FAI CUP DATE CONFIRMED: SATURDAY TIE AGAINST BOHEMIANS
Limerick’s FAI Ford Cup second round tie against Bohemians has been confirmed for Thomond Park on Saturday 7 June, kick-off 5.30pm.
A Friday night fixture was ruled out due to an event at the venue. If a replay is required, it will take place at Dalymount Park the following Tuesday, 10 June.
After the draw was made last Sunday week, manager Stuart Taylor was pleased to see his side handed a home tie.
It will be the Scottish manager’s first home FAI Cup game in charge of the club, having had away outings against non-league Glenville and fellow top-flight Dundalk last term.
The 39-year-old has a 100 percent record in four league meetings with the Gypsies and he is hoping that that sequence continues as he looks to enjoy a prolonged run in the Blue Riband event.
“We’re happy with the draw,” Stuart told LimerickFC.ie. “We can go and play in front of our home support. That’s what you’re always looking for – a home tie.
“We’re looking to have a good long run in the Cup and hopefully we can get to the latter stages and give the supporters a day out. It’s the draw that we’ve got; we’ll have gone and taken whatever was put in front of us. We’ll give it our best. We’re looking forward to the tie.”
Last season, Limerick overcame Glenville on a 3-0 scoreline in Dublin thanks to goals from Rory Gaffney (2) and Stephen Bradley. Gaffney also netted twice, after an early Axel Bossekota equaliser, as Limerick were edged out 5-3 by Dundalk in an eight-goal thriller at Oriel Park in the last 16.
And improving past that stage is the minimum target for Taylor this time around. He stated: “We’re always looking to improve, as I said at the start of the season. We set out to go and improve on last year. That applies the same in the Cup where we will be looking to go as far as we can.”
Dundalk were paired with holders Sligo Rovers – who defeated them in the Setanta Sports Cup final just 24 hours before the draw took place – in undoubtedly the tie of the round.
While Limerick are five-time finalists and twice winners of the competition, most recently in 1982, Bohemians – 14-time finalists – are chasing an eighth success having won it for the seventh time in 2008.
FAI Ford Cup Second Round Draw: Dundalk v Sligo Rovers; Belgrove/Home Farm v Finn Harps; Drogheda United v Cockhill Celtic; Limerick v Bohemians; Cobh Ramblers v Derry City; Athlone Town v Longford Town; Wexford Youths v Bray Wanderers; Shelbourne v Waterford United; Saint Patrick’s CY v Saint Patrick’s Athletic; Mayfield United v Malahide United; Ballynanty Rovers v Phoenix; UCC v Saint Michael’s; UCD v Galway; Collinstown v Avondale United; Cork City v Saint Mochta’s; Sheriff YC v Shamrock Rovers.
Article Date: Friday 23 May 2014