Minnows cry foul over refix - February 7,
2001
Portmarnock v Dundalk 14:30 BST
Non-leaguers Portmarnock were threatening to abort this afternoon's third-round FAI Cup match against Dundalk at Hyland Park, Baldonnel, claiming the match had been refixed at too short notice.
The game was orignally scheduled for last weekend but the AUL Complex pitch was washed out. But the amateurs were furious that the game had been refixed so soon, saying the lack of notice would cause their players major problems with their various employers.
Last night they were threatening to force another postponement by lodging an appeal against the refixture. But the FAI put a contingency plan into effect and were ready to stymie the Portmarnock move by hearing the appeal this morning!
If the game goes ahead, Portmarnock manager John Hayes expects to have a full squad, short notice notwithstanding.
But Dundalk have David Hoey, Ian Hill and John Flanagan on the missing list. Tommy Byrne and John Whyte look set to start.