a Byrne shot from the corner deflected wide, and from the next corner, McFaul's shot was blocked on the line by Paul Crowley. And five minutes later, Conor Kenna lobbed a ball into the box and Tony McDonnell's looping header came of the bar.

At this stage, UCD were comfortably in control of proceedings, but from nowhere, on 75 minutes, Harps got one back when Conor Gethins produced a stunning 30 yard drive to the top corner of Quigley's net. A minute later, strike partner Brown was also trying his luck from distance, but Quigley was equal to the task, while only a last-ditch Conor Kenna tackle denied Harps a certain equaliser five minutes later.

UCD did weather the pressure, often finding a creative outlet through the impressive Fitzgerald, who tormented Harps' defence before leaving the pitch injured with two minutes remaining. Ultimately, however, the early salvo proved enough, and the Students can now look forward to a third League Cup semi-final in seven years.

UCD - Quigley; Mahon, Bermingham, Kenna, McDonnell; Crowley, Fitzgerald (O'Sullivan), McFaul, Doyle (Purcell); C Byrne, Sammon. Subs not used - Gregg, Forsyth, McNally.

Att - 195

[Poor Student]

Fitzgerald presents an interesting option. His pace is just blistering. Not sure how he could fit into the team with Conan Byrne though. Having seen Conan play up front and on the left in patches recently, his best position is undoubtedly the right wing. Fair play to Gethins he scored a beautiful goal.

We're two steps away from possible silverware. It'd be great to have another final in Belfield at the very least. The hype and publicity it generated last time was good.