Limerick FC switch focus to EA Sports Cup with the visit of Cobh Ramblers on Monday night

Limerick FC will face Cobh Ramblers at the Markets Field on Monday night in the re-arranged EA Sports Cup second round tie (7.45). The match was due to take place last week but was postponed following torrential rain and a pitch inspection. Both sides will welcome the brief distraction from league form with only three wins in sixteen games between them.

Limerick manager Tommy Barrett will be forced to rest many first team players for the game due to the massive league match with Sligo Rovers on Saturday and the current injuries to contend with. Both Mark O’Sullivan and Danny Morrissey returned on Friday for the 0-0 draw with Bohemians and Daniel Kearns and Eoin Wearen are both nearing returns to first team action.

It is likely that Tommy Holland, Barry Maguire, Colm Walsh-O’Loughlin, Karl O’Sullivan and Conor Ellis will all start against their first division opponents. Due to an injury picked up by Killian Brouder, at least one if not both Tony Whitehead and Killian Cantwell will start Monday evening’s game due to a shortage of options in that department.

Also, owing to Shane Tracy’s selection in midfield on Friday night, under 19’s player Alan Murphy may be chosen at left-back. Shane Duggan has featured in every game this season and will likely be rested on this occasion. It remains to be seen whether Cian Coleman will feature against his former club.

The two club’s met in pre-season at the University of Limerick when Limerick were 2-0 victors on a bitterly cold evening. The Rams travel to the Markets Field off the back of a 1-1 draw in Ferrycarrig Park against Wexford. Stephen Henderson’s side have endured a tough start to the 2018 first division season and are currently eight in the league standings after just one victory in six matches. They were the closest challengers to 2017 league winners Waterford so their current form will be a concern for Henderson.

The Shannonsiders reached the final of the competition in 2016 against St. Patrick’s Athletic at the Markets Field. Despite taking the lead through a superb strike from Lee-J Lynch, Pats recovered to win 1-4. The club last won the competition in 2002 following a two-legged affair against Derry City. The then Noel O’Connor managed Limerick won on penalties at the Brandywell against the much fancied premier division side.