FAI Cup preview: Shamrock Rovers play host to non-league Bangor GG

The all-Premier Division clash of Finn Harps and Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers welcoming Leinster Senior League side Bangor GG to Tallaght are two of the eight games down for decision in the first round of the Extra.ie FAI Cup on Friday.

Yes, it's that time in the season where upsets are possible, where non-league sides dream of a cup run to take them to the latter stages. The 32 teams will be seeking a place in the second round over the weekend of 26-28 August, with the quarter-finals and semi-final scheduled for the weekends of 18 September and 16 October, respectively.

The 2022 FAI Cup will take place on Sunday, 13 November at the Aviva Stadium.

FRIDAY'S FIXTURES Maynooth University Town FC v Villa FC, 7.30pm Bray Wanderers FC v Shelbourne, 7.45pm Drogheda United FC v Athlone Town, 7.45pm Dundalk v Longford Town, 7.45pm Treaty United FC v Usher Celtic, 7.45pm UCD v Cockhill Celtic FC, 7.45pm Bangor GG v Shamrock Rovers, 8pm Finn Harps v Bohemian, 8pm

Holders St Pat's Athletic, because of their European engagement, begin their defence at home to Waterford FC on Sunday. Danny Searle's side, currently third in the First Division, look set for a play-off spot at least and may look at this clash as one where they could spring a surprise.

It's 42 years since Waterford last lifted the famous trophy.

Sligo Rovers also had Europa Conference League matters to deal with during the week and they too are in action on Sunday, with Wexford FC making the long trip to The Showgrounds.

Every year at this time it's commonplace to refer to Shamrock Rovers as the 'cup specialists', this on the back of them winning it 25 times, with the last of those victories coming in 2019. It's a busy time of the year for the Hoops; their European journey