THERE will hardly be a more atmospheric occasion all season. For the second FAI Harp Cup tie running, United Park in Drogheda will be filled to its 5,500 capacity. All that's needed now is a memorable second round tie and with Shelbourne in town that seems pretty much assured.

Drogheda, emboldened by the memory of their extra time win over neighbours Dundalk in round one, is abuzz with anticipation. What chance there is of an upset has surely been increased by Jim McLaughlin's side earning home advantage, where the compact nature of the ground and the full house will make it seem as if 20,000 are in attendance.

Shelbourne, twice finalists in the last three years, are again displaying the kind of form (the fewest goals conceded and fewest defeats in the Premier Division) which could launch another long Cup run.

However, Drogheda are revelling in their escape from relegation travails. If they again turn league standings on their head, then it will add credence to McLaughlin's surprisingly bold comment, "We've a sneaking feeling for the Cup this year."

It would seem the pick of three. typically all embracing Cup ties, with the country's three best teams on current form staking their reputations against a relegation threatened Premier side (Drogheda), an improving mid table First Division side (Kilkenny) and those shark like non League floaters from the Inishowen peninsula (Fanad).

The latter's manager, Eamon McConigley, could have been speaking for all three underdogs when he said: "This is one to enjoy. They're under no pressure, they're carefree, and they're dangerous.