Longford remain livid at having to play this game at this time with manager Michael O'Connor still seething over why they weren't allowed play last Sunday. "Many supporters and some of the players won't be able to attend today's match," argued O'Connor, "so why have they made us play it at this time?"

Longford, with Wayside's agreement, wanted to play it last Sunday, but were overruled by the FAI. A decision, a baffled O'Connor says, showed the powers that be's total disrespect for the FAI Cup.

Longford says they will struggle to field a full strength team with goalkeeper, Anthony Keenan, man of the match in the first game, and full-back Dermot Lennon unlikely to get off work while both Donegal-based Kieran Rooney and Damien Dunleavy are doubtful.

Another factor, which O'Connor omitted to mention, is that influential midfielder Conor Frawley started a two-match suspension from Monday, but, of course, would have been available had the game been played on Sunday.

Longford, it must be said, really only have themselves to blame as they should have beaten Wayside in the first replay. But, as O'Connor admitted, it's now a different game again.

Wayside manager Peter Lennon agrees that Sunday would have suited his side as well, but accepts that getting his team together isn't as problematic as it may be for Longford.

Lennon, who has no injury worries, believes that with it being the fourth game the sides have played in 10 days, tiredness will be a factor in deciding the outcome. "It will be won by a mistake, a fluke or someone hitting one from 30 yards," he said.

The match is played to a finish today, with penalties scheduled if needed. The winners are at home to Whitehall Rangers in the second round.

Five year cup form: Wayside: DNQ, DNQ, 1, Q, 2; Longford: 1, 1, 2, 1, 1.

Betting: Home: 11/8, Draw: 2/1, Away: 74.

Referee: P Whelan (Dublin).