Daniel McDonnell / 11 June 2009 Free Bet

Timing is a significant factor. While the League of Irelands runs to a summer season, non league football here retains the old August-May campaign so when their chance to take on the big boys comes around they are fatigued - an extra burden when you consider they already have a mountain to climb.

So we haven't seen many shocks in recent times, and there are no obvious ones on the cards this weekend. There are two all Premier Division matches, though, with the home team fancied to progress in both instances.

Tomorrow night, Cork City welcome Sligo Rovers to Turner's Cross for the tie of the round. The Leesiders were flying high in the league up until a fortnight ago but a pair of defeats to Drogheda and Bohemians knocked them off their perch.

A draw with Shamrock Rovers last week steadied the ship somewhat, and they will be glad they are facing a Sligo side which has failed to convince this term. The odds of [1.55] on a Cork win are hardly worth emptying the wallet for, though.

The meeting of Shamrock Rovers and Drogheda on Saturday brings FAI Cup to the Tallaght Stadium for the first time.

Struggling Drogheda have turned their form around in recent weeks, with a draw at Tallaght in the league one of the highlights. They're a difficult side to break down, so you can envisage a tight encounter here. [3.40] about the draw is potentially worth a few quid, although Rovers are tipped to progress - they may need a replay to do so, though. A goal fest isn't anticipated, so lean towards under 2.5 goals in that department.

With a number of the other matches a foregone conclusion, there aren't too many games with attractive betting opportunities. St Patrick's Athletic, despite their recent struggles, are confidently tipped to win at Limerick, even though the latter have improved since the appointment of Pat Scully. Although well organised, they lack quality so the Saints should be capable of progressing at the first attempt. [1.71] is fair enough.

Similarly, there's a bit of value in Saturday night's joust between Finn Harps and Galway. Given Harps' standing as a reasonably big club by First Division standards, this tie looks capable of producing a turnover on paper.

The reality, though, is that this is a poor Harps side who are pottering towards the nether regions of the second tier for a reason. Galway aren't world beaters, but they are a decent Premier League side who should have the professionalism to go to Donegal and win. In those terms, [1.93] is a steal.

Best Bets

Galway to beat Finn Harps @ [1.93]
St Pat's to beat Limerick @ [1.71]
Under 2.5 goals Shamrock Rovers v Drogheda @ [1.60]
Cork to beat Sligo @ [1.55]
Over 2.5 goals Waterford v Carrigaline

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