Bluebell set for showdown with Hoops in Tallaght
By Stephen Leonard
BLUEBELL United manager Andy Noonan is under no illusion about the challenge that faces his side in trying to derail SSE Airtricity League giants Shamrock Rovers in their FAI Cup quarter-final clash in Tallaght Stadium tomorrow night (Friday).
The Leinster Senior League outfit, while drawn at home for this tie, were denied that advantage on the grounds of health and safety issues that could arise with there being just one entrance into the ground.
While pleased to have seen his side drawn against one of the competition’s big hitters, Noonan feels that the loss of home field advantage could prove telling to his side’s already slim chances of progressing.
“I was initially happy with the draw when I saw it was a home one for us,” Noonan told The Echo.
“But the fact that we can’t play it there now is disappointing. There was a health and safety issue with it being played there because there is only one entrance and it might not be able to cope with the volumes expected on the night and that could lead to a bottleneck.
“Tallaght Stadium is a big pitch and the lads haven’t played on a pitch that size in a long time.
“There’s only one pitch in the Leinster Senior League similar in its dimensions, the Iveagh Grounds, and we haven’t played there in a while.
“So with that, I think it’s going to come down to fitness and Rovers definitely have the edge on us there. They’re a full-time side.
“But there is no expectation on us and I’ve told the lads to go and enjoy the experience.
“The players will be bringing their families and this game is a reflection of what the club is all about.
“Rovers have been very accommodating to us because they appreciate what this game means to the club,” he added.
While did they slip up in their Leinster Senior League opener against St Patrick’s CYFC, Bluebell have bounced back with wins over Newbridge Town and Firhouse Clover.
Yet a Rovers team that has won their last three league games and are brimming with confidence following their 3-1 victory over runaway leaders Cork City on Friday night, presents a far tougher test for Noonan and his Bluebell players.
“I was at the Rovers match against Cork. I missed the first half, but, by all accounts, they were very good and in the second half, against the champions elect, they tore them apart.
“Stephen Bradley is a very good manager and you can see that the fans have bought into what he’s trying to do there with bringing the youth through.
“They are patient, because there’s a process there and they have a plan.
“Rovers is a big club. There’s a demand there from the supporters and they’ll want to see their side put on a show against a non-league side. We’ll do our best to match that” he insisted.
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