General
- Sunday March 9th, 2014 @ 17:41
Team News: Pats V B'mallard
The Saints return to Setanta Sports Cup action on Monday night as they host Ballinamallard United in the second leg of their quarter-final leading with a 1-0 lead, kick-off 7.45pm.
A 21st minute goal from Chris Forrester in Ferney Park two weeks ago separates the sides at present, however the Mallards will be looking for a repeat of their second half display against Liam Buckley's side which showed them threaten the Saints' defence on numerous occasions.
The Saints go into the game off the back of a 1-1 draw in their opening league fixture of the SSE Airtricity League season away to Cork City, while Ballinamallard United go into Monday's Setanta tie off the back of a 5-0 defeat to Irish Premiership champions Cliftonville.
The Inchicore side will be looking to progress through the first round of the Setanta Sports Cup for the first time in four years having been knocked out in their previous three outings against Cliftonville in both 2011 and 2012, and Glentoran last year.
Speaking to stpatsfc.com about the challenge of facing Ballinamallard, Liam Buckley spoke of the tough game he expects his side will get against the Irish Premiership side.
“Ballinamallard really put it up to us the last day, so we'll be expecting them to produce the same type of challenge. We've thankfully got a lead going into the game, but we'll treat the game as normal and look to go out and win.”
In team news, the Saints could be without the services of Killian Brennan with a groin strain after he picked up the injury in the pre-match warm-up against Cork City before last Friday. Otherwise, Buckley has a full squad to select from.
For Saints' midfielder Lee Lynch, the objective on Monday night is clear in that the Saints will be looking to finish the job off and progress to the semi-finals of the Setanta Sports Cup.
“Monday is a case of getting the result and getting through to the next round. I'm sure we'll change it around as we've such a big squad, but it's just a case of getting the result and going through to the next round,” the Limerick born midfielder told stpatsfc.com.
“We've such a good squad with the boys coming in. There's really no difference between us all. They'll know their jobs coming in, know their roles and be as good as the other lads who started the previous game.”
