Avondale ready to shoot down Sheriff

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.

Sheriff, managed by Alan Reilly who won a League of Ireland title with Bohemians in 2003, caused a stir last year when they came from 2-0 down to beat Shelbourne 3-2 in the fourth round. But the current AUL leaders were subsequently dumped out of the competition for fielding an ineligible player. Shelbourne went on to reach the final, in which they were unlucky to lose to Sligo Rovers.

Avondale have also got a home draw in the semi-final of the Intermediate Cup when they will meet either fellow Cork side Everton or Phoenix.