Monday, April 25, 2011
EA Sports Cup Third Round
Cockhill Celtic v Sligo Rovers, Maginn Park, Buncrana (6.00pm);
Ulster Senior League side Cockhill Celtic face the biggest game in the club’s history when they host holders Sligo Rovers, as the Bit O’Red begin their defence of the EA Sports Cup. Managed by former Derry City and Finn Harps midfielder Donal O’Brien, the Inishowen side shocked Galway United in the previous round. Sligo are without suspended Richie Ryan while Raffaele Cretaro and Alan Kirby are doubts because of illness. Matthew Blinkhorn continues his return from a back injury.
Derry City v Mervue United, Brandywell (3.00pm);
The Candystripes boast one of the best records in this competition with nine successes – including a four-in-a-row 2005-2008. Mervue will be looking to beat Derry in a competitive game for the first time. Johnny Glynn’s side have got off to a solid start this season but lost 1-0 to Athlone Town on Friday.
Drogheda United v UCD, Hunky Dorys Park (7.45pm).
Drogheda United are still looking for their opening league win of the season but they caused one of the surprises of the previous round when they eliminated Bray Wanderers. UCD travel to Hunky Dorys Park looking to build momentum after an impressive performance against Shamrock Rovers on Friday that ultimately ended in an unfortunate 3-1 loss. UCD have twice reached the final of this competition in the last ten years. Drogheda United won the competition in 1984. Sean Russell is added to the Students squad but Cillian Morrison remains out with an ankle problem.
Limerick v Waterford United, Jackman Park (2.30pm);
Limerick had no league fixture on Friday while Munster rivals Waterford suffered a 1-0 home loss to Shelbourne. Pat Scully’s Shannonsiders have won this competition three times in the past with the most recent success coming in 2002. Waterford won the competition for the second time in 1985.
Monaghan Utd v Dundalk, Gortakeegan (3.00pm);
Monaghan United were beaten in the final of this competition last year but this is their opening tie of the 2011 series after receiving a bye in the last round. Included in last season’s run to the final was a defeat of Dundalk, who have a poor record at Gortakeegan. Monaghan continue to operate without injured defender Alan Byrne. Dundalk are still without Greg Bolger (thigh strain), Stephen Maher (torn groin muscles), Eoghan Osborne (fractured tibia) and Shane Guthrie (blurred vision & concussion) while Colin Hawkins is a doubt.
St Patrick's Ath v Shamrock Rovers, Richmond Park (3.00pm);
St Pat’s will be looking to build on Friday’s draw away to Derry City when they host champions and league leaders Shamrock Rovers at Richmond Park. Pete Mahon’s side won this competition for the second time in 2003 while the Hoops have remarkably lifted the cup just once – in the 1976-77 season. Rovers are in buoyant mood having clinched their place in the Setanta Sports Cup final last week.
Wexford Youths v Cork City, Ferrycarrig Park (6.00pm);
Wexford Youths were the fairytale side of the EA Sports Cup in 2008 when they went all the way to the final, where they were eventually beaten by Derry City. Youths have got off to a slow start in the First Division this season but pushed Monaghan United close on Friday. Cork City are top of the division and have scored ten goals in their last two games. Cork City FC have lifted this cup three times.
Shelbourne v Bohemians, Tolka Park (7.00pm);
These two North Dublin neighbours have long enjoyed numerous high-profile derby clashes. Shels – who lifted the cup for the only time in 1996 – are one of the promotion favourites this year while Bohs have surprised many with their impressive start to the new season after losing many players in the close season. The Gypsies have twice lifted the cup.
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