Treaty United host Pike Rovers in mouth-watering FAI Cup clash

LOCAL rivals Treaty United and Pike Rovers will go head-to-head in a mouth-watering Sports Direct FAI Cup third round clash at the Markets Field this Friday evening, 7.45pm.

The fixture is the first all-Limerick clash in the FAI Cup since 1987 when Newcastle West AFC (then in the League of Ireland) hosted Limerick City in the Demense (or as it was called at the time, Ballygowan Park).

That game resulted in a 4-0 victory for the away side. 

SSE Airtricity League side Treaty United were relieved to advance to the last 16 stage of this season's FAI Cup after defeating Leinster Senior League side Kilbarrack United 4-1 on penalties with teenage goalkeeper Michael Dike saving two of the spot kicks in their penalty shoot-out win.

The sides had finished 0-0 after extra-time in their second round fixture last month. Enda Curran scored a hat-trick as Treaty United cruised to a precious 4-1 victory over Longford Town in the SSE Airtricity League First Division at Bishopsgate in their most recent outing on Saturday night last.

Pike Rovers, who are at the start of the Limerick District League season, were comprehensive 3-1 winners at home to Midleton FC to book their place in the last 16 stage of the Sports Direct FAI Cup at Pike Rovers Sportsgound last month.

The Hoops were full value for their win against the Munster Senior League side. The Pike Rovers goals were scored by Dylan Murphy on 39 minutes, Shane Walsh in the 71st minute and Shane Clarke 11 minutes before full-time.