FAI CUP FOURTH ROUND DRAW:THERE ARE, one suspects, only so many chances to put one over his former club that Dundalk manager Seán Connor can be expected to welcome, but the northerner looked to stay positive after hearing last night that Bohemians would be travelling to Oriel Park when the fourth round of the Ford- sponsored FAI Cup comes around in the middle of next month.
The former Bohemians boss has dutifully talked up each of his current side’s league encounters with last season’s double winners only to see them lose the three games by a cumulative 8-0. When Dundalk were drawn at home last night he must have been hoping deep down the likes of Sporting Fingal, Monaghan United or Crumlin United, all of whom were still in the drum, would come out.
Instead, Pat Fenlon’s side will finally have to be overcome if a place in the competition’s last eight is to be secured.
“Right now they’re the best team in the country,” said Connor after watching the draw. “We’ve played them three times this year and we’ve struggled. But it’s a home draw and a big game; There’ll be a real buzz around the town and hopefully we can beat them this time.”
In the other all Premier Division tie, last year’s beaten finalists Derry City have been drawn away to Sligo Rovers.
The two non-league sides enjoyed somewhat different fortunes with Tralee Dynamos facing a long and difficult trip to Bray, while Crumlin United, who start pre-season training this evening, will host Waterford United if their ground is considered up to scratch.
Shamrock Rovers’ quest to end their long barren run in a competition they once dominated will continue at home to UCD, while St Patrick’s Athletic’s latest attempt to end a longer sequence of cup disappointments will continue away to Monaghan United.
“It’ll be difficult,” acknowledged Monaghan manager Mick Cooke. “Jeff (Kenna) hasn’t been getting the best out of them lately but I’m sure that will change. The lads will be looking forward to it, though.”
The draw
Bray Wanderers v Tralee Dynamos
Shamrock Rovers v UCD
Galway United v Longford Town
Sligo Rovers v Derry City
Dundalk v Bohemians
Sporting Fingal v Athlone Town
Monaghan United v St Patrick’s Athletic
Crumlin United v Waterford United
** Games to be played over the weekend ending August 16th.
