FAI Cup - Limerick -v- Bohemians
- Gareth O'Reilly
- Sat, Jun 07 2014
LIMERICK
Limerick will be hoping to continue their impressive recent form in the FAI Cup Second Round as they welcome Bohemians to Thomond Park on Saturday evening for a 17.30 kick off.
Stuart Taylor's squad have every reason to be in buoyant form in the lead up to this one as the Blues boss explained to LimerickFC.ie.
“Training has been very good. There is a lot of positivity about the dressing-room just now, which is great. It’s great to see. We’ve got to remember where we were a few weeks ago and we’ve got to remember how horrible that taste was and make sure we don’t go back there. They’re a good bunch of boys and they don’t take anything for granted."
The Munster side will be without both Jason Hughes and Prince Agyemang who are both unavailable through suspension. Robbie Williams and Shane Costelloe are also ruled out for this cup tie due to their continued rehabilitation from injury.
One reason for the upturn in Limericks fortunes recently has been the impressive performance from their fans who have continued to support the team through thick and thin something which Taylor played testament to in the build up to this game.
“It’s a big call-out to the supporters again to come in and get behind us in their numbers and be as supportive, loud and vocal as they were in the St. Pat’s game.
If they go and do their side of things, which I’m sure they will, it will encourage the boys on and make them go and run that extra yard. Sometimes that’s all it needs to go and get the winning goal.”
BOHEMIANS
Owen Heary brings his squad to Limerick in search of building momentum starting with a cup victory.
Heary is describing this game as a "battle" as he readies his side for the challenge of Stuart Taylor's side.
“Our cup form is good but Limerick will give us a battle, a physical battle. It’s going to be a difficult game. Look at what they have done in their last two league games,”
Bohs will be without a couple of their key stars as Dave Mulcahy and Jason Byrne may be forced to miss out with hamstring and back injuries respectively. Both players a doubts and will be forced to complete late fitness tests in order to prove they are capable of taking to the field on Saturday evening.
Heary is happy to have the distraction of the cup and is confident after putting his side through a good week of training.
“This week’s preparations have been better because we had longer time. I have no doubt that the intensity will be there for the Limerick game. This and the Bray game before the break next week are two big cup games in my opinion. We have to go into every game as if it was a cup final.”
Referee: Graham Kelly
MATCH FACTS
Limerick have made it to the final of the FAI Cup on five occasions but have not won the cup since 1982.
This is Stuart Taylor's first home game in the FAI Cup as Limerick boss.
Bohemians are one of only two teams to have won both the (Northern) Irish Cup and the FAI Cup. The other side is Derry City.
BETTING
Limerick 11/10; Draw 11/5; Bohemians 12/5
PREDICTION
Limerick 2-1 Bohs
Limerick
Injured: Robbie Williams (Hamstring), Shane Costelloe (Lower Back)
Doubtful: None
Suspended: Jason Hughes, Prince Agyemang
Bohemians
Injured: None
Doubtful: Dave Mulcahy (Hamstring), Jason Byrne (Back)
Suspended: None
About Gareth O'Reilly
Gareth is the Editor of Extratime.ie. Gareth began as a normal reporter covering games all over Dublin before being asked to help out with behind the scene activities and eventually moving into the role of …