Tough FAI Cup ties for top two as Rovers and Shelbourne lie in wait

The league’s top two have been handed tricky quarter-final ties in the Ford-sponsored FAI Cup with St Patrick’s Athletic facing another encounter with close rivals Shamrock Rovers and Dundalk facing Shelbourne at Tolka Park.

The previous games between the two southside Dublin teams this year have produced their fair share of drama, most recently when Liam Buckley’s side stunned the home fans by winning 4-0 in Tallaght.

Overall, though, Rovers have edged the meetings with a home win in the league, a draw at Inchicore and narrow victory at the same stage of the League Cup late last month. Trevor Croly’s side have since qualified for the final of that competition.

Dundalk, meanwhile, have beaten Shelbourne three times in the Premier Division, during the current campaign, most recently by two goals to one in Dublin and their league position and strong away form suggests they will start the game as favourites.

However, there has not been much between the two sides in the Dublin games so the hosts are bound to feel confident of advancing.

The holders Derry face a particularly tough quarter-final trip to Sligo later this month but only if they can overcome non-league outfit Bluebell United when the two sides meet again at the Brandywell tonight.

The Draw: Shelbourne v Dundalk; St Patrick's Ath v Shamrock Rovers; Sligo Rovers v Derry City or Bluebell; Finn Harps v Drogheda Utd