FAI Cup Preview: Limerick FC manager Noel O'Connor is hoping the euphoria of Munster's Heineken European Cup success can spill over and add to the crowd and atmosphere at Hogan Park tonight when his First Division leaders face FAI Cup holders Drogheda United in the most intriguing tie of the second round.
"We're all in celebration mood in Limerick this week," said O'Connor. "There has been a lot of talk about the game the last few days and we are expecting a decent enough crowd.
"We're looking forward to it. Obviously we've nothing to lose and we just want to keep our run going," added O'Connor, whose side has won seven of their last eight games.
The clash is a repeat of last year's second-round tie when Drogheda beat Limerick 2-0 at United Park.
"It was a surprise to get them at the same stage for a second year running," said O'Connor, who is without the suspended John Lester, a former Drogheda player. "We're delighted with a home draw, after that anything else is a bonus. It's particularly good to get the holders."
Drogheda, who have winger James Keddy back following a bout of flu, will fly down to Shannon this morning.
"It's a tricky game, but it was a tricky one when we met them at home last season," said Drogheda manager Paul Doolin. "They are a better side than they were last season, but I'd like to think we're a better side as well. The main thing is that we respect them, which we do."
Cork City manger Damien Richardson has no qualms about having been drawn away to Longford Town in the only all-Premier Division clash of the round, happy in the knowledge of facing a devil he knows well.
"That's one thing you always like in any competition, knowing exactly what you are up against," stressed Richardson, who remains without right back Neal Horgan and winger Billy Woods due to hamstring strains.
"Sometimes the cup can turn out to be a little bit of an anti-climax if you go into the unknown. So we know what we have to do in Longford and equally Longford know what they have to do."
Winners of the trophy in 2003 and '04, Longford wait on injury doubts Stephen Paisley, Dean Fitzgerald and Robbie Martin.
Meanwhile, Munster Senior League side Douglas Hall are relishing their trip to face Premier Division strugglers Waterford United in the game that perhaps offers the best chance of a giant-killing.
"We're really looking forward to it as we've got nothing to lose," said Douglas Hall captain Gavin Roche. "It's up to them to beat us. We'll go there and enjoy it. All the pressure is on them because they haven't won a match this season, so their confidence can't be high."
The only other non-league side left in the competition, Waterford Crystal, travel to Dalymount Park to meet Bohemians.
TONIGHT'S FIXTURES (7.45 unless stated)
FAI Cup (Second Round): Athlone Town v Galway United, Bohemians v Waterford Crystal, Bray Wanderers v Kildare County, Limerick FC v Drogheda United (8.0), Longford Town v Cork City, Waterford United v Douglas Hall.
