LOCAL officials are optimistic that, at the third time of asking, Waterford United will be able to stage their FAI Cup, first round, tie against Galway United at the Regional Sports Centre this evening.
That will reassure the harassed men of Merrion Square who recall that when these same clubs were drawn together last season it required 43 days to complete a tie which encompassed four postponements, an abandonment and two draws before a result was reached.
The latest deferral has not been without some cost to Waterford. They must now legislate for the absence of their captain. Alan Reynolds, who began a five-game suspension on Monday.
Galway, who hope to appoint a managerial replacement for Tony Mann ion within the next week, will be strengthened by the return of the talented Billy Clery. but their two mature strikers, Donie Farragher and John Brennan are both required to prove their fitness.
Home Farm-Everton will be without the experienced Peter Eccles when they travel to Cork for their first round tie against Munster League club Temple United at Turner's Cross.
Eccles, on loan to Home Farm from Crusaders, has broken a bone in his foot and his loss will exacerbate the task of restricting Temple, who include Pat Keane, a younger brother of the Manchester United and Republic of Ireland player, Roy, in their side.
Limerick must plan without Noel King and Albert Finan, both suspended, for their meeting with University College, Cork at the Mardyke. Mark Pierse. their central defender is doubtful because of injury and the cumulative effect will be to heighten the sense of apprehension going into a game in which the university club will be hoping to extend an unbeaten 14-game sequence.
Sligo Rovers, who survived a difficult FAI Cup assignment in Cobb last Saturday, will be hoping to enhance their Premier Division championship challenge with a win over Cork City at Bishopstown this evening.
Cork are faced with a potentially embarrassing situation in goal when Alec Ludzic, a week past his 46th birthday, stands by as cover for Jody Byrne. Byrne strained a thigh in last Sunday's Cup win over TEK United.
