UCD host Derry City in Round 3 of the FAI Ford Cup tonight
UCD AFC host Derry City in the last 16 of the FAI Ford Cup on Friday (Aug 24th)
The game has a 7.45pm kick off in The UCD Bowl.
After two league wins in a row over Shelbourne and Cork City, UCD were well beaten by Sligo Rovers on Monday night but remain one point ahead of bottom side Dundalk.
Attention turns to Cup action on Friday night.
The games between UCD and Derry have been tight so far this season, 0-0 in the league in The Brandywell and a narrow 1-0 win for Derry City at The Bowl.
UCD secured their path into the 3rd round with a 3-1 home win over Phoenix FC in Round 2.
Last 5 results:
July 27th Drogheda 1 – 0 UCD
Aug 3rd UCD 0 – 2 Shamrock Rovers
Aug 10th Shelbourne 1 – 2 UCD
Aug 17th UCD 3-1 Cork City
Aug 20th Sligo Rovers 3-0 UCD
UCD are still missing the injured goalkeeper John Kelly (thigh), while top scorer Graham Rusk (shin), midfielders Chris Mulhall (groin) and Tom O’Halloran (groin) and striker Cillian Morrison (ankle) are all long term absentees.
Dean Clarke(hip flexor) and Sean Russell (groin) both picked up knocks in Sligo on Monday. Clarke will miss out and Russell is a major doubt.
Samir Belhout may be fit to return from a broken bone in his foot.
Some quotes from manager Martin Russell:
On The Cup: “The cup is the 2nd most prestigious completion in the calendar and there is a place in Europe winning it – it gives us a break from league and is a game we want to do well in.
On Derry City: “We have played them twice already this season, a draw away and lost by one goal at home so it will be a tough test as always,”
On UCD injuries: “Our injury list is growing instead of reducing but that is all part of football and will give some other players a chance.”
