- Graham Russell
- Fri, Aug 24 2018
LIMERICK
Limerick play host to first division Cabinteely at Market’s Field in a FAI Cup second-round clash (kick-off 7.45 pm).
Manager Tommy Barrett says the Cup provides his side with a “good distraction” as Limerick look to take their minds off their disappointing league position.
Barrett had to pick up the pieces from a deflating 3-1 home defeat to Sligo Rovers last Friday night.
The defeat leaves the Blues eight points adrift of safety and staring at a repeat of their 2015 relegation playoff date.
“It was very disappointing last weekend but we have to keep going - we want to get a good Cup run,” Barrett told the club's website.
“We dominated the game last week but we didn’t take our chances. We are relying on young players and they will be better for the experience.”
Limerick native Barrett has done his homework on Friday night’s opposition, and is aware of how dangerous they can be.
“We do not know a whole lot about Cabinteely but we have watched videos.
“They will be well organised and they have some good attacking players – the likes of Kieran Marty Waters is a Premier Division player.
“It is important for us to win the game and hopefully we can go and get the result”.
CABINTEELY
Cabinteely travel to Shannonside to face Limerick in a quest to reach the quarter-finals of the Cup for the first time in their history.
Pat Devlin’s side will head into the game with confidence, as his side held promotion-chasing Drogheda United to a 2-2 draw in Stradbrook.
Cabo took a two-goal half-time lead, through Karl Manahan and Keith Dalton, before Sean Brennan and a last minute equaliser from Ciaran Kelly condemned Cabo from a scalp.
The south Dublin club have won three of their last six games in all competitions. In that time, they have beaten Athlone Town and Cobh Ramblers and have lost to UCD and Galway United, respectively.
In the last round, Cabo travelled West to face Clare club Newmarket Celtic and won 2-1. Joe Doyle and Luke Clucas each notched in the last 20 minutes for the away side.
That meant Eoin Hayes' goal for the hosts was just a mere consolation for the amateur side in the end at Frank Healy Park.
The Blackrock club do not have much to play for in the league as they are out of the play-off hunt, so a decent cup run would be very welcome.
Kevin Knight was sent-off against Drogheda in the dying moments. Therefore, he will be missing for the away side.
They have already beaten the Drogs this season, as well as high-flying UCD and Shelbourne in the league, so a Cup scalp and a good run would not be out of possibility for the Dubliners.
Referee: Anthony Buttimer.
MATCH STATS
Since their addition into the league in 2015, Cabinteely have reached the second round of the Cup in all three years.
Last year, they beat UCD 3-1 at Stradbrook in the first round, but lost 1-0 to non-league Bluebell United in the preceding round.
Both sides’ have met each other four times competitively, with the Munstermen holding a 100% record in the meetings.
There has been an average of 2 goals per game in those four fixtures.
Limerick reached the semi-finals last year, coming up short 1-0 away to eventual winners Cork City.
Limerick have won the Cup twice in their history, with their last coming in 1982.
The home side have hit just eight goals in their last 11 league games.
BETTING
Limerick; Draw; Cabinteely
PREDICTION
Limerick 1-0 Cabinteely
Limerick
Injured: Killian Cantwell (groin), Billy Dennehy (back).
Doubtful: Shane Tracy (back).
Suspended: Shane Duggan.
Cabinteely
Injured: Unknown.
Doubtful: Unknown.
Suspended: Kevin Knight.
