FAI Cup preview: Cork and Wexford aim for shock wins

The FAI Cup reaches the last-16 stage, with First Division and non-league sides searching for upset victories once again thanks to the outcome of the draw.

There was one all-Premier Division tie in the first round and this stage has also thrown up just a single fixture between top flight teams with five matches down for decision on Friday.

That all-Premier Division game is Drogheda United against Shamrock Rovers, with the Hoops aiming to recover from Thursday's Europa League game to be ready for a potential banana skin.

Three Premier side fell at the first hurdle. Finn Harps were ousted by Bohemians, while St Patrick's Athletic and Sligo Rovers were shocked by Waterford and Wexford respectively.

It leaves the top three in the league looking to make it through to the quarter-finals, as well as some sides who could see the Cup become their focus of the season.

Derry City, likely out of the race for the league, face a Cork City side nearing promotion and one which will fancy their chances of an extended run.

It's undoubtedly a banana skin for Derry as two of the biggest clubs in the country clash, even if they are temporarily in different divisions.

Candystripes boss Ruaidhri Higgins said: "Obviously I have fond memories of both of those cup wins and like everyone else we're keen to do well in this competition.

"There’s a huge prize on offer in this game - a win would leave us two matches away from a cup final and we will do everything we can to make sure we’re still in the hat for the quarter-finals.

"It’s a very tough draw for us. Cork have been excellent this year and if you look at their away form - 11 wins and two draws in 13 matches - you’ll see why we have to be on our game if we want to win.

"We’ve been playing well too,