DERRY City manager Ruaidhri Higgins is expecting a tough FAI Cup test at Drogheda United, on Saturday afternoon.
The Brandywell men were drawn against Tim Clancy's side yesterday in the only all-Premier Division tie in the first round and Higgins would love a repeat of their last encounter at the Head in the Game Park when two clever Will Patching free-kicks was enough for a deserved 2-1 victory for the Candystripes.
"The cup is huge for us and we have to prepare properly for Drogheda," said the Derry boss, who played in City's last FAI Cup success in 2012 when they seen off St Patrick's Athletic, after extra-time, at the Aviva Stadium.
"It’s obviously a very tough draw, but we have gone their recently and won. We obviously know that they are a really good team, who have good momentum.
"They have been the surprise package to some, but it wasn’t really a surprise to me the levels that they have reached this year and I think it’s a very evenly matched tie, so lets see who comes out on top.”
Elsewhere holders, Dundalk begin their defence on Sunday at in-form First Division men Treaty United, while on Friday night champions Shamrock Rovers welcome First Division promotion hopefuls Galway United, to Tallaght Stadium.
Finn Harps, who are also on the road on Saturday, should have more than enough to see off junior side Fairview Rangers while in the only other Saturday game Bangor GGFC travel to Premier Division bottom side Longford Town.
Friday night's game of the evening sees St Patrick's Athletic entertain First Division men Bray Wanderers; Waterford travel to Athlone Town, UCD host First Division leaders Shelbourne; Cabinteely visit Wexford and in the two all junior ties Maynooth University Town take on Malahide United and St Kevin's Boys come up against Kilnamanagh.
On Sunday, Cork City make the trip to Sligo Rovers, Bohemians travel to Turners Cross to face College Corinthians; Liffey Wanderers take on Cobh Ramblers; Usher Celtic visit Killester Donnycarney and Crumlin United have home advantage over St Mochta's.
