WITH the fight to avoid relegation on the back burner, Galway United manager Jeff Kenna has urged his players to grasp the opportunity to reach a cup semi-final when they meet Bray Wanderers at Terryland Park tonight (kick-off 7.45).
It's nine years since Galway last achieved that, though whether they'll match the 6,300 crowd they had for that quarter-final win over St Patrick's Athletic remains to be seen.
"I would appeal to fans to make the effort, bring a few of their friends and get behind the team as we bid to make it to the semi-finals," said Kenna. "It's not every day you reach a cup quarter-final and this is a great opportunity for the club.
"The players are under no illusions about what's required of them, particularly after our recent (4-1 league) defeat to Cobh Ramblers."
Kenna's squad is stretched, however, as winger Jay O'Shea is suspended, while Alan Murphy and Iarfhlaith Davoren are cup-tied. Striker Derek Glynn is out with a chest infection.
Bray are without defender Ronan Ivory (pelvis) and midfielder Mark Duggan, who is suspended.
"We're looking forward to the game," said Bray manager Eddie Gormley, who welcomes back central defender Kevin Doherty after a three-game absence with a thigh problem. - Paul Buttner