SOCCER FAI CUP DRAW AND PREVIEWS:THE PREMIER Division's top two sides were drawn against each other in the Ford-sponsored FAI Cup semi-finals last night, with Bohemians having to travel to play St Patrick's Athletic at Inchicore in order to take on the only team that has beaten them in the league this season.

In the other semi-final, the sole surviving club from outside the top half of the table, Galway United, had their hopes of making it to the final boosted somewhat when they were handed home advantage against the winners of this evening's quarter-final replay between Derry and the holders, Cork City.

"It's not bad in that we'll still be in Dublin so we won't have to travel," said Bohemians manager Pat Fenlon immediately after the draw was made last night. "We've a decent record at Richmond Park too but they'll be looking for revenge after the 3-0 win we had over them at Dalymount a few weeks ago. It's good too that there'll be a team from Dublin in the final," he added.

Given the strength of all his side's prospective opponents, Galway United manager Jeff Kenna said he was just happy to have been drawn to play at Terryland Park.

"I think it's all you can hope for," he said. "They're both good sides but we've been struggling with our crowds all season but hopefully, we'll get a good one for whichever of those we end up playing."

Galway, who are looking to reach the final for the first time since 1991 when they defeated Shamrock Rovers, have taken just one point from their league games so far against Derry and Cork, with that coming in the form of a 0-0 draw at the Brandywell. Kenna's men are due to play Cork at home this weekend, though, while they will return to league action after the semi-final with another trip up north.

Both of the cup semi-finals will be broadcast on RTÉ television.

Semi-final draw

Friday, October 24th

St Patrick's Athletic v Bohemians

Sunday, October 26th

Galway United v Derry City or Cork City