FAI Cup semi-final: Towards the end of a season during which he has had to endure both the tightening of belts and the deduction of points, Longford Town manager Alan Mathews accepts he and his employers may have somewhat different outlooks on what the best thing about a victory over UCD in tomorrow's second FAI Cup semi-final would be.
"I'd imagine that the financial committee are saying novenas for a win. And I'm sure they'd change their religion altogether if they thought it might guarantee them a place in the final," he laughs.
But Mathews' motivation is to see players who have already shown considerable character in recent months earn the reward of a place in the season's showpiece. It's an honour he has enjoyed regularly in recent years himself but would be new to a much changed Longford side.
"It would be great for this group," he says, "because with the exception of Sean Prunty and Dessie Baker, the rest of the group has arrived since the last cup final and there's only Mark Rutherford who has experienced it.
"They've been through a lot. We had some problems at the start of the season but we were lucky to keep some good players at the club while getting a few with a great attitude. We've got two league matches left that will both be like cup finals but I'd love to see them still involved on the last day of the season. It would a wonderful for them to experience what is a terrific occasion."
Longford's progress to this point has been smooth even if they've had a reasonable draw to date comprising Celbridge, Fanad and Limerick. They haven't lost to their hosts tomorrow in three league meetings this year.
Both teams have a couple of players cup-tied, while UCD may well be hampered by the absence of Shane McFaul who picked up an ankle injury against Bohemians on Monday. "They're an excellent team. Strong in every department. So many people talked about wanting Bohemians and Cork in the final, I think they were wrong. I think whichever of us wins will bring something special to the final."
- Emmet Malone
