SOCCER:WITH CONFIDENCE scarcely raging on the back of four straight league defeats, facing non-league opposition may not now be the most appealing of draws for UCD.
In contrast, Cherry Orchard arrive at the UCD Bowl this evening having just celebrated winning the Leinster Senior League Sunday Senior One title, and with absolutely nothing to lose.
The Ballyfermot club can also call on the inspiration of FAI Cup final match-winner Tony O’Connor.
O’Connor, who scored the winning goal for Bohemians in the 2001 final as they clinched the double, is Cherry Orchard manager Paul Doyle’s assistant and an invaluable asset ahead of this potential giant-killing.
“He’s an outstanding man to have in your corner when playing a League of Ireland side,” said Doyle. “He’s been a brilliant help this season. His knowledge of the game, and the things that he sees, is second to none. He sees them before others do.”
Winning promotion back to the top flight of the LSL was Cherry Orchard’s chief goal in their season just finished. They also reached the final of the Intermediate Cup, losing to Cork side Avondale United.
“This is a great game to finish off our season with,” added Doyle. “Martin Russell has watched us three times and on each occasion we played badly. So hopefully we can produce a surprise.
“We’ve got a chance of beating them, a slim chance, as UCD are a good side,” added Doyle who’s only absentee is left-back Collie Daly (groin).
Midfielder Robbie Creevy remains out with an ankle injury for UCD while top-scorer Graham Rusk is a major doubt having picked up a foot injury in the home defeat to St Patrick’s on Monday.
Holders Sligo Rovers host Limerick side Pike Rovers in an unique clash of the FAI Senior and Junior cup winners.
“It’s our cup final,” said Pike Rovers manager Declan Considine, who is without targetman Pat Maloney who broke his hand in the Junior Cup final win over Tipperary side St Michael’s at Turner’s Cross just under a fortnight ago.
“There’s definitely no pressure on us, Sligo are the holders while we won the Junior final. I haven’t heard of that happening before. The game itself is a big day for the club, we’ll have 300-400 travelling and it will be fantastic.”
Sligo are without Joseph Ndo, the man of the match in last year’s senior final, due to a calf injury.
T ONIGHT (7.45 unless stated): Bohemians v Douglas Hall; Cherry Orchard v UCD (UCD Bowl); Crumlin United v St Patrick's Ath, Richmond Park; Drogheda United v Mervue United; Longford Town v Finn Harps (8.0); Midleton v Cork City; Monaghan United v Everton (8.0); Salthill Devon v Sheriff YC; Shamrock Rovers v Athlone Town (8.0); Sligo Rovers v Pike Rovers; Waterford United v New Ross Celtic; Wexford Youths v Derry City (8.0).
