Ulster Senior League champions Cockhill Celtic face League of Ireland First Division side Galway United this evening in the EA Sports Cup at Eamon Deacy Park (kick-off 5pm).
The tie was reschedule after being called off due to Storm Emma a couple of weeks ago.
Galway have been going well and have seven points from their opening three League games so far.
“It’s a big game to be involved in, with no pressure or expectation,” Cockhill player-manager Gavin Cullen said.
“We’ll go down and enjoy it.
“They’re a good side. They’re a Premier Division club in everything bar their League position. They’ll be expected to be at the top of the First Division.
“We know we’ll be up against it.
“We’ll have to be at the top of our game to get anything.”
Cockhill have won each of the last five Ulster Senior League and League Cup doubles. The Inishowen side have lost Mark Coyle and Garbhan Friel from their attack in recent times, but they still possess a formidable squad.
Cockhill are joint top of the USL with Fanad United, but have games in hand.
Cullen said: “I felt at the beginning of the season that we were unplayable. It was as good as I’ve seen. It got very frustrating with no games for a lot of weeks. It took the motion and consistency out of us. I’m very happy with the players. We still have another gear in us.”
Seven years ago, a Pauric McKinney hat-trick fired Cockhill to a memorable 3-1 win over Galway in this competition.
Galway are unlikely to risk striker Danny Furlong, while Robbie Williams, Carlton Ubaezuonu and Aaron Conway are out.
Manager Shane Keegan said: “Monday will be a very big test for us. Cockhill Celtic are a very good side at their own level and it’s not a million years ago that they knocked Galway United out of the EA Sports Cup.
“That will serve as a timely reminder for us that unless we’re at our best, it’s very easy to get stung.”
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