Waterford FC switch focus from the league as Shelbourne visit the RSC this Friday as the sides look to book their place in the Irish Daily Mail FAI Cup second round.
The tie will be the fourth meeting of the two sides this season with the Blues winning one and the other two games finishing in stalemate. When the two sides went head to head in their previous game at the South-East venue this season, Mark O’Sullivan scored the only goal in a 1-0 win while the two games at Tolka Park saw Shelbourne come from behind twice to snatch draws.
Not since 1997 have the Blues and Shelbourne met in the cup at the RSC but they did go head to head in 2014 competition where the Blues lost out 1-0 to a Jordan Keegan goal while the Blues haven’t beaten the Tolka Park outfit since 1952.
Speaking ahead of the cup game, Waterford FC midfielder Paul Keegan said, “It’s important that we continue our recent good run of form and we’ll be hoping to keep that going against Shelbourne.
“We know that Shelbourne will provide a very stiff test for us and we’ll have to be ready for the challenge that they’ll throw at us. It’s a break from the league and on reflection on the game against Cabinteely, we’ll have to be a bit sharper.
“I didn’t think that we got our passing game together from the start last week and we’ll have to get that going from the off against Shelbourne. It was a scrappy game against Cabinteely in the second half but we still had chances to win it.
“We’ll have to take the chances that come out way in this game if we’re going to progress. I have to say that the support that we’ve gotten at home has been incredible so I’m sure we’ll have another big following for this cup game. The cup is special and we’ll be hoping to advance.”
Waterford FC Coach Alan Reynolds commented ahead of the game. “It’s going to be a test against Shelbourne. I watched them two weeks ago and they drew with UCD in the league last week so we know that they are a decent side as well.
“They are physical, strong and experienced side but I’m glad to be at home against them. It’s plain to see that we play better at home so thankfully for the next three weeks we’re at home and we’ll be hoping that we can go get three wins.
“It will be good to have David McDaid, Kenny Browne and Anthony McAlavey back available for the game as they are massive players for us. It will allow us the option to freshen things up a bit so hopefully we can give a good account of ourselves.”
Team News: Sander Puri is the only player set to miss out as he continues to recover from injury with the rest of the squad available for selection as the Blues welcome back David McDaid, Kenny Browne and Anthony McAlavey from suspension.
Car Park: Please note the following change to car park arrangements ahead of this Friday’s clash with Shelbourne in the FAI Cup 1st Round.
Season Ticket Holders will NOT be permitted access to the RSC Car Park unless ALL patrons have purchased their match-day tickets in advance of the game via Tickets.ie supporting outlets. All cars entering the RSC will be subject to checks while there will be no cash operating at the car park entry. Those cars arriving at the RSC without all occupants in possession of pre-purchased tickets will be refused entry. Please also note the car park will close at 7.30pm sharp.
We would remind supporters that they can avail of the overflow car park at SuperValu Kilbarry next door to the RSC free of charge. A full list of supporting outlets for pre-sales can be found here: https://www.tickets.ie/outlet/
