Cup draw to savour as big four thrown together

AN extraordinary draw for the second round of the Carlsberg FAI Cup last night ensured that two of the top four teams in the league will exit the competition at an unusually early stage.

The top four teams in the country were pitted together when the draw was made by Brian Kerr and former international manager Eoin Hand at the Guinness premises in Dublin. St Patrick's Athletic were drawn first out of the hat, followed by Shamrock Rovers. The unpredictable nature of the open draw was illustrated within minutes when Cork City were given a home draw against current league leaders Shelbourne.

In contrast the 10 non-league teams fared well. Seven of them were favoured with a home match. Only one was given a match against a premiership team, Tolka Rovers at home to Longford Town, while only two were drawn together, the Dublin teams Cherry Orchard against St Mochta's of Clonsilla.

One of the biggest attractions of the round will be the Dublin derby between St Patrick's Athletic and Shamrock Rovers, a game that is certain to bring a full attendance to Richmond Park. St Pat's manager Eamonn Collins chose not to discuss the draw before last night's League Cup semi-final at Richmond Park against Cork City but Shamrock Rovers manager Liam Buckley said: "This is the perfect tie on a perfect pitch. This is what the Cup is all about. We have a lot of games to play to catch up with the others in the League but we will make this cup tie a priority."

The match set for Turner's Cross between Cork City and Shelbourne is another that will excite the fans. It will be an all-ticket affair with the capacity, approximately 8,500, stretched to the limit. Cork manager Pat Dolan said: "It's a fabulous draw, fantastic. This is what makes the Cup so special and we are already looking forward to it.

"We respect all our opponents and we will accord Shels the respect they deserve. But we are delighted with a home draw; that is the first priority when it comes to a Cup draw and we are looking forward to a big game and a great occasion at Turner's Cross."

One of the non-league teams most pleased with the draw was Everton of the Munster Senior League who were drawn at home to Waterford United. Everton are hoping to play the game at Turner's Cross on a Thursday night, 24 hours before Cork play Shels.

Everton manager Pat Browne said: "The players are a little disappointed we did not get one of the top teams Cork City, Bohs, Shelbourne or Rovers - but there is very little expense involved in a home tie and from that point of view we could not have asked for more. We have already spoken to Cork chairman Brian Lennox about the possibility of using Turner's Cross on the Thursday and we will resist any attempts from Waterford to switch the tie to Waterford."

Cobh Ramblers were given a very difficult and expensive assignment with a draw away to FAI Cup holders Derry City at the Brandywell. Manager Dave Hill said: "This is the last team we wanted. The expense of it alone will be horrendous for the club at a time when we are strapped for cash."

Cobh's FAI delegate Mick Cody said: "This could be a banana-skin for Derry. We have put a good run together recently and Dave Hill will have the team well prepared and ready to give Derry a big test at the Brandywell."