The Setanta Sports Cup 2009–10 is the 5th staging of the cross-border Setanta Sports Cup competition - which features football clubs from the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. It commenced on August 28, 2009, and the final is scheduled for May 15, 2010.[1]
On June 22, 2009, the draw for the competition was postponed because of the financial troubles of organizer Setanta Sports. However, on July 19, 2009, it was confirmed that the competition would be going ahead as planned, and the draw was made at FAI headquarters in Abbotstown, Dublin, on July 28.[2][3]
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"It is only fair for the tournament winners to be given the chance to defend their crown."
In the 2009–10 season, the Setanta Cup has been expanded to nine teams, comprising three groups of three. The three group winners qualify for the semi-finals, as does the group runner-up with the best record. Teams are drawn from the top four of both leagues,[4] with an additional place for the winners of the previous competition, Cork City. In a further change to the format of previous years, games are expected to take place on weekends instead of midweek.[5]
| Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sligo Rovers | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 11 | 4 | +7 | 10 |
| Cork City | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 8 | -5 | 4 |
| Cliftonville | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 5 | 7 | -2 | 3 |
Fixtures and results:
Because of Cork City's demise, the club were expelled from the 2009/10 Setanta Sports Cup and for the unplayed games (at home to Sligo and away to Cliftonville) the opposition were awarded 3-0 wins, apiece. Cork City's record was not expunged.
| Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bohemians | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 3 | +3 | 8 |
| Glentoran | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 5 |
| Coleraine | 4 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 6 | -3 | 2 |
Fixtures and results:
| Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Linfield | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 2 | 4 | 8 |
| St Patrick's Athletic | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 5 |
| Derry City | 4 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 8 | -6 | 2 |
Fixtures and results:
Because of Derry City's expulsion from the League of Ireland and the club subsequently being dissolved, their remaining fixtures were cancelled and the opposition (once against Linfield, once against St.Pats) awarded 3-0 victories.[7]
| Team 1 | Agg. | Team 2 | 1st leg | 2nd leg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bohemians | 3-1 | Linfield | 2-1 | 1-0 |
| St Patrick's Athletic | 6-2 | Sligo Rovers | 4-1 | 2-1 |
| 15 May 2010 18:30 |
St Patrick's Athletic | 0 - 1 | Bohemians | Tallaght Stadium Attendance: 3896 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Report | Anto Murphy 24' |
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