Shels fancied to make it an all-Dublin Cup final

Shelbourne are favourites to make it an all-Dublin FAI Ford Cup final against St Patrick’s Athletic on November 4 at the Aviva Stadium when they clash with Derry City in tonight’s semi-final replay at Tolka Park (8pm).

Manager Alan Mathews was delighted with the 1-1 draw achieved by his battling Shels side in the first semi-final at the Brandywell last Sunday — but knows Derry’s away form this season has been much better than home performances.

Mathews will probably give the nod to the same starting line-up as they bid to reach the final for the second season running after being beaten after extra-time and penalties by Sligo Rovers last year.

“It was a difficult game for us on Sunday with a lunchtime kick-off. But the lads adapted really well and we at least deserved the draw. We have no injury worries or players suspended,” said Mathews.

Derry boss Declan Devine will give a late fitness test to midfielder Barry Molly who suffered a hip injury in Sunday’s game. His chances of playing are rated 50-50 with Ruadhri Higgins on stand-by for a late call-up.

“We were always chasing Shelbourne in the first game after David Cassidy gave them a lead on five minutes — but once David McDaid levelled in the second-half we might have won the game only for a great save by Shels ’keeper Chris Bennion from Simon Madden late on, ” said Derry boss Declan Devine.

“Now we are prepared to give it a real go in the replay and we have nothing to lose — remember we beat Shels at Tolka 2-0 in the Premier League game in August.’’