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Break My Stride

Athlone's Robbie Benson Targeting A Maiden FAI Cup Winners Medal This Sunday

Friday, 26 November 2021 14:44

Photo Credit: St. Pats Twitter

They take on Bohemians on Sunday afternoon.

Athlone's Robbie Benson goes in search of an 8th senior medal in the FAI Cup this Sunday. 

The former Athlone Town midfielder has collected three league winners medals, two league cups, a presidents cup and a champions cup during his time in Dundalk but now he returns to a sold out Aviva Stadium with St. Patrick's Athletic. 

Benson has made two appearances in the cup so far in the opening round against Bray Wanderers and as a second-half substitute in their semi-final against Dundalk. 

He was a regular in the League of Ireland Premier Division, making 23 appearances and scoring five goals across the campaign. Logging over 1,889 minutes on the pitch in total. 

That ranks 13th in the Inchicore club's squad. 

More than 36,000 people are expected to pack into the Aviva to create a new attendance record for a cup final at the ground. 

Bohemians provide stiff opposition but both sets of players are looking forward to the contest. 

St. Patrick’s Athletic captain Ian Bermingham said:

“It’s the biggest game in the League of Ireland’s calendar year. It’s obviously going to be an exciting day for us all – the players, staff, fans, players’ families. We’re really looking forward to it and hopefully it’s a really good occasion.  

“We’ve finished second in the league and qualified for Europe but if we can go and get some silverware too it would have been a brilliant season for us. It’s going to be a tough game and Bohs are a tough team so we’re going to have to be at our max to come out on top. 

“They [the fans] have cheered us on all season, when they’ve been allowed back into the stadium, and I think at home they’ve made it a fortress. We hope for the same at the Aviva and that they come out in their numbers, cheer us on and be that 12th man to push us on to hopefully win the cup.  

“Hopefully the good times are coming back and hopefully we can go win the cup on Sunday.”

Bohemians defender Andy Lyons said:

“We’re really looking forward to the game. The big thing for us is making our fans proud, they’ve been through a lot in the last few years.  

“We’re looking at putting a performance in and if we do everything we can on the day hopefully the result should look after itself. 

“If you look back at the atmosphere at those European games at the Aviva, they were electric and there were still restrictions in place. So if you can add a few more Bohs fans to that, which there will be, I think the atmosphere is going to be incredible to be honest with you. That’s something we’re relishing to experience. 

“Our last final was in 2008 and when you add the fact fans weren’t able to get to games due to COVID and you see the fans' reaction in the semi-final against Waterford you just know they’re going to look forward to the occasion just as much as we are.” 

Match Officials

Referee: Rob Hennessy
Assistant 1: Dermot Broughton
Assistant 2: Michelle O'Neill
Fourth Official: Damien MacGraith 
Reserve Assistant: Brian Fenlon

Match Details

Stadium: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Date: Sunday, November 28
Kick-off: 4pm

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