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FAI Cup: Derry City and Bohemians eye last semi-final spot

Derry City have home advantage for this semi-final
Derry City have home advantage for this semi-final

The Brandywell is the venue as Derry City host Bohemians for the right to meet holders Cork City in the semi-final of the Irish Daily Mail FAI Cup, kick-off 7.45pm.

Derry had won 10 matches out of 10 under manager Kenny Shiels against Bohemians prior to their last meeting on 31 August. That Premier Division meeting on Foyleside saw Bohs run out comfortable 2-0 winners - game five on a seven-match winning run for Keith Long's side.

The Candystripes will be on a high, however, after claiming the EA Sports Cup on Sunday last after a 3-1 victory over Cobh Ramblers.

Team news

Derry City: The Candystripes have no suspensions heading into this one but Conor McDermott is still recovering from a hip injury after having successful surgery. Meanwhile, it’s not yet known whether Nicky Low will feature with the Scot having returned on Sunday as a second-half substitute.

Bohemians: Ryan Masterson (quad), Danny Grant (bug) and Darragh Leahy (groin) remain doubts. Cristian Magerusan (hamstring) and Ryan Swan (cruciate) are ruled out once more.

Gaffer talk

Kenny Shiels (Derry City) "They (Bohs) are the in-form team in the country at the minute. They will travel full of confidence after winning here recently and Friday night’s excellent performance against Cork.

"They have a fantastic set-up and a great youth structure and are very much favourites to go through. That said, we’ll be well up for the game and hopefully a lot of those who were here on Sunday will be back to lift us for what is another huge game.

"If they play the way they played the last time and we play the way we did then the result is a foregone conclusion."

Keith Long (Bohemians) "Our league win up there a few weeks ago will have no bearing on this game. We’re obviously on a good run but Derry will be on a high after winning the EA Sports Cup on Sunday too.

"There is a lot at stake for both clubs, it’s a huge game. But we are looking forward to it.

"We’re going into the game focused and having prepared professionally. It’s two teams coming into the game feeling they can win it. Something will have to give."

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