By Jonny Stapleton
Dublin will definitely be represented in the FAI Junior Cup quarter-finals after the draw for the last 16 delivered a capital clash of note last weekend.
LSL Major Sunday side Oliver Bond will host LSL Major
Saturday side Ballymun United in the final round before the quarter-finals.
The draw means at least one of the four Dublin teams remaining in the contest will reach the last eight.
As a Sunday side on the verge of upgrading to the Intermediate ranks, Bond will be favourites going into the tie.
However, a hectic schedule has left last season’s semi-finalists suffering injuries issues of late – and Ballymun will be buoyed by the fact Tolka Rover’s Saturday side pushed them close at the same stage of the Leinster Junior Cup last weekend.
That same Tolka side will have to beat Regional United of Limerick if they are to go a step further than the last 16 in the FAI Junior.
The impressive Saturday side travel to the Treaty County to take on a team that sit mid-table in a strong Limerick District League top flight.
Tolka’s LSL Major Saturday title rivals, Crumlin United will also play country opposition in the last 16 as they await the winners of the delayed clash between Hibernian and Coachford.
Crumlin have home advantage and will fancy their chances against either outfit.
The last 16 clashes are scheduled to take place over the first weekend of March.
Outside of Dublin interest, the draw served up some mouthwatering ties.
Reigning champions Fairview Rangers will host Salthill Devon in the round of 16, while
another hotly fancied Limerick District league side, Pike Rovers will have Ballinasloe Town as visitors.
Peake Villa of Tipperary will welcome Kilkenny side Freebooters to Thurles in one of the ties of the round.
Another Tipp big name St Michaels from Tipperary will travel to play Villa FC looking to progress while reigning Leinster Junior Champions North End United take on Clare’s best Avenue United.
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