Limerick looking to get past Cabinteely in FAI Cup

Limerick FC welcome Airtricity League First Division side Cabinteely to the Markets Field in the second round of the Irish Daily Mail FAI Cup on Friday night (kick-off 7.45).

The competition will come as a welcome distraction from league action for the Shannonsiders who are now eight points behind their nearest competitors for survival in the premier division. Sligo Rovers emerged victorious from the crunch clash at the Markets Field last week. Before the game, Limerick manager Tommy Barrett stated that it was “win or a playoff” for his side.

With seven league games remaining, it appears certain that attention must turn to scouting up to five first division teams with a view to facing any one of them at the end of October. Also, it will be a massive challenge to keep the squad motivated. With all that in mind, the FAI Cup could play an important part.

The Super Blues reached the semi-final stage of the competition under Neil McDonald last year and were undone by eventual winners Cork City at Turners Cross. The squad has changed dramatically since but Limerick must be confident of securing a last eight place once more.

The home side will be very wary of lower league opposition in cup competitions as they were beaten in the EA Sports Cup last 16 by eventual finalists Cobh Ramblers at the Markets Field by a single goal in April.

Limerick will be without captain Shane Duggan who is suspended. Killian Cantwell remains doubtful for the tie as well as Killian Brouder who is suffering from a stomach bug. Billy Dennehy and Shane Tracy have fought off knocks and are likely to feature.

Tommy Holland will keep his place in goal and depending on the fitness of Cantwell and Brouder, a back four including Eoin Wearen and Billy Dennehy looks likely. Shaun Kelly will remain on standby to cover.

Darren Murphy will most likely replace the suspended captain Shane Duggan and will be partnered by Cian Coleman and Barry Maguire. Conor Ellis is likely to keep his place as the lone striker ahead of the lethargic looking Danny Morrissey while Will Fitzgerald and Karl O’Sullivan are tipped to start on the wings.

Both young players came in for criticism following missed chances in the game against Sligo. However, speaking to the club’s official website ahead of the game, Barrett was quick to defend his impressive youngsters.

“Scoring goals is the hardest part of the game. It’s difficult to do and it doesn’t just come down to the front three – Connor (Ellis), Will (Fitzgerald) and Karl (O’Sullivan) – they’re a young forward line. We need centre-halves chipping in too and other midfielders.”

Barrett admitted that he does not know a lot about the opposition on Friday but has singled out Kieran Marty Waters as a dangerman for Cabinteely.

“This Friday is a good distraction for us. We don’t know a whole lot about Cabinteely but we have watched videos. They’ll be well organised and they have some good attacking players, the likes of Kieran Marty Waters who is a Premier Division player. It is important for us to win the game and hopefully we can go and get a result.”