FAI Cup Preview: Bohemians -v- Cabinteely

BOHEMIANS

After the heartbreak of Thursday evening’s Europa League defeat against MOL Fehervar, Bohemians return to domestic cup action this evening in the FAI Cup (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The challenge lying in waiting for the Gypsies is the familiar visit of Cabinteely to Dalymount Park in a cup competition.

This will be the fourth year on the spin the teams have met in a domestic up competition – although it will be their first clash in the FAI Cup.

Bohs netminder Stephen McGuinness played and captained Cabinteely as recently as last season.

On the other hand, it is likely that Bohemians will welcome back a number of former players to Dalymount Park in Dylan Thornton, Keith Dalton, Dean Casey, Michael Kelly, and Mitchell Byrne.

Bohs will take positives from their defeat in Hungary, but they will be acutely aware of the challenges posed by their South Dublin rivals.

Cabinteely have only lost once this season, and that was last week against UCD.

Keith Long’s charges have not released team news at time of writing, although they have no suspension worries to contend with.

CABINTEELY

Cabinteely will be looking to bounce back from their disappointing three-nil defeat at home to UCD last time out when they visit Bohemians in the second round of the FAI Cup.

And it may have been worse if it wasn’t for the efforts of Devlin’s stand-in keeper Corey Chambers who kept the score down at times last week.

“We were terrible tonight, and getting a man sent off in the first-half didn’t help,” the former Bray Wanderers boss told extratime.com after the game.

“I thought it was a bit harsh – a yellow card was sufficient I thought but that’s something we have to deal with.

“We didn’t deal with it too well and we were second best at that stage so that made it worse for us.

“The lads were very tired in the middle of the park and we made the subs that we thought was best. But as I said, I take full responsibility for the defeat.

“We’ll bounce back, they’re a great bunch of fellas in there and our decisions didn’t help tonight. We should have smartened it up and brought in a couple of new fresh faces.”

Monday’s trip to Dalymount not only offers Cabo a chance to bunce back, it will also be a reunion of sorts for Devlin.

The game will see the Green and White’s come up against their former captain and goalkeeper Stephen McGuinness – and Devlin will also be in opposition against his son-in-law Keith Long on the sidelines.  

“It’s a different game and competition for us and we’re looking forward to it,” the 68-year-old finished.

“Hopefully, we can keep all our players on the pitch and once you can do that you have a bit of a chance.” 

Cabinteely have confirmed that they have a lengthy injury list for this evening’s clash against the Gypsies.

Referee: Rob Harvey.

MATCH STATS

Cabinteely have played Bohemians on three previous occasions – all in the League Cup – and they have yet to secure a victory over Keith Long’s side.

In their previous two meetings, Cabo have taken first-half leads, only to be pegged back and seen off by their Northside rivals.

Bohemians have won their previous four home league games at Dalymount Park this season.

BETTING

Bohemians 3/10; Draw 7/2; Cabinteely 13/2.

PREDICTION

Bohemians 2 - 0 Cabinteely

Bohemians

Injured: N/A.

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended: None.

Cabinteely

Injured: N/A.

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended: None.