LSC Final Preview: Bohemians -v- Wexford Youths

The first piece of silverware of the season will be up for grabs tonight as Bohemians take on Wexford Youths in Ireland’s oldest cup competition, the Leinster Senior Cup, at Dalymount Park. Kick-off is set for 7.45pm.

BOHEMIANS

Nobody has lifted this prestigious trophy as many times as Bohemians. The Gypsies have won the Leinster Senior Cup on no less than 31 occasions, eleven more times than their closest rivals Shelbourne FC who currently have twenty titles to their name.

However, the last time Bohs did win the trophy was way back in 1998 when they overcame Cherry Orchard by a goal to nil meaning Keith Long’s men will be looking to bridge an eighteen-year gap and bring home their 32nd title.

Bohemians had a difficult enough path to this year’s final. In their opening tie they defeated Drogheda United 3-0 thanks to goals from Kurtis Byrne, Anto Murphy and Ismahil Akinade.

Next, they took on defending champions Dundalk FC in what turned out to be a remarkable contest that Bohs eventually edged by four goals to three thanks to another Murphy strike and a marvelous Byrne hat-trick to book their spot in the semi-finals.

The Phibsborough men then secured their passage to their 48^th LSC final thanks to an 88^th minute Akinade winner to defeat a stubborn UCD side by a single goal to nil.

While this competition is often seen as an afterthought by many, Long has consistently named strong starting lineups in each of Bohs’ three games so far so expect to see the same tomorrow.

In the Gypsies most recent league game, they pulled off an impressive 1-0 win away to Dublin rivals St Patrick’s Athletic meaning confidence will be running high going into the finale.

WEXFORD YOUTHS

This will be Wexford Youth’s first ever Leinster Senior Cup final. They have however been involved in a cup final before having memorably reached the final of the 2008 League Cup in only their second season as a club before falling to Derry City.

The Warriors began their 2016 LSC campaign with an extra-time victory away to Athlone Town. Eric Molloy had put his side in the driving seat with an 82^nd minute goal, however, The Town hit back minutes later through David Cassidy meaning it took a 100^th minute Danny Furlong goal to settle the tie.

Another 2-1 extra-time win followed against Longford Town, this time Conor English and Chris Kenny scored to secure their path to the semi-final stage where they met non-league Collinstown in what turned out to be the game of the tournament to date.

Collinstown raced into a two-nil lead, however, two Molloy goals pulled the game back level. In the dying embers of normal time, Collinstown were granted a glorious opportunity to take the win when they were awarded an 89^th minute penalty.

Wexford ‘keeper Matt Connors was also sent off and having already used all their substitutes, defender Danny Ledwith stepped in between the sticks and pulled off a wonder-save to force extra-time.

Neither side seemed like they were going to be separated and with penalties looming, Molloy popped up in the final minute to secure his hat-trick and Wexford’s progression to the final.

The Youths now have an opportunity to add a bit of a silver lining to what has been a disappointing debut season in the LOI Premier Division thus far and manager Shane Keegan will be looking for an inspired performance to see his side lift the trophy at Bohemians own home ground.

Referee: Unknown

MATCH STATS

This will be Bohemians’ 48^th appearance in the Leinster Senior Cup Final having won 31 and finishing as runners-up on sixteen occasions.

The Gypsies first LSC title came in the competition’s second year way back in 1894. After that win Bohs would go on to win a further five in a row making Ireland’s biggest cup competition at the time their own.

Despite their rich history with the competition throughout the 20^th century, since the tournaments reincarnation in 2010, the Gypsies have been unable to get their hands back on the trophy. The closest they came was a runners-up finish in 2011, losing 2-0 to St Pats at Dalymount.

Wexford Youths best showing in the competition came last season and in 2011 when they reached the quarter-final stage.

If Wexford manage to win this will be their first ever cup win and second ever piece of silverware following their 2015 LOI First Division title win.

In their previous two meetings this year, they drew 3-3 last March at Dalymount before Bohemians won their second tie 1-0 at Ferrycarrig Park.

This will be their first meeting of the week as the sides also play on Friday night in the Premier Division.

BETTING

Bohemians 4/7; Draw 11/4 Wexford Youths 7/2

PREDICTION

Bohemians 2-1 Wexford Youths

Bohemians

Injured: Unknown

Doubtful: Unknown

Suspended: None.

Wexford Youths

Injured: Danny Furlong, Danny Ledwith, Chris Kenny.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Unavailable: Paul Murphy (cup tied).