In the red corner, hailing from Inchicore, St Patrick’s Athletic will aim to round off a term that saw them finish second in the league and secure some European football with a trophy to complement that.

In the (red and) black corner is Bohemians, the country’s entertainers who caught the eye in Europe and at home with their attacking football.

After dominating the PFAI Team of the Year selection, Bohs will want to nab some silverware before the core of their squad looks elsewhere (excluding Ross Tierney, who already has a flight to Motherwell booked).

Both teams have gone several years without a major honour to their name – Pats are hoping to break a seven-year duct while Bohs look to snap a 12-year streak without a league title or FAI Cup to their name.

The teams’ managers have inspired their sides in recent years which sees them meet in a battle for glory at the Aviva Stadium.

Stephen O’Donnell has breathed life back into The Athletic after several stale years saw them move into unremarkable territory.

A second-placed finish in the league sees them back with the big dogs but a trophy only solidifies it further.

Liverpool loanee Viteslav Jaros has improved their defence and himself over the course of the season, developing a commanding presence in his box and making Pats fans fall in love.

Bohs manager and former St Pats midfielder Keith Long has the chance to win an FAI Cup for the first time when his team walk out on the Lansdowne turf on Sunday afternoon.

The goalscoring antics of Donegal native Georgie Kelly and the creative presence of the likes of Tierney, Ali Coote and Dawson Devoy will be sure to cause many problems throughout the match.

Long will want to turn his team from entertainers to challengers next season and the FAI Cup final is the first step they will take on that journey.

Ruaidhri Higgins and his Derry City team will watch from afar after he revitalised a side languishing in the bottom half and led them to fourth in the league at the end of the season, ahead of Bohs.

Their European fate will be decided today – a Bohs win will see the Candystripes denied a run in the Europa Conference League next season.

It’s all to play for and a record Aviva crowd for an FAI Cup final will be watching eagerly as well as fans at home.

Teams

Bohemians (4-3-3): Talbot; Lyons, Cornwall, C. Kelly, Wilson; Buckley (C), Devoy, Tierney; Coote, Kelly, Burt.

Subs: McGuinness, Breslin, Finnerty, Levingston, Mullins, Ward, Mallon, Omochere.

St Patrick’s Athletic (4-2-3-1): Jaros; Barrett, Bone, Desmond, Bermingham (C); Benson, Lennon; Burns, Lewis, Forrester; Smith.

Subs: Murphy, Nwoko, Coughlan, McClelland, King, Melvin Lambert, Griffin, Hickman, Abankwah.

Odds

Bohemians 13/10

Draw 15/8

St Patrick’s Athletic 2/1

Where To Watch

The match will be available to watch live on RTÉ 2 with coverage beginning at 3:15 pm.

The post Bohs v Pats: FAI Cup Final – Preview, Teams, Odds, Where To Watch appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The defending champions scored twice in extra time to put proceedings in their favour after going a goal down after six minutes.

Sean Murray, Patrick Hoban and Michael Duffy got on the scoresheet for the Lilywhites on a night they were missing several players through Covid-related absences.

They did not call upon their inexperienced bench throughout the match and fought back after Sean Boyd notched the first goal of the evening and his third in two games.

Finn Harps maintained their lead for the majority of the first half but Vinny Perth’s side grew into the game and an acrobatic cross from Patrick Hoban found Sean Murray who brought the sides level with only minutes to go in the half.

The replay was not the classic that the initial fixture was as both sides failed to take their chances in the second 45.

Extra-time proved to be the part of the match where the winners stood out as Dundalk notched two goals with no reply to book their place in the semi-finals of the competition.

Harps centre-back David Webster brought down midfielder Sami Ben Amar in the box and Patrick Hoban took the chance that was given to him from 12 yards out.

Michael Duffy’s free-kick sealed the deal for the 12-time FAI Cup holders before the break in extra time and the Lilywhites held on from there to reach the semi-finals of the competition once again.

They join fellow Premier Division sides St Patrick’s Athletic, Bohemians and Waterford in the final four.

The draw for the penultimate round will be made on RTE 2 following their coverage of Pat’s against Shamrock Rovers on Friday evening.

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A spot in the last four of the competition is at stake – Dundalk are keen to retain their crown and return to Europe next season while Harps are hoping to reach their first semi-final in seven years.

The reigning champions were 3-1 up against Ollie Horgan’s men before a comeback granted the Donegal side a second chance.

Sean Boyd rescued the Ballybofey side from the jaws of defeat with two late goals sealing a rematch and sending the fans at Finn Park into overdrive.

His late, late equaliser came 11 minutes after he lowered the deficit between the sides to one goal.

Harps fan favourite Tunde Owolabi had opened the scoring before Jordan Mustoe was controversially given his marching orders after deeming that the ball had struck the 30-year-old defender’s arm.

Dundalk striker Patrick Hoban levelled proceedings and the Louth side took control of the tie after Sean Murray’s deflected strike.

The holders extended their lead when their two goalscorers combined to give them a two-goal cushion, with Hoban finishing, and seemingly sink the Ballybofey side, who were impressive before the red card.

Yet, that was not to be as substitute Sean Boyd saved the day with a brace to leave the result of this tie in the balance until Tuesday night.

Harps will miss Mustoe and goalkeeper Mark Anthony McGinley through suspension and Will Seymore, Tunde Owolabi and Shane McEleney are fitness doubts.

Dundalk will be without several players due to a Covid outbreak within the squad.

One player had missed Friday’s clash between the sides due to Covid-related issues and it is understood that four further players may miss the replay.

FAI rules state that teams must be able to name at least 14 players for a matchday squad or they will be forced to forfeit.

Lineups

Dundalk (4-2-3-1): Cherrie; Dummigan, Animasashun, Leahy, Jurkovskis; Sloggett, Murray; Ben Amar, Patching, Duffy; Hoban.

Subs: Yates, Kwelele, O’Kane, Hanratty, Kavanagh, Douglas, Keyes, Nwodo.

Finn Harps (4-4-2): Doherty; Boyle, Sadiki, Webster, McEleney; O’Sullivan, Coyle, McNamee, Rainey; Boyd, Owolabi.

Subs: McGarvey, Dunleavy, Timlin, Connolly, Logue, S Doherty, Hawkins, Foley, Rudden.

Where To Watch

The match will be held at Oriel Park and will kick-off at 7:45 pm. The game will be available to watch on LOI TV.

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The defending SSE Airtricity League Champions were knocked out by Bohemians in the second round of the FAI Cup on Sunday.

The two sides were reduced to 10 men each after a scuffle between Bohs forward Georgie Kelly and Rovers captain Ronan Finn led to both players receiving their marching orders – Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley does not agree with Finn’s dismissal but says his side “have to accept it.”

Bradley reflected on the game and noted that he felt that it was a match of poor quality throughout.

The post Shamrock Rovers Looking To Bounce Back Against Finn Harps appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The draw, which was completed on RTE 2FM by Alan Cawley, will also see Leinster Senior League side St. Mochta’s head to Oriel Park in the hope of an upset against Extra.ie FAI Cup holders Dundalk.

Following their dramatic penalty shoout-out victory over Athlone Town, Waterford FC have been handed a home tie against Dublin’s Kilnamanagh.

Another derby tie takes place as Finn Harps welcome Derry City while Colin Healy’s Cork City will welcome St. Patrick’s Athletic to Turner’s Cross.

Dates and kick-off times will be confirmed in due course with all matches set to take place in the week ending Sunday, August 29.

FAI Cup – Second Round Draw

Waterford v Kilnamanagh
Dundalk v St. Mochta’s
Finn Harps v Derry City
Maynooth University Town v Cobh Ramblers
Bohemians v Shamrock Rovers
Cork City St. Patrick’s Athletic
UCD AFC v Longford Town
Killester Donnycarney v Wexford

The post The Extra.ie FAI Cup Second Round Draw appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

It took just 66 seconds for the side to go behind to the 2020-21 Estonian Cup winners, courtesy of a Bogdan Vastsuk strike.

However, Dundalk were level within a minute of play after League of Ireland standout Will Patching put a finishing touch to Dan Kelly’s ball.

Yet, Dundalk continued to struggle to get a grip on the game throughout the early stages and their nervy start allowed Levadia to cause more problems.

Ernest Agyiri looked very dangerous on the left flank after already assisting in the game but their second goal came from another avenue of play.

Zakaria Belgarishvili spotted Vastsuk when he got the ball between the lines and fed the striker, who chipped Alessio Abibi to regain the lead.

Dundalk started to find the desired tempo soon after going behind for a second time.

David McMillan missed a strong chance before taking another one moments later to bring the sides level once again.

Dundalk dominance grew in front of the 1,000 fans in the stadium and some penalty shouts helped to get the crowd louder.

Dundalk continued to impose pressure on the Estonians in the second-half, with Vinny Perth’s side doing all but finishing off plays.

Greg Sloggett’s introduction in place of Wilifred Zahibo gave the FAI Cup champions even more urgency in attack.

However, try as they did, the third goal did not come for the Louth-based side, who now must travel to Tallinn and win to go through.

Dundalk will face Levadia Tallinn at the Le Coq Arena in Estonia’s capital city on Thursday, July 29th at 5:30 pm IST.

To see the report for the Bohemians game, click here.

Dundalk: Allessio Abibi; Raivis Jurkovskis, Andy Boyle C, Sonni Nattestad, Darragh Leahy; Will Patching, Wilfried Zahibo (Greg Sloggett, 58), Samuel Stanton (Sean Murray, 75); Daniel Kelly, Patrick McEleney, David McMillan (Ole Erik Midtskogen 87).

Levadia Tallinn: Karl Andre Vallner; Ilja Antonov (Trevor Elhi, 56), Maximiliano Ugge, Maksim Podholjuzin, Miljian Ilic (Rasmus Peetson, HT); Frank Liivak (Karl Rudolf Oigus 79), Marko Puntincanin, Brent Lepistu C, Bogdan Vastsuk, Ernest Agyiri (Mark Oliver Roosnupp, 67); Zakaria Beglarishvili.

The post Dundalk Equalise Twice To Ensure Exciting Tie In Tallinn appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The winners of the 2021 FAI Cup will earn qualification to the 2022-23 UEFA Europa Conference League.

Dundalk will make the first step towards defending their trophy after beating Shamrock Rovers in the final last year.

Holder’s Dundalk will travel to Market’s Field to take on First Division high-flyers Treaty United.

Last year’s runners-up, Stephen Bradley’s Shamrock Rovers, have First Division opposition as well, in the shape of Galway United.

Sligo Rovers will host the 2017 FAI Cup Champions Cork City at the Showgrounds.

St. Patricks Athletic will go up against Bray Wanderers in the first round for the second time in three seasons, with their last meeting in the competition ending 2-1 in favour of the Inchicore-based side.

Ollie Horgan’s Finn Harps will travel to Limerick to face Fairview Rangers.

UCD and Shelbourne will be one of the ties to watch as two attacking philosophies will collide.

Four ties in the first round will see non-league sides go head-to-head against each other – Crumlin United v St. Mochtas’, Killester Donnycarney v Usher Celtic, St. Kevin’s Boys v Kilnamanagh and Maynooth Uni’ Town v Malahide United.

Dates and kick-off times will be confirmed in due course with all matches set to take place the week ending Sunday, July 25th.

FAI Cup First Round Draw

Fairview Rangers v Finn Harps

Wexford v Cabinteely

Drogheda United v Derry City

Liffey Wanderers v Cobh Ramblers

UCD v Shelbourne

Crumlin United v St Mochtas

Killester Donneycarney v Usher Celtic

St Kevin’s Boys v Kilnamanagh

Sligo Rovers v Cork City

College Corinthians v Bohemians

Athlone Town v Waterford FC

Treaty United v Dundalk

Shamrock Rovers v Galway United

Maynooth v Malahide United

St Pat’s v Bray Wanderers

Bangor GGFC v Longford Town

The post FAI Cup 2021 First Round Draw – All Ties appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The Aviva Stadium was the venue this evening as Shamrock Rovers took on Dundalk in the FAI Cup final. Both teams also contested last year’s final, with Shamrock Rovers winning on penalties that time around. There was to be no change in fortunes this year as Rovers retained their title.

The match itself was an edgy, but entertaining affair. Both teams defended well for large periods of the first half, limiting the opposition to half chances.

The second half was a different story, however. Both teams appeared more open leading to a succession of chances for both teams.

Rovers drew first blood with a goal in the 49^th minute. Aaron Greene struck for the Tallaght side after being played in by a Lee Grace header. Gary Rogers did his very best to close down the striker but his efforts didn’t pay off as Greene headed comfortably into the net.

Despite Rover’s second half domination, Dundalk managed to equalize in the 68^th minute. David McMillan controlled a cross into the box before finishing low off the post and into the back of the net.

In another surprise twist, Dundalk were awarded a penalty in the 70^th minute. Liam Scales was the culprit as he was deemed to have held his man unfairly in the box. David McMillan stepped up to take the penalty and he made no mistake as he finished low into the bottom right corner.

Shamrock Rovers’ scored the equalizer in the 73^rd minute to end a frantic few minutes of football. Roberto Lopes thumped a header into the left-hand corner from a Jack Byrne corner. A cup final goal was a fitting end to Lopes’ year. The Cape Verde international has had a fantastic season, leading to a nomination for PFAI Player of the Year.

Both teams attacked with intent thereafter but neither could find the equalizer in regular time. 90 minutes finished with the sides level on 2-2.

After a handful of chances for both teams, Dundalk scored the first goal in extra time. The goal came in the 110^th minute and through an unlikely source. Seán Hoare was the goalscorer after the ball fell to his feet from a free kick. He dispatched coolly into the corner to put his side in the lead.

It was all but over for Shamrock Rovers in the 116^th minute as David McMillan got his hat trick goal to make it 4-2. McMillan deservedly picked up man of the match in an outstanding striker’s performance.

David McMillan’s goal would prove to be the last. The match finished 4-2 to Dundalk after extra time. Tonight’s victory marks Filippo Giovagnoli’s first taste of silverware as Dundalk manager.

FULL-TIME!!!! 4-2!!! WE WIN THE CUP!!!!! YASSSSSSSSSSS!!! #CmonTheTown

— DundalkFC (@DundalkFC) DECEMBER 6, 2020

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Shamrock Rovers and Dundalk were victorious in their respective FAI Cup semi-finals today, meaning they will compete against each other in the final. The two teams also faced each other in last year’s final. That game finished in a 1-1 draw after extra time before Shamrock Rovers won on penalties.

Shamrock Rovers faced Sligo Rovers in their FAI Cup semi-final earlier today. Aaron McEneff scored twice in Tallaght Stadium as they comfortably dispatched of the Bit O’ Red.

Dundalk faced unlikely semi-finalists Athlone town as they travelled to the midlands. Athlone Town sprung a surprise in their quarter-final as they eased past (former) Premier Division club Shelbourne in a 4-1 victory. There was no such upset tonight though as Dundalk achieved a record breaking 11-0 victory. Michael Duffy, Andy Boyle, Patrick McEleney, Sean Murray, John Mountney, Jordan Flores, Nathan Oduwa, Chris Shields and David McMillan all scored in the comprehensive win.

MATCH PREVIEW

Shamrock Rovers won their previous two fixtures against Dundalk this season, one of which ended with a 4-0 scoreline. They also finished the league season unbeaten on their way to the Premier Division title meaning they’ll be the favourites going into the game.

That doesn’t mean the match won’t be tightly contested, however. Dundalk appear to be improving game by game, having endured a horrific start to the season.

There will also be an abundance of individual quality on display. Jack Byrne will be the name of most people’s lips – as he has been for much of the season – going into the final. The midfielder has been nothing short of incredible this season, consistently defying his naysayers. His performances this season have earned him several inclusions in Ireland senior squads which have led to a handful of cameos. Aaron McEneff and Graham Burke were also included in the latest Ireland squad to accompany their Shamrock Rovers teammate.

Dundalk are also not short of individual quality. Michael Duffy is arguably their best player. The explosive winger has been one of the league’s most consistent and dangerous players since joining from Celtic in 2017. The Derry man probably would have been included in Stephen Kenny’s last squad only for issues out of his control. Chris Shields always provides adequate defensive cover in midfield so he should also limit Shamrock Rover’s attacking options. Patrick Hoban is another one of Dundalk’s dangermen. The striker has been named top scorer in the last 3 Irish Premier Division seasons; however he will miss the FAI Cup final due to injury.

The match will take place next Sunday as the finalists will travel to the Aviva Stadium. It will no doubt be a strange cup final in the absence of fans, but nevertheless it should provide an exciting affair to close the curtains on the domestic League of Ireland season.

The https://t.co/X9zf94pmtW FAI Cup final confirmed

Fixture | @ShamrockRovers v @DundalkFC
Sunday, December 6
KO 6.40pm
@AVIVAStadium #FAICup | #GreatestLeagueInTheWorld pic.twitter.com/bcN8mP1UJC

— FAIreland (@FAIreland) NOVEMBER 29, 2020

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Dundalk and Shamrock Rovers advance to the FAI Cup semi-finals after their victories over Bohemians and Finn Harps tonight. 3 of the 4 FAI Cup have now been decided after Athlone Town defeated Shelbourne at the end of October. The final spot will be decided next Wednesday as Sligo take on Derry.

Shamrock Rovers vs. Finn Harps

Shamrock Rovers travelled to Ballybofey in the evening kick-off as they took on Finn Harps. The pitch wasn’t in the best shape, not helped by the conditions. This could have impacted Rovers’ possession-based playstyle, but they came away with a win in the end.

It wasn’t easy for Rovers, however, as they had to mount a comeback from 2-0 down. Barry McNamee opened the scoring in the 15^th minute with a neat finish inside the box. Stephen Folan increased Harps’ advantage just a few minutes later with an accurate header from a corner.

Finn Harps went into half time with a comfortable 2-0 lead, but that wouldn’t last for long. Shamrock Rovers were awarded a penalty in the 49^th minute which was initially saved. Unfortunately for Harps, though, the referee ordered a retake of the penalty. Aaron McEneff made no mistake the second time around as he tucked past the keeper.

Incredibly, Rovers were awarded another penalty in the 53^rd minute as Graham Burke went down in the box. Aaron McEneff equalized from the spot with his 2^nd penalty goal of the night.

Rovers completed their comeback in the 70^th minute as Graham Burke slotted home from a rebound. Today’s goal was Burke’s 10^th of the season since joining Rovers on loan from Preston North End.

The match finished 3-2 after an incredible comeback from Rovers.

#WeAreRovers pic.twitter.com/7qxVex40pK

— Shamrock Rovers FC (@ShamrockRovers) NOVEMBER 20, 2020

Dundalk vs. Bohemians

Bohemians took on Dundalk from Dalymount Park in the 2^nd cup game of the day. Dundalk played Bohemians twice this season prior to this fixture but failed to pick up a win. That changed tonight as the Louth club ran out 4-1 winners.

It didn’t take Dundalk too long to open the scoring as Michael Duffy netted in just the 2^nd minute after being played through. Bohemians got their equalizer in the form of a penalty kick not long after as Andre Wright dispatched from the spot.

After an end to end few minutes, Dundalk got a penalty of their own in the 35^th minute. Michael Duffy was brought down in the box after some excellent footwork. Bohemians keeper got a hand to the resulting David McMilan penalty, but it wasn’t enough to keep it out of the net.

Dundalk got their 3^rd goal in the 38^th minute under controversial circumstances. Cameron Dummigan provided the assist for McMilan’s 2^nd, but the ball looked to have gone out of play before Dummigan got his cross into the box. Unfortunately for Bohs, VAR wasn’t there to help their cause and it was always an uphill battle from then on.

Michael Barker received his second yellow card of the night in the 76^th minute which effectively ended Bohs’ chance of getting a result. Dundalk begun to control possession thereafter.

Substitute Nathan Oduwa completed the rout in the 87^th minute as he tapped home from close range.

The match ended 4-1 to Dundalk. The scoreline was perhaps harsh on Bohemians as they were competitive throughout the game.

FT: Bohemians 1-4 Dundalk FC
⁣
A brilliant display at Dalymount secures our place in the semi-finals of the FAI Cup for the sixth year on the trot!!⁣
⁣
We will now face Athlone Town in Lissywoollen on Sunday, September 29th.⁣
⁣
| @sportsfile⁣
⁣#CmonTheTown pic.twitter.com/Qs7pMfUNXV

— DundalkFC (@DundalkFC) NOVEMBER 20, 2020

Dundalk will now face Athlone town in the semi-final. Shamrock Rovers will play the winner of Derry City vs. Sligo Rovers.

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