A TRULY novel FAI Cup fixture is on the cards when Treaty United entertain Pike Rovers at the Markets Field on Friday (kick-off 7.45pm).
The winners of this third round tie, which will undoubtedly attract a bumper attendance to the Garryowen venue, will advance to the quarter-finals.
Only once in the Cup’s long history have two local sides met in the competition. That was way back in 1987 when then Limerick City emerged comfortable 4-0 winners over Newcastle West at The Demense (commonly known back then as Ballygowan Park).
For the record, the goals came from player/manager Billy Hamiltion (2), Jake King, and Declan Hyde.
City were narrowly beaten, 2-3, in the next round by eventual winners Shamrock Rovers at Rathbane.
This weekend’s tie is also a first involving a local League of Ireland side and a Junior team in the Cup.
Pike – under the continued management of Robbie Williams – will enter the contest as underdogs.
Cautioned Treaty boss Tommy Barrett: “Pike is going to be a difficult game for us. It’s a no-win for us really. We are obviously the team in season, and it’s more difficult for them no doubt, but we have to be at our best to win and hopefully we can achieve that.”
Treaty, with an immense contribution from teenage goalkeeper Michael Dike, eventually came through at home last time out against non-league side Kilbarrack United (Dublin), following a penalty shoot-out.
In their second round match, Pike impressed in a 3-1 defeat of Midleton (Cork) at Crossagalla. The goals for the winners came through Dylan Murphy, Shane Walsh and prolific scorer Shane Clarke.
At the weekend, Enda Curran grabbed a magnificent hat-trick as promotion-seeking (League of Ireland First Division) Treaty United greatly impressed in a 4-1 win at Longford Town.
