Preview: Dundalk v UCD
The third round of the FAI Cup kicks off on Thursday evening as nine time winners Dundalk host one time winners UCD at Oriel Park. With neither side in particularly good form, the fact that it's First Division against Premier Division counts for very little.
FAI Cup - 3rd Round
Dundalk vs UCD
(Oriel Park - Thursday, 16th August - 7:45 pm)
Referee : Damien Hancock
An injury time winner from Paul Marney gave Dundalk a 3-2 win when the sides last met - in the first round of last season's League Cup. Prior to that UCD did the treble over Dundalk in the 2004 First Division.
Central defender Thomas McGauley could be pressed into action sooner than had been hoped due to Dundalk's increasing injury problems. He hasn't played in over a month having recently been on honeymoon.
Winger Cormac McArdle is the latest to join the long list of Dundalk injuries which currently includes Shaun Williams (foot), John Flanagan (ankle), Ben Whelehan (knee), Keith Dunne (hamstring) and Kevin McArdle (foot). To further hamper Dundalk's plans Vinny Perth is suspended.
Dundalk boss John Gill is expecting a decent game against the Students, "We're looking forward to the match because UCD will come here and look to play football. It will be an open game between two sides who like to play the game the right way. We're expecting a big crowd and it is a welcome break from the league. We want to see the tie ended tomorrow night as we want to avoid replays."
Gill expects his side to bounce back from a recent dip in form which has seen them win just one of their last six league games, "We have had a little blip but that is only a blip because we had such magnificent form at the start of the season. Finn Harps have gone on a run similar to the run we had last season, while ourselves and Cobh have been consistent all season. We're still second and it is all to play for."
That dip in form cost Dundalk their lead at the top of the first division, although they are still unbeaten at Oriel Park this season and have actually gone twenty-five competitive games unbeaten at the venue.
UCD must plan without Paul Byrne and Paul Murphy through injury but Paul Crowley could return after a knock. Skipper Tony McDonnell is doubtful going into the game, still feeling the effects of a clash of heads with Keith Fahey over a week ago which saw both men receive stitches to head wounds. Alan Mahon is also a doubt as he suffers from a groin problem.
Speaking on UCD's latest international call-up UCD boss Pete Mahon said of Shane McFaul, "It is very well deserved, Shane has taken over from Gary Dicker in midfield and we have been very pleased with his performances. He has performed so well that we haven't missed Gary. His all-round game is superb."
"It is a feather in our cap to have two players in the Under-21 squad. We have had five or six players in the Under-21 squad over the last few years. Some clubs complain about their players being taken away but we are more than happy to have our lads included in international squads. I think it shows young players that we are a club that can offer great opportunities to young players", added Mahon making reference to the fact that next week's under-21 squad also includes goalkeeper Darren Quigley.
Mahon expects a typical cup encounter on Thursday night, "The Cup is always totally different to the league. We are away from home and playing on a surface we're not used to. Having said that, the cup will always be the great leveller. Dundalk are second in Division One and they will fancy their chances. We have to make sure we approach the game in the proper frame of mind."
Although UCD traditionally struggle away from home (eight wins from their last forty-one away league games attests to that), the College have already won three cup ties away from Belfield Park this year.
Dundalk last won the FAI Cup in 2002, but their nine overall wins leave them second only to Shamrock Rovers. UCD's one and only win came in 1984 when they beat Shamrock Rovers in the Final. In the second round, Dundalk advanced with the minimum of fuss thanks to a 3-0 home win over Athlone while UCD won 4-0 away to non league side Salthill Devon.
Previous meeting(s) :
Dundalk 3-2 UCD (27/03/2006)
Dundalk 1-3 UCD (11/11/2004)
UCD 2-1 Dundalk (13/08/2004)
Dundalk 0-1 UCD (06/07/2004)
IrishFootballOnline.com Prediction: Draw. The sides look likely to end up at Belfield Park on Sunday night.
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