Holders Derry City to play non-league Bluebell in FAI Cup

Holders Derry City have been drawn away to non-league side Bluebell United in the third round of the FAI Cup.

United, based in south Dublin, are an amateur club and they play in the Leinster Senior League which does not resume until August.

Derry are past the midway point in their Premier Division campaign and are third in the table after 20 matches.

Declan Devine's men won the cup last November by beating St Pat's Athletic 3-2 after-extra-time in the final.

They began their defence of the trophy with a 4-0 victory over Cork-based juniors Blarney in the second round.

The match against Bluebell United is to be staged on the weekend of 24/25 August.

Derry's League of Ireland challenge has faltered recently with back-to-back defeats at the hands of Dundalk and Shamrock Rovers.

However, they are in the semi-finals of the EA Sports Cup and will have home advantage against Drogheda United.

FAI Ford Cup third round

Bluebell United v Derry City

Bray Wanderers v St Patrick's Athletic

Dundalk v Limerick

Finn Harps v Cobh Ramblers

Longford Town v Drogheda United

Shamrock Rovers v Sheriff YC

Shelbourne v College Corinthians

Sligo Rovers v Cork City or Kilbarrack United.