2012 EA Sports Cup

**nigel-harps1954** · 04/04/2012, 1:46 AM

I have no doubt whatsoever in my mind that within a month there will be 4 or 5 of our u-19's in the senior setup, which also worries me considering how young most of our squad is in the first place.

The likes of Gary Merritt, Martin Redmond, Shaun Patton, Stephen Rodden and Shane McGinty have all had first team appearances and those type of players will no doubt be amongst the first team for the rest of the season too with possibly 2 or 3 of said players being first team regulars.

**Sam_Heggy** · 04/04/2012, 9:24 AM

Originally Posted by Lim till i die

Should be able to offer them competitive games in the league tbf. The Division is probably going to be hoss again next year. (assuming Harps don't get promoted!)

We've four or five under 19s involved in the senior setup this year, as well as two or three fairly regulars who only came up last year and are probably going to have a look at at least two of the four over agers I'd say.

It's much easier to introduce young players into an experienced side, when you've already a team with 2 19 year old centre backs, a 20 year old keeper and a 20 year old left back it's not going to help the new lads coming in.

In 2004 we introduced 4 or 5 young lads into the squad but they came in with a top side that won the league.

**marinobohs** · 04/04/2012, 3:44 PM

Originally Posted by sadloserkid

Tell the truth, you'd love one.

One ? we need several at this stage

**eL Bettor** · 06/04/2012, 5:15 PM

Last 16 fixtures to be played Mon/Tues 9th / 10th April

Limerick - Cork
St Pats - UCD
Derry - Finn Harps
Sligo - Monaghan
SD Galway - Shamrock Rovers
Shelbourne - Bray
Drogheda - Bohemians
Longford - Dundalk

Any early indications of team news on these games much appreciated as I try to get one over on the bookies!!
I thought Monaghan were certs to play a weakened team but not so, according to Roddy ....
http://www.northernsound.ie/sports-details.php?nid=2048

**Acornvilla** · 06/04/2012, 11:46 PM

i'd say it'll be longford's 2nd team most likely. Can not see him risking the main men, and I think a few of our subs are pretty dirt.

Saying that I doubt Dundalk's second string would be much better?

**Jofspring** · 07/04/2012, 12:41 AM

I hope to god Scully gives a few under 19s a run and lets them try play football. After tonights performance a few senior players need a kick up the hole and a few u19's deserve their chance to prove themselves.

**fc hammer** · 07/04/2012, 12:51 AM

I hope to god Scully will be gone by Monday. We are going nowhere with that bluffer.

**bullit** · 07/04/2012, 12:52 AM

Hard to know what side SmcC will put out against Longford.
Did i fall on me head a while back or do i remember a rule in this competition that basicaly says that clubs have to put out a certain amount of 1st team squad players in Leauge cup matches or something like that

**Dodge** · 07/04/2012, 6:23 AM

As long as they have a squad number they're first team. Don't remember hearing a rule existed. Certainly most clubs play 'experimental' teams

For Pats, Buckley has said there'll be a 'mix & match' kinda team

**sheao** · 07/04/2012, 12:15 PM

I would imagine some of our u19's will get a run out for this. We could be using thema whole lot more this season because at least with them they give their all for the club.

**bullit** · 07/04/2012, 8:38 PM

Monday fixtures and betting

Derry City 2/9 Draw 9/2 Finn Harps 8/1 (2pm ko)

SD Galway 11/1 Draw 5/1 Shams R 1/6 (3pm ko)

Shelbourne 8/15 Draw 12/5 Bray W 5/1 (3pm ko)

St.Pats.Ath 8/15 Draw 12/5 UCD 5/1 (3pm ko)

Limerick 7/5 Draw 11/5 Cork 8/5 (4pm ko)

Sligo R 1/6 Draw 5/1 Mons 11/1 (6.30 ko)

----------
Tuesday fixtures and betting

Longford T 11/10 Draw 11/5 Dundalk 21/10 (8pm ko)

Drog.U 4/6 Draw 12/5 BohemianFC 7/2 (8pm ko)

(pp betting)

**Longfordian** · 07/04/2012, 10:01 PM

Dundalk are quite generous at 21/10 we'll probably be playing our second choice team. Dundalk may be too I guess but almost double our odds seems a bit high.

**bullit** · 07/04/2012, 11:08 PM

I will be holding off on having a bet on any of these matches until i see the team sheets or get a tip from somebody.

**Dodge** · 08/04/2012, 12:02 PM

I think UCD are decent value at 5/1 to beat a second string Pats side

**dong** · 08/04/2012, 12:48 PM

Originally Posted by Dodge

I think UCD are decent value at 5/1 to beat a second string Pats side

Second string or "mix and match"?

**nigel-harps1954** · 08/04/2012, 3:55 PM

You know, I'd almost be tempted to stick a few quid on a Derry - Harps draw at 9/2.

**Dodge** · 08/04/2012, 4:39 PM

Originally Posted by dong

Second string or "mix and match"?

I don't think anyone who started Friday will start Monday. The mix and match bit may be u19s (as the Leisnter Senior Cup was)

We'll see

**MariborKev** · 09/04/2012, 12:04 AM

Originally Posted by nigel-harps1954

You know, I'd almost be tempted to stick a few quid on a Derry - Harps draw at 9/2.

Aye, you lot are in form and we aren't. And we are struggling with injuries as well.

**nigel-harps1954** · 09/04/2012, 12:57 AM

Originally Posted by MariborKev

Aye, you lot are in form and we aren't. And we are struggling with injuries as well.

Exactly my thoughts, could be a famous victory, or could be more horrible embarrassment for Harps fans. Either way, we'll make a bit of noise and enjoy our short trip up the road.

**Finlay Harp** · 09/04/2012, 8:09 AM

Originally Posted by MariborKev

Aye, you lot are in form and we aren't. And we are struggling with injuries as well.

You have been talking to Alex Ferguson again Kevin about the mind games. I have been watching us against you boys for to long now to take it that because you have a few injuries we have the upper hand. Not should you have Dobbin the horse in nets and widow Twinkie up front will I take a win for granted. Still would be nice to finally get one over you at Brandywell.