Bit O'Red and Blues eye cup glory | Airtricity League

Bit O'Red and Blues eye cup glory

Sligo Rovers and Waterford United will attempt to book their place in the FAI Ford Cup final when they meet at The Showgrounds tonight in this season's first semi final (kick-off 7.35pm).

The Bit O'Red and the Blues go head-to-head for a chance to book their place in the cup final, which will take place on November 22nd in the Tallaght Stadium. Neither side have made it to the FAI Ford Cup final for several years, with Sligo Rovers not having made it to the last two since 1994, while Waterford United's last final appearance was in 2004.

Sligo town is buzzing as Bit O'Red fans hope to help their team to Tallaght. Manager Paul Cook is delighted with the interest in the game but hopes that the pressure does not have a negative impact on his players.

"It's not just the respect I have for Stephen Henderson and the Waterford players that worries me, it's the uncertainty over how our players will perform on the night," said Cook. "My job is to ensure we control all we can control and apply ourselves as we would to any other game. We must stay focused, stay calm and play as we can."

Owen Morrison returns to the first team squad for this match, although goalkeeper Richard Brush remains sidelined.

For Waterford United manager Stephen Henderson, tonight represents a chance to add to the Henderson family's proud tradition in the FAI Cup.

"My father [Paddy] won the FAI Cup in 1962 with Rovers and [brother] Dave was involved with Bohs last year, so the two of them have medals and are throwing that in my face," said Waterford manager Stephen Henderson. "But it's not about me, it's about the players.

"I'm not trying to built them up but the God's honest truth for the effort we've put in this year it would be a fantastic occasion for them to walk out in Tallaght next month."

Henderson must plan without two further key players in right full back Alan Carey, and inspirational goalkeeper Michael Devine, both of whom, like Kiely, have accumulated one yellow card too many over the course of the season. Carey's absence will have less of an impact on the side, as he has spent the last couple of matches on the treatment table, but Devine's suspension will mean a rare start for rookie keeper Kevin Burns. Burns has proved himself a more than able replacement when called upon this season, however, and a clean sheet against Mervue last Tuesday will have done him the power of good.

In addition, right winger Paul Walsh is cup-tied, having played a third round match for Limerick before being signed in July, and defender Seamus Long is a slight doubt after going off injured on Tuesday night, though he should feature.

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