Sports Direct Men’s FAI Cup Second Round Preview
Cobh Ramblers v Kerry FC
It’s a break from the SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division this weekend as Kerry FC begin their second campaign in the Sports Direct Men’s FAI Cup in a game that has plenty of league flavour.
Despite exiting the cup in the third round in 2023, there was a lot to be happy about the Kingdoms Cup campaign last term. The squad secured their first-ever home win in Mounthawk Park against Ringmahon Rangers by 2 goals to nil thanks to a Ryan Kelliher brace. SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division side Drogheda United were the visitors to Tralee in the third round. A gutsy performance from the league’s newcomers but our cup campaign came to an end by the narrowest of margins.
Kerry will be looking to go a step or two better in 2024 but has been set a tough task in the opening round. A first away cup tie is sure to be tricky against a Cobh Ramblers side that are a regular opponent for Kerry FC. The clubs away from this season have been far from what has been expected. 4 draws away from home and without a win will need to be turned around tomorrow evening if Kerry are to progress without the dreaded extra time or penalty shootout.
Kerry come into the game off the back of an emphatic 3-3 draw with Bray Wanderers in Mounthawk Park last weekend in a game that had everything, including a hat trick for the now-league top scorer Ryan Kelliher. Cobh come into the game off the back of a tough 3-0 defeat to Wexford FC in Ferrycarrig Park and are sure to be looking to bounce back from that result in front of their home support.
Sports Direct Men’s FAI Cup Second Round
Cobh Ramblers v Kerry FC
Friday, July 19th– St Colman’s Park, Cobh – 19:45pm Kick Off
Head to Head (All Competitions)
Cobh Ramblers Wins 3 | Draws 3 | Kerry FC Wins 1
Did you know?
This is the first time Kerry have been drawn away in any cup competition in the club’s history. 2 FAI Cup games in 2023 were at home and the 3 Munster Senior Cup games up to the semi-final were played in Mounthawk Park.
Injury Update
Conor McCarthy issued a near-full bill of health ahead of this game. Valerii Dolia is coming close to a return but the trip to Cobh will probably come too soon for the Ukrainian. Andy Spain, who missed last Friday night’s game due to illness, is back fighting fit and in contention.
‘What They Said’
Conor McCarthy – “Look it’s a Cup competition, it’s exciting for everyone. We did well in the Munster Senior Cup. It’s kind of a one-off game and anything can happen so we are looking forward to the game itself. I suppose in the way we view it and our approach, I don’t think it changes a whole pile. We go there to try and win the game like we would anywhere else.”
