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Shelbourne's pre-match huddle. ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne
Preview

Here's all you need to know about this weekend's FAI Cup games

Several of the country’s best intermediate sides will be looking to do some giant-killing.

Tonight

Bray Wanderers v Shelbourne

SHELBOURNE went all the way to the final last year and will be looking to start a similar run in front of the RTE cameras (7.05pm) when they visit the Carlisle Grounds. Wanderers are no strangers to FAI Ford Cup success having lifted the cup in 1990 and 1999 – beating Shels along the way on both occasions!

Blarney United v Malahide United

Munster Senior League outfit Blarney United will be looking to make home advantage tell when Dubliners Malahide United visit O’Shea Park. Malahide are managed by former FAI FordCup winner Vinny Perth and have enjoyed an impressive season, earning promotion to the top division of the Leinster Senior League.

Bohemians v Drumkeen United

Bohemians will host Donegal outfit Drumkeen United in a novel encounter at Dalymount Park. Managed by Brendan  Bonner and Chris Kyle, Drumkeen’s Ulster  Senior League season kicked off earlier this month with three defeats but they come in the tie on the back of a 3-3 draw against Swilly Rovers.

Cork City v Athlone Town

Former Cork City chairman John O’Sullivan makes a surprise early return to Turner’s Cross in his new role as CEO of Athlone Town. City ran out 7-0 winners when these sides met in the league last season but Cork know that the task ahead of them is likely to be a tougher one in this tie.

Derry City v Finn Harps

Derry City host neighbours Finn Harps in an intriguing cup tie at the Brandywell as Declan Devine’s side find their best form with three consecutive victories. Former Candystripes caretaker boss Peter Hutton is now in sole charge of Harps and will recall that Derry beat his side 4-0 in the EA Sports Cup earlier this year.

Derry’s Stephen McLaughlin. Credit: ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy

Drogheda United v Mayfield United

Drogheda United will look to prove their cup credentials when Mick Cooke’s side hosts Munster Senior League outfit Mayfield United. The Cork side will look to go one better than their neighbours Cork City, who were held to a draw at Hunky Dorys Park last Monday. Tadhg O’Neill’s side finished third in their league this term.

Dundalk v St Patrick’s CY

Dundalk will look to build some momentum in the cup to build on their surprise league win over St Patrick’s Athletic on Monday. The Lilywhites would relish a chance to lift the FAI FordCup for the tenth occasion. St Pat’s CY are nearing the end of a very impressive campaign in the top flight of the Leinster Senior League and will travel to Oriel Park looking to cause a shock.

SD Galway v Mervue United

SD Galway and Mervue United meet in a Galway-derby that has a unique feel to it. The two sides drew 2-2 in the Airtricity League when they met in April and the home side are still looking for their first home win of the campaign. Mervue come into the side in reasonable form with two wins from four.

Sligo Rovers v Monaghan United

Sligo Rovers will bid to lift the cup for a remarkable third season in a row in 2012 but Ian Baraclough’s side will consider the visit of Roddy Collins’s men to the Showgrounds a tricky assignment. Sligo suffered a shock defeat by UCD last time out while Monaghan held Shamrock Rovers to a draw.

UCD v Phoenix

UCD proved their quality with a 1-0 win over Sligo Rovers on Monday but will face a tough test against Leinster Senior League outfit Phoenix. The Navan Road side feature a number of experienced former league stars in their set-up with Harry Kenny and Marc Kenny involved in the structure.

Shamrock Rovers v Limerick

Former Shamrock Rovers boss Pat Scully will take his Limerick side to Tallaght Stadium with every intention of causing an upset. Limerick have won their last three games while the Hoops were held to a scoreless draw by Monaghan United on Monday.

Sunday

Kildrum Tigers v Avondale United

FAI Intermediate Cup winners Avondale United will travel to Donegal for a tough test against Ulster Senior League side Kildrum Tigers. Avondale recently won the Munster Senior League and will look to maintain their impressive campaign by continuing their cup run.

Cherry Orchard v Longford Town

Cherry Orchard will ‘host’ Longford Town at Frank Cooke Park, home of Tolka Rovers. Orchard, who include former FAI Ford Cup winning skipper Tony O’Connor in their coaching ranks, were recently beaten in the FAI Intermediate Cup final and will be a tough test for the First Division leaders.

Douglas Hall v Wexford Youths

Douglas Hall will welcome First Division Wexford Youths to Moneygourney looking to become one of the giant-killers in this year’s FAI Ford Cup. Wexford dumped Derry City from thecup last year so will be keen to launch another cup run this time around.

Crumlin United v St Patrick’s Athletic

Crumlin United have ceded home advantage to their illustrious neighbours for this cup clash but Martin Loughran’s side have caused plenty of headaches for league clubs in recent campaigns. Crumlin recently clinched their Leinster Senior League top division title so are in good form.

Everton v Waterford United

Everton will look to come out on top in this unusual Munster derby when they host Paul O’Brien’s Blues. Waterford have settled down in recent weeks with four wins from their last five league games to move into third in the First Division, albeit trailing second placed Limerick by seven points.

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