Avondale United’s players wake up in Sligo today, having broken the back of one of the longest journeys in Irish football as they head for Ballybofey and an FAI Ford Cup quarter-final replay against Finn Harps.

Runaway Munster Senior League leaders Avondale United got the home draw they wanted in the FAI Ford Cup, first round — but they’ll still be up against it when they meet Dublin side Sheriff YC, who have an added incentive to do well in the Blue Riband this year.