Rico ready to take final step

THE essential difference between a cup final and a cup semi-final is that, assuming their team has at least given a good account of itself, fans will respond to defeat in the final with disappointment but to defeat in a semi with dismay.

Victory in the penultimate stage of the competition permits full participation in the excitement-filled build-up to the final itself. But defeat takes away even the anticipation of a big day out. And with this year’s Ford FAI Cup final at the RDS not taking place until December 2, an exit at the semi-final stage would make for a very long anti-climax at season’s end.

Referring to last Friday’s defeat in the eircom League to champions Drogheda United, Cork boss Damien Richardson maintains league form has no bearing on a night like tonight, as Bohemians play host to the Leesiders at Dalymount Park (7.30pm).