Waterford strike-forceback for Bray game

WATERFORD UNITED manager Jimmy McGeough welcomed the return to fitness of regulars David Mulcahy, Vinny Sullivan and Darryl Murphy in time for tonight’s FAI Carlsberg Cup tie against Bray Wanderers at the Carlisle Grounds, but may again have to cater for the absence of team skipper John Frost.

McGeough was without any of his first team strikers when Waterford lost 0-1 to Longford Town at Flancare Park last week, so he is likely to throw Sullivan and Murphy straight into action against Bray even though they have not trained recently.

Both are lively strikers when in form and Waterford will need the firepower if they are to overcome an experienced Bray. The teams swopped places last season with Waterford coming up to the premier division and Bray going down and while Waterford will be cautious of Bray's depth of experience they will set out to see them off at the first attempt.

Said McGeough: "I watched them play Athlone Town last week in a match they won 5-3 and, to be honest, I didn't see a whole lot that need worry us. We're not going up there to pull down the shutters to try and set up a replay. We know they will come at us all guns blazing but we'll be looking to win it."

The continued absence of Frost has been a disappointment. He visited a specialist in Dublin yesterday in an effort to identify the problem that caused swelling in his neck and McGeough is hopeful he will be given the all clear to play. The talented full-back is keen to return and has been training.

Sullivan, who played in Scotland with Celtic and Livingston before he joined Waterford, was kept out last week by 'flu-like symptoms and full-back Paul Leahy suffered a similar illness. Sullivan has made a quicker recovery and will provide some invaluable penetration up front.

Said McGeough: "We made a lot of mistakes in the move that produced Longford's winning goal and that was a disappointment but, that apart, we played quite well. Longford seem to have decided the best way to win matches is to attack and are much more dangerous than when they concentrated on avoiding defeat."

The eircom League champions, Bohemians, should have an easy passage into the quarter-finals when they play Leinster Senior League team Skerries Town at Dalymount Park.

It was disappointing to see Bohs collapse against Rosenborg in the Champions' League qualifier but against physically powerful opponents they deserve praise for persisting in playing attractive football.

Skerries will enjoy their night out at Dalymount after their excellent win over Monaghan United in the previous round 1-0. This should be as far as they go, however, and player-manager Alan Sweeney admitted: "I wouldn't say Bohs are unduly worried about us and we expect it will be backs to the wall."

Drogheda United will be attempting to reverse a 0-1 defeat by UCD at Belfield two weeks ago when they play the students in the Cup at O² Park. Manager Harry McCue was delighted to receive the news that defenders Stephen Gray and Shaun Gallagher have recovered from injury.

UCD right-back Pat Sullivan returns after missing their loss to St. Patrick's Athletic last week because of injury. Experienced midfielder Tony McDonnell is also likely to return after five weeks out with his hamstring.

St. Patrick's Athletic trying to bridge a 42-year gap since last winning the FAI Cup are likely to be without midfielder Davy Byrne and striker Charles Mbabazi Livingstone for their tie against Dublin City at Richmond Park. Both were injured when Pats were wiped out 6-0 by Aston Villa.

Striker Tony Bird will also be missing through suspension and midfielder Paul Osam and defender Barry Prenderville face late fitness tests.

Dublin city boss John Gill has selection problems of his own because goalkeeper Robbie Horgan and midfielder Robbie Dunne are suspended for the game. Robbie Clarke and Cathal O'Connor are ineligible while midfielder Terry Gleeson and striker Robbie Farrell are struggling to overcome injuries.