FAI Cup Preview: Athlone Town -v- Dundalk

ATHLONE TOWN

First Division Athlone Town will be looking to reach the FAI Cup Final for the first time since 1924 when they host Premier Division Dundalk in Sunday evening’s cup semi-final (kick-off is at 7.05pm).

Adrian Carberry’s side welcome the Lilywhites to Lissywoolen after an encouraging 2020 – and they will relish their crack at the Co. Louth side.

Athlone of course come into the game after dismantling Shelbourne by four goals to one in the last-eight.

Former Wexford forward Dean George scored an incredible hat-trick to unceremoniously dump the Reds out of the cup.

All eyes will be on Athlone’s Ronan Manning after the Galwegian’s superb year with the Blue and Black of the Midlands.

Ronan – the brother of Irish international Ryan – scored 8 goals in 18 games for the Co. Westmeath side this season.

But Athlone have not played a competitive game since their shock win over Shels in the FAI Cup quarter-finals.

In terms of team news for Athlone, Taner Dogan (on loan from Dundalk) and Tumelo Tlou are both suspended.

DUNDALK

Filippo Giovagnoli’s Dundalk will be eyeing their sixth FAI Cup Final in a row on Sunday evening as they get set to face Athlone in the cup semi-final.

Dundalk secured their spot in the last four of the cup thanks to a sweeping 4-1 win over Bohemians in the last round of the competition at Dalymount Park.

And their chances will be boosted by the return of experienced full-back Dane Massey who is set make his first appearance since a long-term injury.

“It was a long road, but I’m delighted to be back,” Massey told Dundalk’s media team. “I’m back in the squad tomorrow and, hopefully, if the result goes well, I’ll be involved in another FAI Cup final.

“I was devastated when the injury happened. I was told it would be 12 to 16 weeks, but I’ve knocked a couple of weeks off it and I’m raring to go.”

And while a First Division side stand in front of another Dundalk FAI Cup Final appearance – Massey insists Dundalk will respect Athlone Town.

“We did some video on them today. We’ll give then respect. They’re in the semi-finals of the FAI Cup and they deserve to be there.

“They beat Shelbourne in the quarter-final and it’ll be a tough, competitive game.

“They’ve got a good Astro pitch which will only help us but if you go out thinking it’s going to be a handy game; you’ll be out of the cup just as quick.”

Patrick Hoban is Dundalk’s only absentee ahead of Sunday’s cup semi-final.

Referee: Rob Hennessy.

MATCH STATS

Athlone Town have not reached an FAI Cup Final since 1924 – a game that they won by defeating Fordsons at Dalymount Park by a goal to nil.

Dundalk have reached the last five FAI Cup Finals on the spin, winning two and losing three.

The last FAI Cup semi-final that Dundalk lost was in 2013 as they lost to local rivals Drogheda United by a goal to nil. The then Stephen Kenny managed side had to play most of the game with just nine men.

BETTING

Athlone Town 11/1; Draw 5/1; Dundalk 1/7.

PREDICTION

Athlone Town 0 - 2 Dundalk

Athlone Town

Injured: N/A.

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended: Taner Dogan, Tumelo Tlou.

Dundalk

Injured: Patrick Hoban.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.