Without success in the FAI Ford Cup since 1961, St. Patrick's Athletic begin their annual attempt to end the club's cup heartache this Friday when they take-on Longford Town in the Third Round of the competition (Richmond Park, 7.45pm).

Manager John McDonnell believes that his side have a great chance to progress to the next round, although he will not be taking anything for granted against a young Longford Town side in the process of rebuilding following their relegation from the top flight last season.

McDonnell said: “It’s the start of the cup competition and five matches and five wins could see a team with a trophy and qualification for Europe so we’ll be trying to go as far as we can. We’re playing at home and no disrespect to Longford but on home ground we’ve a great chance of making it into the next round. Longford are a revamped young team, they’ve made a good start to the season and they will be eager. With the cup anything can happen so we will be treating the match with a lot of caution”.

The Saints will be without Keith Fahey, David Partridge, John Frost and Michael Keane, although Stephen Paisley returns to the defence following a groin injury.

Next Fixture

vs DROGHEDA UNITED

Date: June 12th (7:45pm)
Competition: League
Venue: Richmond Park
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Team	Pld	Pts
Shamrock Rovers	19	37
St Patrick's Athletic	18	32
Bohemian FC	19	31
Dundalk	18	26
Shelbourne	18	25
Derry City	19	25
Galway United	17	20
Drogheda United	18	20
Sligo Rovers	18	19
Waterford FC	18	10