Derbies galore in Cup quarters

Derbies galore in Cup quarters

The quarter-final pairings of the eircom League Cup have thrown up the prospect of as many as three major derbies around the country as the season’s first competition builds up to its climax.

While the majority of the sides in the competition opted to field weakened line-ups during the first phase, there is every possibility that the remaining clubs will take the competition relatively seriously from here on in.

And that prospect is bolstered by the vagaries of the draw, which has thrown up two local derbies, while another clash of neighbours is also likely.

North-western rivals Derry City of the Premier Division and Sligo Rovers of the First will meet in a rare match-up between the two at the Brandywell, while Cork City and Waterford – who played out a tense 1-1 draw at Turners Cross in the Premier Division last week – will meet on Leeside again.

Seven of the eight first-round groups ended last night, with the only outstanding fixture being that between Shamrock Rovers and UCD next week.

Rovers are the hot favourites to advance, as even a single-goal defeat at the hands of the Students – who have yet to take a single league point at seven attempts – would see the Hoops through to the last eight.

That would set up a meeting between landlords St Patrick’s Athletic and tenants Rovers at Richmond Park.

The final quarter-final tie sees league champions Bohemians travel to the midlands to face Longford Town.

eircom League Cup, quarter-final draw:

Cork City v Waterford Utd

Derry City v Sligo Rovers

Longford Town v Bohemians

Shamrock Rovers/UCD v St Patrick’s Athletic

Matches will be decided on a penalty shoot-out if scores are level after 90 minutes.
Ties to be played on June 16/17/18.


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