FAI Cup Semi-final draw: Derry City's hopes of completing the treble received something of a setback last night when they were drawn away to league-title rivals Cork City in the semi-finals of the Carlsberg-sponsored FAI Cup.

Damien Richardson's side are themselves aiming for a league and cup double.

The pairing puts an end to the hope that the two best sides in the championship so far might have met in the final but the game, which will be played at Turner's Cross on Friday, October 21st, looks to have the makings of a memorable clash.

The two sides have met twice in the Premier Division so far, the home side winning by two goals on each occasion, and a third meeting, at Turner's Cross, on the last day of the campaign may yet decide the destination of the title.

When the two clubs last met in the cup three years ago the Ulster side secured a 1-0 away win, which was also at the semi-final stage. City subsequently went on to beat Shamrock Rovers in the final, Liam Coyle scoring the only goal of the game.

This year's other semi-final will be between Drogheda United, who also made it to the last four 12 months ago, and two-time cup winners Bray Wanderers.

The two clubs will meet at United Park on Sunday, October 23rd, in a game that, like the one in Cork, will be televised live by RTÉ.

"It's a good draw for us," said United manager Paul Doolin, "in that we're at home and anybody going into a cup game wants that.

"Unfortunately," he added, "people might be inclined to hand us the victory but we won't be taking anything for granted. It'll be a tough game."

United are the only club of the four never to have won the cup although they have twice reached the final, Bohemians beating them 1-0 on their last appearance, back in 1976.