Irish Independent - Cup Final preview. - 24 Oct 03

[Xlex]

Experience to elevate Saints
ON a formline through both teams, one would have to say that St Pat's are probably deserved favourites because they have demonstrated more consistency throughout the league programme but the FAI Cup final is a one-off occasion and sometimes the formbook isn't upheld.

They might be feeling that the epic semi-final win against Bohemians was almost like a Cup final for them because it was such an effort to win that match and one wonders if they haven't expended all their efforts on that match.

Longford are interesting in that they also will feel that they are lucky to be in the final as we played all the football in our semi-final against them and they managed to nick a winner.

Both sides are direct and I don't imagine there will be a whole lot of football in the final. Neither side dwell on the ball for too long but that itself will lead to an exciting game.

Set-pieces will be a key aspect of the game and in St Pat's you have past masters at the technique. Longford will have to deal with that aspect but they are a well-organised side and capable of fending off the majority of those in my view.

Verdict: St Patrick's Athletic 1, Longford Town 0

Tony Mannion
Expert View

http://www.unison.ie/sportsdesk/stor...=12&si=1066483

Longford fury over stand-off
LONGFORD TOWN chairman Jim Hanly has blasted the FAI over their ticketing arrangements for Sunday's FAI Carlsberg Cup Final at Lansdowne Road.

The midlands club sold out their allocation of 3,800 tickets for the West Lower Stand in just three days and the FAI have refused their request to open the upper section of the stand.

Explaining their decision, the FAI cited cost issues and the fact that it would not be conducive to the television presentation of the match.

Instead, Longford will have been offered 1,000 tickets for the East Lower Stand, which have been returned by their Dublin opponents, St Patrick's Athletic.

But this has not satisfied Longford and club chairman Hanly fumed: "Surely the fans who are going to the match should be the first concern of the FAI, not those who are sitting at home watching on television.

"We have been told that both terraces would be open, but why not afford our spectators the benefit of the seats?

"Surely that's the reason the final was moved to Lansdowne Road - so that extra spectators could be comfortably accommodated?

"It seems that we are being punished for selling tickets faster than any other club in recent years and, because of our success in that regard, our fans are being punished by being forced on to the terraces."

Hanly was also livid at reports that, should a replay be required at the same venue next Wednesday, the U20 friendly between Ireland and Italy may be played as a curtain-raiser.

"I'm sure the FAI mean well, but what signal does that send out?

"Does an U-20 friendly mean more than the Cup Final? Has anyone thought of the consequences if the bad weather continues."

Meanwhile, St Pat's appeal against Kharim El Khebir's suspension was dismissed by the FAI yesterday and consequently the French full-back will miss the final.

On a brighter note for the Saints, Keith Fahey is expected to be fit.

[Macy]

Originally posted by Tony Mannion
Longford are interesting in that they also will feel that they are lucky to be in the final as we played all the football in our semi-final against them and they managed to nick a winner.

Bitter b@stard....

Originally posted by Tony Mannion
Set-pieces will be a key aspect of the game and in St Pat's you have past masters at the technique.

No sh!t sherlock......

[wws]

"Explaining their decision, the FAI cited cost issues and the fact that it would not be conducive to the television presentation of the match."


FAI - MAKING IT UP AS THEY GO ALONG

AND TO THINK THE CORK POSTERS TAKE THEIR "HANDBOOK" SERIOUSLY