FAI Ford Cup 3rd Round Draw Made

FAI Ford Cup holders Sligo Rovers have been paired with Limerick junior club Pike Rovers FC in the third round of Irish football’s blue ribbon competition.

The draw was made on RTE’s MNS show by FAI President Paddy McCaul and Republic of Ireland amateur international team manager Gerry Smyth.

Bit O’Red boss Paul Cook admitted it was a trip into the unknown in terms of awareness of his side’s opponents.

“We’re delighted with the draw. To be drawn at home first is important. Pike Rovers is a new name to me,” said Cook.

“We’ll have to do a bit of research on them. These games are very important to clubs. We’ll have to do our homework and act in the utmost professional manner.”

The only all-Premier Division tie paired Dundalk with Galway United while league champions Shamrock Rovers were handed a home draw against First Division Athlone Town.

Derry City were drawn away to First Division Wexford Youths and while Candystripes fans will recall the 6-1 win Derry secured in the 2008 EA SPORTS Cup Final, manager Stephen Kenny has a more recent meeting between the sides on his mind.

“Wexford gave us a tough game there in the league. We drew 1-1 down there,” said Kenny.

“We beat them a couple of years ago in the EA SPORTS Cup Final but we’ve a different team now. The most recent game was a draw so it should be a good occasion.”

Bohemians have been drawn at home to Cork side Douglas Hall. After last nights 1-0 loss to Dundalk, Bohemians manager Pat Fenlon said “We don’t know much about them to be honest but you can be sure we will do our homework on them”

Pat Continued “Look we don’t mind who we get as long as we get the home draw that all I am concerned about, I’m sure Douglas are a good side and when they come up here we will show them respect”

FAI FORD CUP THIRD ROUND DRAW

Fixtures to be played weekend ending, Sunday, June 5, 2011.

Daniel "Pitchside" Pitcher Twitter: @DanFM104Sport About: Dan "Pitchside" Pitcher provides insight and commentary as the chief soccer and rugby correspondent for Sportspeak.