Soccer

FAI Cup: Derry City face title rivals Shelbourne in cup quarter-finals

Ruaidhrí Higgins’ side will take on Damien Duff’s Shels in a clash of the two favourites for the Premier Division title

The Derry City squad celebrate with the FAI Cup trophy at last night's homecoming for the team at Guildhall Square. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin
The Derry City squad celebrate with the FAI Cup trophy at a homecoming for the team at Guildhall Square in 2022. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin
By Liam Grimley

DERRY City have been handed a tough draw against Premier Division title rivals Shelbourne in the quarter-finals of the FAI Cup.

The Candystripes progressed to this stage after beating Cork City 1-0 in the Rebel county to reach the last eight.

The game will take place at the Ryan McBride Brandywell on the weekend of September 15 and is a repeat of the 2022 final, which Derry won 4-0.

The two sides are also two points apart in the League of Ireland Premier Division, with Damien Duff’s Shelbourne ahead with a game in hand.

Ruaidhrí Higgins’ Derry side are still looking to compete for the league and cup double, having knocked out current holders St Patrick’s Athletic.

They defeated Shelbourne 4-0 in the FAI Cup final

Elsewhere in the draw, UCD take on Bohemians, Athlone Town host Drogheda United and Wexford FC play Treaty United.

The Bohs will look to continue their luck after the shocked Sligo Rovers in the last round, but they will be wary that the Students of UCD will be a tough test having dispatched of Premier Division side Kerry FC in the last round.