Phoenix FC, from the Navan Road area of Dublin, have been drawn to play eircom Premier Division table-toppers St. Patrick’s Athletic at home in the second round of the FAI Ford Senior Cup on the weekend of June 17, 2007.

The tie cannot be played at Phoenix’s home ground at the Belvedere complex on the Navan Road due to venue criteria so their officials are examining their options. They may decide to nominate a home ground on the north side of Dublin or switch the match to St. Pat’s Richmond Park stadium.

Phoenix were spawned through the merger at the start of last season of Ashtown Villa and Kinvara Ards. Ashtown Villa made headlines in the past with their FAI Cup wins over Dundalk and Derry City against all the odds.

The prospects of a repeat shock under the club’s new guise cannot be discounted. Manager Harry Kenny, a distinguished member of the Shamrock Rovers side which dominated domestic football during the 1980’s, has just led the team to promotion into the Leinster Senior League Senior section.

They also reached the semi-final stage of two Cup competitions, the Charlie Cahill trophy as well as the Metropolitan Cup, and will maintain a level of fitness over the next fortnight ahead of their glamour tie against John McDonnell’s Saints team.

Phoenix secretary Paul Rooney outlined his thoughts on the task that awaits his team.

“We’re going to be playing the top side in the country and that factor should be a massive motivation for our players.

“Our season ended three weeks ago which means Harry (Kenny) has had had to keep the lads training away until this Cup tie comes around.

“We will probably arrange a couple of friendly matches to regain some mark sharpness, now that we know the quality of our opposition.”

He continued: “The draw is good one financially for the club. We’re in the process of developing our new ground at Scribblestown, off the Navan Road, and that venture is progressing nicely.

“We’re not sure where the Cup tie will be played. I will speaking to the St. Patrick’s Athletic officials over the next few days to finalise a venue. No matter where the match is played, we’ll have a good support there.”

The success of Phoenix on the pitch this season has stemmed from their strong defensive record. Captain Glen Campbell has supplied most of the goals for the side while midfielder Mark Kenny, brother of Harry and also an ex-Shamrock Rovers player, has a big influence on the park as player-coach.

“We’ve had a great season as a club so far,” added Rooney, “and this tie against St. Patrick’s Athletic has made the campaign even more special. Hopefully, we can go and give a good account of ourselves.” They also reached the semi-final stage of two Cup competitions, the Charlie Cahill trophy as well as the Metropolitan Cup, and will maintain a level of fitness over the next fortnight ahead of their glamour tie against John McDonnell’s Saints team.

Phoenix secretary Paul Rooney outlined his thoughts on the task that awaits his team.

“We’re going to be playing the top side in the country and that factor should be a massive motivation for our players.

“Our season ended three weeks ago which means Harry (Kenny) has had had to keep the lads training away until this Cup tie comes around.

“We will probably arrange a couple of friendly matches to regain some mark sharpness, now that we know the quality of our opposition.”

He continued: “The draw is good one financially for the club. We’re in the process of developing our new ground at Scribblestown, off the Navan Road, and that venture is progressing nicely.

“We’re not sure where the Cup tie will be played. I will speaking to the St. Patrick’s Athletic officials over the next few days to finalise a venue. No matter where the match is played, we’ll have a good support there.”

The success of Phoenix on the pitch this season has stemmed from their strong defensive record. Captain Glen Campbell has supplied most of the goals for the side while midfielder Mark Kenny, brother of Harry and also an ex-Shamrock Rovers player, has a big influence on the park as player-coach.

“We’ve had a great season as a club so far,” added Rooney, “and this tie against St. Patrick’s Athletic has made the campaign even more special. Hopefully, we can go and give a good account of ourselves.”

Next Fixture

vs DROGHEDA UNITED

Date: June 12th (7:45pm)
Competition: League
Venue: Richmond Park
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Team	Pld	Pts
Shamrock Rovers	19	37
St Patrick's Athletic	18	32
Bohemian FC	19	31
Dundalk	18	26
Shelbourne	18	25
Derry City	19	25
Galway United	17	20
Drogheda United	18	20
Sligo Rovers	18	19
Waterford FC	18	10