Browne’s Braves give Bohs a tough examination. © Eamon Scott

BOBBY BROWNE'S part-time intermediates bowed out of the Ford FAI Cup at Gannon Park on Sunday - but not before giving Sean Connor's Bohemians a tough examination of their credentials.

It took a 79th minute strike from Republic of Ireland striker Glen Crowe to swing the match the Gypsies way, but the Leinster Senior Intermediates can take a huge amount of credit for their performance over 90 minutes and much of the credit goes to boss Browne, assistant Deccie Roche and the backroom staff for the pre-match preparation.

Victories over Kildrum Tigers and Cherry Orchard had earned Malahide the right to host the much vaunted Phibsboro side to decide who would advance to the quarter-final, and, from the off, United's commitment and attitude put the Dalymount Park side on notice, that this wasn't going to be a Sunday morning stroll.

In front of an 1100 crowd, the early kick-off caught some visiting fans still steaming out along the Coast Road as referee Dave Tomney got match proceedings under way and it was the red and black shirts of Malahide who came closest to threaten on Tony Reilly's immaculately prepared pitch as Wayne Griffin broke free down the right before setting up Mick Wright who saw his effort blocked out for a corner by a fast retreating Bohs.

Wright was providing the cutting edge for Malahide and Gypsies' defenders Owen Heary and Dean Pooley had to be alert to thwart him as the sight of goal opened up for him a second time.

In the middle of the park Adam Shehabbadin wasn't afraid of reputations and put in some meaty challenges on Kevin Hunt and Neale Fenn as Malahide warmed to their task impressively.

Bohs has plenty of possession and despite the wind at their backs in the opening period, could only muster a couple of half-chances on Stephen Cashin's goal. In front of Cashin, the John Lawlor led defence made life extremely difficult for the visitors with well timed challenges the order of the day.

Republic of Ireland under 21 star John Paul Kelly was pressurised time after time when he got on the ball and Malahide's containment exercise gave hope of quick counter-attacks opening up a route to Barry Murphy's goal.

Scoreless at the interval, it was Bohs boss Connor who was first to tinker with his line-up as he introduced Chris Turner for Ian Rossiter at the interval, Darren Mansarem replaced Fenn in the 69th minute while Fergal Harkin also entered the fray for Kelly in the 73rd minute.

The deciding goal was netted by Crowe but it was former Sligo Rovers ace Mansarem who provided the key to unlocking the Malahide rearguard. With just 11 minutes left on the clock Mansarem broke down the left flank and his square ball found Crowe well positioned to dink the ball home past the advancing Cashin from a narrow angle.

It was a cruel blow on Browne's battling side but they showed the fighting cup spirit and pushed forward looking to get the game back to level pegging. That strategy ran the risk of leaving themselves a little exposed at the back and Mansaram might have profited but found Cashin in superb form as his double reflex save kept his side in the game right to the very end.

MALAHIDE: Cashin; McCormack, Lawlor, Murtagh, Trainor, Wright, Shehabbadin (Murphy 86), Doyle, Logan, Griffin (Ivory 78), Scully.

BOHEMIANS: Murphy; Heary; McGuinness, Pooley, Powell, Rossiter (Turner 46), McCann, Hunt, Kelly (Harkin 73), Fenn (Mansarem 61), Crowe.

REF: D Tomney (Dublin)

Bohemians face a potentially tricky task in this FAI Ford Cup third round tie. The current EBS Metropolitan Cup holders, Malahide United, await the Gypsies at high noon on Sunday.

A good run in the cup will be important to everyone involved at Dalymount. Bohs' league form is showing signs of improvement, but other teams are in pole position at present. The Gypsies’ faithful will hope to satisfy their ambitions with victory in one or both of the cup competitions.

Manager Sean Connor is eager to get the ball rolling and secure the first silverware of his tenure. After qualifying for the League Cup Final, he will be hoping to replicate that achievement in the “Blue Riband”.

In a confident but also cautious mood, the Bohs manager said, “If we play to our full potential we should win the tie, but we will not be taking Malahide lightly. I know from experience that they can be difficult opponents.”

Connor has reason to be cautious. Two years ago, Sligo Rovers, under his tutelage, were taken to a replay by Malahide in the same competiton.

Bohs fans will not appreciate being reminded of recent cup clashes with lower tier opposition. Humbling defeats to first division opposition Kildare County and Shamrock Rovers have marked a low ebb in the club’s fortunes in the cup, and should serve as a ready reminder to those who view this tie as a formality.

On the playing front, Bohs will miss new signings Stephen O’Donnell and the recently signed, former Oldham and current Northern Ireland U-21 goalkeeper, Alan Blayney. Neither of the two has been registered in time.

Summer signing from Sligo Rovers Chris Turner has begun training with the squad, after recovering from injury. The Northern Ireland U-21 international is expected to make his Bohemian debut at some point in this game.

First-choice keeper Brian Murphy has had a good opportunity to rest the shoulder he injured in the defeat to Longford, and will take his place in the team.

Malahide United finished fourth in the Leinster Senior League last season, and begin their competitive season this term with this tie. They saw off Cherry Orchard in the previous round of this competition in their final game of last season.

Managed by former Shelbourne stalwart Bobby Browne, they will have their homework done.

Malahide have in their ranks former eircom League players Gareth Logan (Bohs U-21's and Dublin City), Stephen Cashin (Kilkenny) and former underage international Stephen Murphy. Ironically, Stephen was an U-20 international teammate of Bohs hit man Glen Crowe under Brian Kerr in Malaysia.

Malahide finished fourth in the Leinster Senior League last season and are fully back in training ahead of Sunday's game. Manager Bobby Browne has a couple of former League of Ireland players in his squad for the game including Gareth Logan and Stephen Cashin. Cashin played for Kilkenny City while Logan lined out for Dublin City after a spell with Bohs' under-21 side.

Also set to feature is Stephen Murphy who was part of the Irish under-20 side which finished third at the World Cup in Malaysia in 1997. The Brian Kerr managed Irish squad also included current Bohs strikers Glen Crowe and Neale Fenn.

Malahide boss Browne has plenty of experience of games against Bohs, "When the name came out of the hat I was delighted. Bohs are a big team and I've had a fair few tussles with them over the years, be it with Shelbourne or Drogheda. Games against Bohs are always entertaining and they'll bring a big crowd too. We want to put in a good account of ourselves and hopefully get the breaks we need too".

Ankle and hamstring injuries leave Mark McCormack and Wayne Griffin doubtful for the home side.

Recent Bohs signings Stephen O'Donnell and Alan Blayney are not eligible after their signings weren't completed in time to feature in the FAI Cup. Goalkeeper Blayney is a former Northern Irish under-21 international who has also played for Oldham. However, another recent signing Chris Turner is expected to make his Bohs debut during the game after recovering from injury.

First choice Bohs keeper Brian Murphy is set to return after missing last week's 2-1 win over Cork with a shoulder injury. However, Stephen Rice looks set to remain out in the cold while Dessie Byrne was also not involved in any capacity for last week's game.

Current Bohs boss Sean Connor came up against Malahide in the 2005 FAI Cup, eventually progressing after extra-time in a replay. Connor also saw his Sligo charges struggle against non league Killester last season and will be hoping to get through at the first time of asking this year. "If we play to our full potential we should win the tie but we will not be taking Malahide lightly. I know from experience that they can be difficult opponents."

Bohs themselves have gone out of the cup to unfancied opponents in two of the last three seasons, losing to first division sides Kildare County and Shamrock Rovers in 2004 and 2006 respectively. They were also taken to a replay by non-league Wayside Celtic in 2005.

Indeed, Bohs have made a habit of struggling against "lesser" teams recently while lifting themselves for bigger games. Although they lost to UCD and heavily to Longford, Bohs battled through to the League Cup Final despite having only ten men for seventy five minutes against Shamrock Rovers and secured a hard fought win over Cork City last weekend.

Bohs edged past Drogheda United in the second round while Malahide had to see off Kildrum Tigers and Cherry Orchard to reach the third round.

Six time winners of the FAI Cup, Bohs haven't been in a final since the first of 2002's two deciders - when they lost to Dundalk.

IrishFootballOnline.com Prediction: Away win.

Malahide, another slick non-league set up here. Last seasons Metropolitan Cup Winners, always has a good pedigree. For Bohemians nothing but a win would be acceptable to an already disgruntled fan base. Great things were expected from Connors this year. The fact that he apparently doesn’t seem to know where some of his players actually play may account for this. Like Pats, they have invested heavily this year and nothing but a final appearance may end up costing him his job. His players need to deliver. Bohemians should win.

Douglas Hall play Limerick 37 on Friday night at Jackman Park at 7.45 pm. while Malahide United will take advantage of their home draw by hosting a visit from Bohemians to Gannon Park on Sunday at 12 noon.

Malahide have made their made all-ticket for they accept they will not be able to accommodate everybody who will want to enjoy the contest in one of the most scenic parts of Dublin.

Gannon Park is a magnificent venue, if a little restricted when it comes to spectator accommodation.

The playing pitch at the stadium is state-of-the-art, the dressing-room facilities top-class. Little wonder that the Republic of Ireland senior international squad use the venue for their pre-match preparations.

Malahide will have their hands full with a Bohemians side currently enjoying a good run of form. Bohs 1-0 win over Drogheda United in the second round at United Park suggested this is a team with a mission.

Malahide overcame Cherry Orchard 2-0 in the second round with goals from Alan Doyle and Michael Reilly. This will be a big occasion in the history of a club where the officers and members are determined to do things right.

While the odds are against them winning the match, they will give it an honest shot and you can bet the challenge of coping with the big occasion will be dealt with to their own high standards.

Sat 18/8 - 7.55pm : For those of you that are into stats check out this link for recent form and stats for both teams. Hope your Polish is good. Mind you when you scroll down to the "Malahide Meczach" section, they have an interesting scoreline already updated as of now (see below)!!!! What will it be tomorrow!

EAMON SCOTT's Report

BOBBY BROWNE'S big-hearted Seniors produced a performance full of gritand determination to shatter Cherry Orchard with an injury time winner at GannonPark on Friday evening.  And the Metropolitan Cup winners had to do it the hardway coming from a goal down after Robbie Shields had fired the Cherries ahead on 23 minutes after David Jackson's accurate right wing cross.

But it was the trickery of Gareth Logan, which had proved a thorn in the Ballyfermot side's game plan all night, that provided the key to redemption as Malahide tied the game up with a deserved equaliser on the stroke of halftime. Logan did the spade work with a flash of creative industry to gain a  yard of space and he set up Alan Doyle to ram the ball past Gary Kelly in the Orchard goal with a firmly planted header. 

It was a key moment  on an evening of rip roaring cup fare on the  Coast Road and it was a buoyant home side which trotted off the park at the interval while a devastated visiting team immediately launched an interval investigation as to how they had leaked the equaliser.  Truth was Malahide had been the better of the two sides and while the Orchard absorbed a lot of the home side's pressure, most of the quality came from the John Lawlor skippered side and even when Malahide fell behind, Browne's Boys kepttheir heads and produced the more cultured football.

The second half was one of few chances but home keeper Cashin earned his corn with a wonderful acrobatic stop 10 minutes into the second period tipping a goal bound shot over the crossbar. Malahide pressed hard for a winner and a couple of set pieces gave them a sight of goal but without any dividend. Then, just when it looked as if both sides had settled for a draw, Malahide snatched the spoils in dramatic fashion with Mick Wright grabbing the dressing room bragging rights with a killer goal to send his team mates and supporters wild with delight. Lawlor popped up down the right flank and his back post cross was bundled home by Wright past the combined efforts of netminder Kelly and Stephen Barry. It was a deadly blow and although three minutes of injury time were announced by Sean Gaine on the PA, Malahide were not going to relinquish an advantage hard won at that stage. Both teams were well matched in the second period but Wright showed tremendous courage as he finished off Man of the Match Lawlor's cross.

Bring on the big boys!

MALAHIDE UNITED: Cashin; McCormack,Lawlor, Murtagh, Cox; Murphy, Doyle,Wright (Prenderville 90), Shahabadeen;Ivory (Scully 68), Logan.

CHERRY ORCHARD: Kelly, Sullivan,Barry, P McNevin; A McNevin, Marr, Jackson, McCarthy, O'Halloran; Shields (O'Meara 75), Sheppard.

...The Irish Independant Match Report (Peter Furey)

...The Irish Times Match Report (Peter Furey)

Malahide Aiming for FAI Cup run
© Fingal Independant 23/06/07 - Paraic Brady

MALAHIDE Utd, fresh off the back of a Metropolitan Cup victory, are hoping to make history again by winning their second round FAI Cup game against Cherry Orchard, at Gannon Park, next Friday at 7pm.‘It is another big game for the club and we are looking forward to it,’ said Club secretary , Michael Penrose, who was happy to announce the squad are fit, well and fresh off the back of a Metropolitan Cup victory, are hoping to make history again by winning their second round FAI Cup game against Cherry Orchard, at Gannon Park, next Friday at 7pm.

‘It is another big game for the club and we are looking forward to it,’ said Club secretary , Michael Penrose, who was happy to announce the squad are fit, well and ‘reasonably confident.’

Indeed Malahide have every reason to be positive when you consider they beat Cherry Orchard twice last season, away in the league and away in the quarter finals of the Metropolitan.

However it is a cup game and anything can happen and bear in mind the Orchard beat Malahide at Gannon Park at the start of season.

Key men on the day will be the likes of Adam Shehabadeen, John Lawlor, and Gareth Logan.

Shehabadeen and Logan have been stalwarts in the middle of the field while centre half Lawlor has been exceptional in defence and got man of the match after the Metropolitan final.

The Fingal side cruised past Kildrum Tigers from Donegal in the first round of the FAI Cup and Penrose described their result as ‘a relatively easy win’ before going on to say he expects the game on Friday to be a lot harder as it will be between to Senior Division sides.

He is hopping there will be a good turn out. ‘Support will be greatly appreciated on the night,’ he said. ‘It is important we make the most of our home advantage.’

Assuming the Fingal outfit win they will go into the last 16 of what is the biggest domestic cup competition.

‘It will mean we will go into the third round and have another exciting open draw that could see us paired against the likes of Derry or St. Patrick’s Athletic,’ he stated.

Malahide have never got into the third round of the FAI Cup before so should they overcome Cherry Orchard it will be history in the making.