Top guns avoid collision

FAI Cup: Don't mention the luck of the draw to the four non-Premier Division sides still in the FAI Cup. The quartet of top-flight sides avoided each other, as Irish manager Brian Kerr and international striker Clinton Morrison paired non-league Rockmount away to Waterford United, UCD at home to Drogheda United and Kildare County and Athlone Town both away to Derry City and Longford Town respectively in last night's quarter-final draw.

On paper, only UCD would appear to have a decent chance of causing an upset.

The glamour tie would have been Munster Senior League side Rockmount at home to anyone, but their captain Pat Oldham accepted Waterford away was their second preference.

"It's not ideal as we would have hoped for a home draw," said Oldham. "But of all the away draws we could have got, we'd have been happiest with Waterford. It's only down the road. In fact, we'd have settled for them at home or away and we've got that.

"We're just happy to still be in the competition at this stage. It's a Munster derby and we'll bring a crowd with us."

Alan Mathews, manager of holders Longford Town, scarcely hid his glee at drawing fellow midlanders Athlone Town at home. "We're delighted that it's a home draw," said Mathews. "It's a derby and hopefully there will be a big crowd like there was on Monday night for the League Cup final. It's an opportunity for us to progress."

Tony McDonnell, captain of First Division leaders UCD, wasn't jumping through hoops either at the prospect of playing in-form Drogheda, even at home in perhaps the most intriguing tie of the round which sees Drogheda manager Paul Doolin returning to his last club.

"Obviously, we could have got an easier draw," said McDonnell. "But we are at home in the quarter-finals of the cup, so we can't complain."

Courtesy of being top of the Premier Division, for the moment at least, Drogheda are the bookies favourites to win the cup, though their captain Danny O'Connor played it down. "It's going to be a tough game, away from home, but we are happy enough, it could have been worse," said O'Connor.

"We've been playing well and the form we are in we should fear nobody."

Derry City v Kildare County Longford Town v Athlone Town UCD v Drogheda United Waterford United v Rockmount

To be played week ending Sept 12