The staging of the FAI Cup third-round tie between Dundalk and Drogheda United took a new twist late last night.

During the day Dundalk's new artificial playing surface at Oriel Park had received the go-ahead from soccer's world governing body, Fifa, and the FAI, and all seemed set for the local derby on Friday night. However, last evening Drogheda, who engaged their own health-and-safety expert to review the pitch and ground, were refused admission to Oriel Park by the home club.

The FAI, who had failed to respond to Drogheda's concerns over the previous 48 hours, then contacted the Boynesiders. The association informed United that the new surface would be inspected this morning by a Fifa referee who would make a decision as to whether the match would proceed on the newly installed artificial grass.

Drogheda officials, who were consulting with their legal team late last night, welcomed this move and agreed to be bound by the outcome of the referee's inspection.

The tie is due to be televised by TG4,