Cork facing danger from old foe Crowe

Two-time winner of the FAI Ford Cup, former Ireland international Glen Crowe, will be the standout player in the St Mochta’s line-up when they visit Turner’s Cross tonight for an FAI Ford Cup second-round tie against Cork City (kick-off 7.45pm).

Since hanging up his League of Ireland boots in 2011, the 36-year-old has continued to bang in the goals on the junior circuit, with 32 collected already for club where he began his career, which took him on to Wolves and, most successfully, back to Ireland for league-winning campaigns with Bohemians and Shelbourne.

The Blanchardstown side, who only last week sealed their second successive promotion in the Leinster Senior League, have other league stalwarts in their ranks in the shape of Paul McNally and Rocko Reilly.

Manager Brian McCarthy insists his underdogs will arrive on Leeside “with nothing to lose”.

It is just as well, then, that Cork City’s management hold an appreciation for non-league football, having both cut their coaching teeth by blazing a trail with the all-conquering Avondale United side until their graduation to the Cross for this season.

“John Caulfield and I know amateur football, and a lot of our players have played it,” said Caulfield’s assistant, John Cotter.

“There are a lot of good teams and good players at that level; St Mochta’s will be well organised and it is up to us to go out with a good attitude and if we do that, then hopefully we will get through to the next round.

“You have to earn the right to win games; they will come out and work hard, so we have to match that. If you show a good attitude in games like this, then you should be okay.”

City are chasing a fifth win on the spin. and Billy Dennehy returns from suspension but Liam Kearney must serve his. City have fitness doubts over Darren Dennehy (foot), Colin Healy and Rob Lehane (both hamstring).

Elsewhere, Waterford United face First Division rivals Shelbourne at Tolka Park for the third time thisseason, hoping their dismal record against the Reds takes a turn for the better in cup action.

Of the four non-league teams hoping to cause a shock tonight, Ulster side Cockhill Celtic will fancy their chances most, as they travel to play a Drogheda United on a run of eight defeats in nine matches.

St Patrick’s CY will probably have it more difficult against their namesakes, St Patrick’s Athletic, while Belgrove/Home Farm take their shot at glory by welcoming Finn Harps to Frank Cooke Park.