Avondale United celebrated winning the Munster Senior League Premier Division title in style by qualifying for the second round of the FAI Ford Senior Cup with a 3-1 victory over Sheriff YC at Avondale Park yesterday.

THE black adidas top with the Liver bird on the chest betrays Avondale United player-manager John Cotter’s ‘other’ footballing allegiance.

THIS coming Sunday is a third FAI Intermediate Cup final with Avondale United for Eoghan Lougheed.

It’s an all First Division clash as Cork City Foras Co-op entertain Monaghan United at Turner’s Cross tonight, kick-off 7.45pm.

LAST week’s narrow defeat to Waterford may mean that promotion will prove a bridge too far for Cork City FORAS this year, but the FAI Ford Cup remains a potential path to glory for the club in its first year after coming back from the dead.

THEY might have fallen to Sligo in the EA Sports Cup semi-final but Shamrock Rovers still have their eyes on the big prize.

WITH leaders St Pat’s not in action until tomorrow, when they travel to the Showgrounds to play Sligo Rovers, Sporting Fingal have a chance to go top of the Airtricity Premier Division tonight when they resume their campaign by hosting UCD at Morton Stadium (all games 7.45pm unless stated).

JOHN COTTER was the toast of Avondale United last night after his last-gasp winner helped the Leesiders retain the FAI Intermediate Cup at rain-swept Turner’s Cross.

Avondale United have won the FAI Intermediate Cup.

ROY KEANE will lead a youthful Manchester United XI in the Midsummer Challenge game against Cobh Ramblers at Turners Cross in Cork on Saturday night (k.o. 7.30pm).

Bill George

MIDDLESBROUGH have captured highly-rated striker Malcolm Christie and his Derby team-mate Chris Riggott which will mean them reuniting with their former coach Steve McClaren.