Following a blockbuster opening round of the FAI Cup, Waterford FC and Wexford FC have been drawn on the road for the second round of fixtures.
The draw has thrown up some intriguing fixtures throughout, with eyes in the South East relishing the Blue's trip to face Munster rivals Cork City at Turners Cross.
What a set of fixtures ?
Confirmation of the draw for the Sports Direct Men's FAI Cup Second Round. #FAICup pic.twitter.com/PmifAgZzbe
— FAIreland (@FAIreland) July 25, 2023
Keith Long's side overcame non-league kingpins St.Michaels AFC by a scoreline of 3 goals to nil in their opening round. They will now prepare for an altogether different tie against the side ranked ninth in the Premier Division.
These sides have a notable history and locked horns throughout the 2022 campaign in search of promotion from the First Division.
This cup fixture presents the second meeting between the pair in 2023 after the Rebel Army sealed a 2-1 win in the Munster Senior Cup semi-finals.
A quiet night in the office... ?
We have been drawn to face Cork City away in the second round of the Sports Direct Men's FAI Cup.#WaterfordFC #FAICup pic.twitter.com/TTDCFCDASy
— Waterford FC (@WaterfordFCie) July 25, 2023
Elsewhere, having seen off non-league Avondale United by 3 goals nil at Ferrycarrig Park, Wexford can look forward to an away day against another non-league side in St. Patrick's CYFC.
James Keddy is targeting a stellar cup run this year, and while this St. Patrick's side possesses some real talent in their ranks, an opportunity to flex League of Ireland muscle is something that the South East side will embrace.
We have been drawn away to St. Patrick's CYFC in the second round of the Sports Direct FAI Cup!
Ties will be played the weekend ending Sunday August 20th. pic.twitter.com/lmyUp0Gr0E
— Wexford FC (@WexfordFC) July 25, 2023
Speaking to Beat Sport after the draw, Keddy says he will not take his opponents lightly.
"It is a good draw for us with another non-league team," he said.
"We do know that Ringsend is a difficult place to win a game of football - they have some excellent forwards who have played in our league.
"We will give them the respect they deserve, and we look forward to the tie."
So... we were a little bit too early the last time....
Lesson to self: don't do two things at once.
City are at home to St Pats in the next round of the Sports Direct Mens FAI Cup pic.twitter.com/6SMUyrwoct
— Derry City FC (@derrycityfc) July 25, 2023
The Premier tie of the round comes by way of Derry City playing host to St Patrick's Athletic.
The sides are currently level on points in the Premier Division and are hot on the tail of leaders Shamrock Rovers.
Fans anticipate a mammoth clash at the Brandywell with all ties to take place on the weekend ending Sunday, August 20, with timing to follow.
The remaining fixtures in the second round see Finn Harps play host to Skerries Town, Galway United on the road to UCD, Bohemians at home to Rockmount, Kerry FC welcoming Drogheda United to the Kingdom, and Bray Wanderers v Dundalk at the Carlise Grounds.
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