A final repeat and a tasty Dublin derby in Inchicore – this weekend's FAI Cup third round previews
Team news: Derry have a full squad to choose from, bar Cameron Dummigan who's still making progress in his rehab. United hope to recall Paul Doyle but Elicha Ahui, Steve Zishim Bawa and Scott Brady remain absent.
Talking point: Derry boss Tiernan Lynch said this week he expects a tight battle along the lines of their disappointing 0-0 draw at home to Cork last week. Bar that 3-0 loss in Derry in June, Drogheda have been solid away from home, where they give up few chances, and City will need to work harder than they have done. Just one goal scored in four league games is a real concern. This one could go all the way to penalties but Derry could knock out the holders and gain revenge for last year's final defeat.
Odds: Derry 1/2, Drogheda 9/2, draw 13/5
Verdict: Derry in extra-time
SUNDAY
ST PATRICK'S ATHLETIC v SHELBOURNE
(Richmond Park, 5pm)
Team news: Pat's are missing Romal Palmer, Seán Hoare, Aidan Keena, Zack Elbouzedi and Anto Breslin. Shels carry on without Seán Boyd, Conor Kearns and Jack Henry-Francis.
Talking point: This is a massive tie for both clubs in terms of European aspirations for next season, especially as the FAI Cup winners now enter the Europa League with all those benefits. It's been even in their league meetings (a win for each and a draw).
The Saints showed in Istanbul that their squad players can deliver, and while Shels have options too, that bench can get Pat's over the line, maybe in extra-time or on penalties.
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Ref: Paul McLaughlin
Odds: Pat's 10/11, Shels 5/2, draw 11/5
Verdict: Pat's in extra-time
SHAMROCK ROVERS v LONGFORD TOWN
(Tallaght Stadium, 7pm)
Team news: Rovers assess their squad after Thursday's European exertions, but there is still no place for the exiled Jack Byrne. However, Stephen Bradley can rotate with ease. Eric Yoro is the main concern for Longford.
Talking point: While Rovers have been thriving in Europe, it's been a rough summer for Longford. Last week's win over Treaty United was a rare success in the league but while that 2-0 win and clean sheet did halt the flood of goals conceded, Longford just can't compete with the squad strength of the Hoops.
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But just six minutes after the restart it was the hosts who earned a huge chance to double their lead when Kameron Ledwidge was adjudged to have blocked Jamie Lennon's downward header with his arm. Chris Forrester took charge of the situation and made no mistake sending Healy the wrong way from 12 yards to send the home fans wild. With nothing to lose, Shels threw bodies forward in the desperate hope of setting up a grandstand finish. Harry Wood saw a 20-yard strike sail just over before the visitors spurned two glorious one-on-one chances to half the deficit. With a quarter of an hour remaining Daniel Kelly broke the offside trap, latching onto a clever ball over the top but was quickly smothered by Joseph Anang as he tried to slip the ball under the onrushing keeper, and second later fellow substitute Mipo Odubeko found himself facing up to the Ghanaian stopper but managed to poke the ball past the 25-year old but also inches wide of the far post. To their credit the home side showed great composure to see out the remaining minutes, to deservedly put their name in the hat for the quarter final. St. Patrick's Athletic: Joseph Anang; Ryan McLoughlin (Carl Axel Sjoberg, 75'), Joe Redmond, Tom Grivosti, Jason McClelland; Chris Forrester (Barry Baggley, 83'), Jamie Lennon, Brandon Kavanagh; Jake Mulraney (Kian Leavy, 68'), Simon Power (Al-Amin Kazeem, 75'), Mason Melia Shelbourne: Conor Kearns (Lorcan Healy, 33'); Sean Gannon, Lewis Temple, Kameron Ledwidge; Milan Mbeng, Ali Coote, JJ Lunney (Mipo Odubeko, 68'), Mark Coyle (Kerr McInroy, 46'), Evan Caffrey (James Norris, 46'); Harry Wood, John Martin (Daniel Kelly, 68') Referee: Paul McLoughlin Written by Darryl Geraghty and originally published on The 42 whose award-winning team produces original content that you won't find anywhere else: on GAA, League of Ireland, women's sport and boxing, as well as our game-changing rugby coverage, all with an Irish eye. Subscribe here .
