EA SPORTS Cup 2nd Round – Waterford FC v Cork City
Monday, April 23rd, 2018
Kick Off: 7.45pm
Referee: Sean Grant
Waterford FC are set to lock horns with Cork City for the third time this season on Monday as the two clubs will go head to head in the EA Sports Cup at the RSC with the winners facing an away quarterfinal against Sligo Rovers. Kick-off is 7.45pm.
After the Blues overcome the challenge of UCC in the first round, they’ll be looking to make it back to back wins over their Munster rivals after the 2-1 success in the recent league game at the RSC thanks to an own goal and a match winner from Courtney Duffus.
The Blues will welcome back Bastien Héry, Gavan Holohan and Sander Puri from suspension after they missed last Friday’s win over Bray Wanderers but they’ll be without the services of John Kavanagh, who is ineligible for the game.
Reflecting on Friday’s win against Bray and ahead of the game against Cork City, Waterford FC manager Alan Reynolds said, “I thought we did well in the opening 20 minutes against Bray Wanderers but I changed things around for the second half. I looked at Kenny Browne playing out there with broken ribs and I think back to hurlers like Ken McGrath and just like him, he is a warrior.
“I was delighted to hear the crowd getting behind Izzy Akinade as well. He is only 23 years old and he needs encouragement because he gets stick from certain supporters around the country.
“I was delighted for Faysel Kasmi as well. He is a great character in the dressing room and he is the life and soul of the place. He took a while to get match fit and people were waiting to see what he was capable of and I believe he will prove to be a major signing for us.
“It’s great that we have Bastien, Gavan and Sander available for the game against Cork City but we’ll rest a few as well. It’s a game that I want to win though because it’s one of three competitions that we can win so I’d like to progress in it.”
TICKETS: Supporters are reminded that season tickets aren’t in operation for this game. Supporters can purchase their match tickets from our website www.waterfordfc.ie/tickets or from the Merchandise Shop at the RSC on Monday from 12pm-4.30pm. Tickets are priced €15 for adult, €10 for concession and €5 for child.
TEAM NEWS: Bastien Héry, Gavan Holohan and Sander Puri will return from suspension after missing Friday’s win against Bray Wanderers while Stanley Aborah will serve his last of a four-match ban. John Kavanagh is ruled out due to his loan move from Cork City but Blues boss Alan Reynolds welcomes back Rory Feely from injury.
