FAI Cup ready to kick-off

The big guns might not care much for the opening round but for the 16 intermediate level sides taking part in the first weekend of the FAI Ford Cup, the dreams of a meeting with Shamrock Rovers or the holders Sligo Rovers will spur them on.

Of course their own league campaigns are reaching the business end of the season now but this weekend will come as a welcome distraction.

Crumlin United and Kilbarrack United get the competition underway at CBC Captain’s Road in Dublin at 6.45 on Friday night, while Lucan United make the short journey to Phoenix FC at Scribblestown later in the evening.

That game is a repeat of the last 16 meeting in the FAI Intermediate Cup, where Phoenix overcame Lucan only to fall to Cork side Everton after a replay in the quarter-finals.

With the bulk of the action on Sunday afternoon, the only game on Saturday is the clash between Malahide United and College Corinthians at Gannon Park. The north Dublin outfit will be fancied to take the spoils here against a Corinthians side that have struggled in the Munster Senior League this season, though they did make it into the last eight of the Intermediate Cup.

They were defeated by fellow Cork side, and current Intermediate Cup holders, Avondale United, who are in action at home on Sunday afternoon against Sheriff YC from the capital. Avondale are coasting to the Munster Senior League title and are also on course to retaining their Intermediate Cup title – they face Everton in a local derby next Saturday.

Also on Leeside, Douglas Hall entertain Killester United, with the Dubliners slight favourites to progress against a Hall outfit that have been on the wane compared to last season.

Verona, who had defeated Killester in extra time in the last eight of the Intermediate Cup, will make their way to Cherry Orchard in what should be a feisty affair, while Kildrum Tigers welcome Clonmel Town to Station Road Park.

The final game of the opening round sees Mayfield United from the northside of Cork city make the journey up the M8 to Ballymun in what is sure to go down to the wire. Mayfield have been a mixed bag in the league but with the experience of former Wrexham and Cork City star Dave Warren in their ranks, may just about have enough to come away with a result.

For full list of venues and kick-off times see: http://extratime.ie/fixtures/future/132/