EA Sports Cup final preview

The first silverware of the season is up for grabs this evening as Bohemians travel to the RSC to face Waterford United in the final of the EA Sports Cup, kick-off 5.30pm.

The major talking point ahead of the game is what kind of team Bohs manager Pat Fenlon will play after he claimed he would field a second-string side for the decider.

Fenlon is annoyed that the Gypsies have been pencilled in for a Premier Division game away to Derry City on Tuesday night, just three days before a potential title-decider with Shamrock Rovers on Friday.

Their was no coin toss for home advantage for tonight's game, as Bohs were willing to travel south to make the final more of an occasion. Fenlon claims that this act of kindness led a League of Ireland official to promise that their visit to the Brandywell would not be scheduled between now and Friday.

However, it remains to be seen if Fenlon follows through with his threat, though first-teamers Mark Rossiter, Jason McGuinness and Jason Byrne are expected to miss out through injury.

Midfielders Paul Keegan and Glenn Cronin are carrying knocks and may not make it, while Paddy Madden, who scored for Shelbourne against Bohs earlier in the competition, is cup-tied. Gary Deegan is ruled out through suspension.

Whatever Fenlon's feelings on the matter are, Bohs captain Owen Heary is keen to add a League Cup winner's medal to his vast list of honours.

'It's a cup final which we want to win,' the former Home Farm and Shelbourne player said.

'It's the first trophy of the season, so we're all looking forward to it. It's important for the players winning a trophy and being able to have a winner's medal and say that I won that competition. It's one I don't have and it's one I definitely want.'

Heary has watched the Blues in action and is anticipating a difficult night down in the south-east.

'I've seen Waterford play once or twice this season,' said Heary. 'They are a strong, physical team so we know it's going to be a tough game.'

The game is sure to be special for Bohs keeper Brian Murphy - a native of the Deise county.

''Waterford are flying in the First Division,'said Murphy. 'But I'm sure no matter what kind of team Pat (Fenlon) picks, it will be strong.

'We'll be going there to win it anyway. It'll hopefully be the first trophy in the trophy room this year. It's one I would love to play in, especially in Waterford,' Murphy said.

Waterford will not want for confidence coming into the game. Stephen Henderson's men have reached the semi-finals of the FAI Ford Cup and are also in the running for promotion from the First Division after a vital 2-1 away to Athlone Town last weekend.

The Blues overcame a 1-0 deficit and the dismissals of two of their players to claim the three points.

Henderson will have been relieved to find out that neither striker Graham Cummins nor defender Kenny Browne will pay for their red cards by being banned for the final.

That means that the former Cobh Ramblers boss has almost a full deck to choose from, with long-term injury victims Paul McCarthy (groin) and David Grincell (wrist) the only absentees.

Henderson is looking forward to the final and reckons the pressure will be on the Premier Division leaders to win.

'I think that the EA Sports cup final is more important to Bohs now after being knocked out of the FAI Cup, but we won't fear them one bit,' he said.

'We're well able to compete against the top sides in the Premier Division so there's no reason why that can't be the case this weekend.

'It's going to be a great day and a great occasion for everybody in Waterford.'

'I think when cup opportunities like these come along you have to grasp them, and these players will grasp them, no doubt.'

No matter who comes out on top, it is certain that for the first time in five years it will not be Derry City's name being carved on the cup.

Both of tonight's sides have won the competition twice, with Waterford the first team to ever hoist the cup in 1974, while it has been 20 years since Bohs were successful in it.