Shels to host Hoops in cup derby

The FAI Ford Cup quarter-finals will see Shelbourne host Shamrock Rovers in a meeting of last year’s beaten finalists and the reigning league champions.

With cup holders Sligo Rovers out of this year’s competition but currently holding a commanding nine-point lead in the Airtricity League, the FAI Cup is beginning to look like the best route to silverware this year for a Shamrock Rovers side which eliminated Cork City to reach the final eight.

At Tolka Park, however, an inconsistent Shels will be more than up for a Dublin derby which they will regard as another step towards claiming the prize which so narrowly eluded them last year.

The other most eye-catching quarter-final tie sees St Patrick’s Athletic given home advantage against Drogheda United while Bohemians, who knocked out Munster Senior League side Avondale in the third round, welcome struggling Dundalk to Dalymount Park.

However one of the final eight berths remains vacant after last night’s third round meeting between Waterford United and Mervue United fell foul of the elements for a second time, a waterlogged pitch at the RSC causing the game to be postponed.

The tie has been rescheduled for next Monday, September 3, at the same venue (7.45pm) both sides now knowing that the dubious reward for victory will be a trip to The Brandywell to take on Derry City.

Last night’s draw was conducted live on RTE’s MNS show by Tony Fitzgerald, FAI vice-president and Ciaran Kelly, Sligo Rovers goalkeeper and a Cup winner and penalty shoot-out hero in 2010 and 2011.

The FAI Ford quarter-final games will be played on the weekend of September 16.