|
Bray Wanderers and Shelbourne meet for the first time in four years. But rather than clashing league action, the two clubs will get the chance to lift the revived Leinster Senior Cup when the final is
staged on Monday, August 2 at the Carlisle Grounds (kick-off 3.30 p.m.).
The Seagulls will be hoping it proves third time lucky having lost two previous finals back in the same year of 1989 to Bohemians and then St. Patrick's Athletic.
"The Leinster Senior Cup is the oldest in the country. The way our season has gone this year, the competition has been a massive boost for us," claimed Wanderers boss Eddie Gormley.
"Some players go their entire careers without picking up a medal of any sort. It's a great opportunity for some of our players to achieve that considering so many are just teenagers or in their early 20's."
As for Shels, they have won the competition a record 18 times - the last success coming back in 1994. Despite the prospect of picking up silverware in just his fourth game in charge of the Dubliners, Alan Mathews is laid the credit at the feet of the players.
"In fairness, it's nothing to do with me - it's all down to the players. They've got themselves into this position. And it's a great opportunity for them to win a trophy. No matter what way you look at
it, if you get to a Cup final you want to win it."
So far, Bray's promising striker Shane O'Neill has been the star of the competition. He netted in the Wicklow club's 2-1 win over Athlone Town back in February.
The 21-year-old followed that with a double in the 2-2 last eight clash with Dundalk before the Seasiders won 4-3 on penalties last May. And O'Neill then blasted in a hat-trick in the semi final success (3-1) over UCD last month.
"It will our fourth game at home in the competition. And hopefully that will work to our advantage if we get a good crowd," said Gormley.
"We're probably in the strange position of being favourites. Make no mistakes about it, Shelbourne will be a tough nut to crack. But this is a great opportunity for some of my players to get their first
medal. And the first trophy for the club in ten years."
As for the Red's, they overcame Leinster Senior League outfit Tolka Rovers 2-0 at Frank Cooke Park back in February in the opening round. And followed that with a impressive 3-1 triumph over Shamrock Rovers in the Quarter's at Tallaght Stadium.
David McGill's extra time winner then saw Shels reach the decider as they came from behind to beat Sporting Fingal 2-1.
"Our main objective is promotion from the First Division. Finals don't come round too often. And you have to make the most of it. The lads have done great to get there, knocking out two Premier
Division teams in the process. They deserve their place in the final and hopefully they can take full advantage of that," viewed Mathews.
In team news, Brian Kane is set to play between the posts for the Seagulls, with new signing Matt Gregg cup-tied from Dundalk's Quarter Final defeat to Bray.
Central defender Derek Prendergast is also cup-tied having lined out in Bangor Celtic's first round loss to UCD. But Adam Mitchell is available after not figuring in that fixture.
As for the Tolka Park outfit, Sean Byrne is available after suspension. |
Clubs 
