It’s the last four of the extra.ie FAI Cup as Dundalk continue the defence of the trophy travelling to Richmond Park to take on St. Patrick’s Athletic on Friday evening.
The Lilywhites are bidding to reach the final for the seventh straight year and meet the Saints in the competition for the first time since 2012, that was also in the semi-final stage when Pat’s won 3-0 at Oriel Park that afternoon on their way to losing the final to Derry City.
The last time that sides met in the knockout competition at Richmond was in August 2006 where Pat’s also were winners, 2-0 on that occasion.
In fact, Dundalk have lost the last three meetings in the competition against St. Patrick’s Athletic and the last time that we were winners was in the semi-final of 1993.
Our record in the competition versus Pat’s is P17, W10, D3, L4
Dundalk are indeed the holders of the FAI Cup, after defeating Shamrock Rovers 4-2 in a thrilling final last season, and will be hoping to reach not only their seventh straight final however their 21st final, which they have been victorious in 12 overall.
Match Details
Competition: extra.ie FAI Cup
Date: Friday, October 22nd, 2021
Venue: Richmond Park
Kick-off: 7.45pm
Watch it: LOITV.ie
Listen: LMFM.ie
Previous Meetings
This will be the fourth meeting of the sides this season with all previous three meetings taking place in the league.
Back in April, Junior rescued a late draw for us at Oriel Park in a match which finished 1-1 while in August, Pat’s were 4-1 winners at Oriel with a second half show.
The other meeting at Richmond Park this season finished in a 2-0 win for Dundalk with David McMillan netting in either half in what was an impressive win.
Dundalk players ahead of the Extra.ie FAI Cup Final match between Shamrock Rovers and Dundalk at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
Form Guide
Vinny Perth’s men go into the clash in their best form of the season with the side unbeaten in the last seven matches.
There have been no wins in the last eight matches away from home though however last week Sami Ben Amar netted his first goal for the club against Bohemians and they looked to be heading for another league win however a last gasp Georgie Kelly penalty gave the Gypsies a point.
Pat’s have been inconsistent to an extent with three wins and three losses from their last six and the win in the FAI Cup their last at home which was a month ago.
Stephen O’Donnell’s men are second in the table and on course to qualify for European competition, even after losing to Derry City at the Brandywell last week.
FAI Cup form
Dundalk have qualified for the semi-final stage by defeating Treaty United, St. Mochta’s and Finn Harps (via a replay) while St. Patrick’s Athletic got here by getting past Bray Wanderers, Cork City (on penalties) and Wexford Youths in the quarter-finals.
Team News
Perth will be without the services of the long-term injured Brian Gartland, Patrick McEleney and Wilfried Zahibo once again however Raivis Jurkovskis and Cameron Dummigan return to the squad following suspension. The boss was boosted by David McMillan and Daniel Kelly getting on the pitch after injury last weekend. There are doubts though over Patrick Hoban’s fitness after he went off injured in the first half against Bohs last week however he will be given every opportunity to prove his fitness ahead of kick-off.
Live Stream
The game will be broadcast live on LOI TV. It is not part of the main subscription and can be purchased for a price of just €5.
Match Officials
Referee: Neil Doyle.
Assistants: Rob Clarke and Allen Lynch
Fourth Official: John McLoughlin
