FAI Cup Quarter-final/St Patrick's Athletic v Bohemians: St Patrick's Athletic will resume their pursuit of a first FAI Cup success in almost half a century at Richmond Park this evening when they take on a Bohemians side whose record of just one win in their last four league games has left their prospects of qualification for Europe from that competition looking precarious.

Having made the early championship running, the hosts now look to be out of contention in the title race, although Joseph Ndo advises against writing the Inchicore outfit off.

"As they say in my country," says the Cameroon international, "before midnight, it is not yet the next day."

A win this evening is nevertheless of particular importance to both clubs.

"It (his club's poor record in the competition) is a huge incentive for us," says St Patrick's boss John McDonnell, "and especially for the supporters. It's one the fans are definitely looking to win and the players know they could become part of the local folklore."

Bohemians will have Brian Murphy, Mark Rossiter and Darren Mansaram available, but Neale Fenn is a major doubt with an ankle strain, while Thomas Heary (knee) is out.

The home side must do without Glen Fitzpatrick, who is cup-tied, and long-term absentee Colm Foley.

"I don't think there's much between the teams," says McDonnell, "but we've scored eight in our last two home games and we'll definitely be looking to have a go again."

For Bohemians it will be a first outing since the 2-0 league defeat by Shamrock Rovers, but manager Sean Connor insists he continued to see positives in his side's performances.

Against their old rivals, he says, there was only a need for more clinical finishing, and the northerner is optimistic his team can progress this evening, "if only we can take our chances".