Less than two years since they first kicked a ball in anger, Sporting Fingal have already earned the opportunity to write their way into the record books. Following their epic quarter-final win over Shamrock Rovers, Liam Buckley’s upstarts are now just 90 minutes from an historic cup final appearance.
Tonight’s draw pitted Fingal against relegation threatened Bray Wanderers, with the north Dublin club enjoying the all-important home advantage.
And, regardless of the fact that they will be facing First Division opponents, Bray manager Eddie Gormley will approach next month’s tie at Morton Stadium with some degree of trepidation.
“It’s going to be a tough day for us. When you look at the teams left in the competition, Fingal have some big players,” he said of Liam Buckley’s side.
“They might be playing in the First Division but they’re Premier League players . . . it’s the Cup and anything can happen.”
Sligo Rovers, seeking to bridge a 15-year gap since they last hoisted the trophy, will also benefit from home advantage in their meeting with Waterford United.
The romantics might have been hoping for a Fingal v Waterford pairing, thereby guaranteeing First Division representation in the showpiece, but the perceived underdogs will have to overcome the big boys opposition once again.
Yet, having accounted for Rovers and St Patrick’s Athletic in the previous round, both clubs have little to fear.
FAI Cup semi-finals
Friday, October 23rd
Sligo Rovers v Waterford United, Showgrounds, 7.35pm
Sunday, October 25th
Sporting Fingal v Bray Wanderers, Morton Stadium, 4.05pm
