13.24 – There are just over twenty minutes to go until kick off in the first of today’s FAI Cup semi-finals.

Speaking to our own Niall Kelly ahead of the game, Derry boss Declan Devine talked about how keen he was to add to Derry’s cup legacy but knows his side faces a tough challenge today from a Shelbourne outfit keen to make amends for last year’s final heartbreak.

It promises to be a close game but I’d love to hear who you think will come out on top in the comments below.

13.28 – I’ve just been handed the teamsheets for today’s first semi-final and the line-ups are as follows:

Derry City: Doherty, McCaffrey, Molloy, Greacen, McEleney, Deery, McDaid, McEleney, Patterson, McLaughlin, Madden

Shelbourne: Bennion, Boyle, Paisley, Cronin, Cassidy, Hughes, Dawson, Kavanagh, S Byrne, P Byrne, Ryan

This means that Barry Molloy has recovered from the hip problem that threatened his participation for Derry.

13.32 – These two sides have met three times already this season with the Dublin outfit winning the first two.

However, the Candystripes walked away from Tolka Park with a 2-0 victory when the sides last played in August.

13.41 – Rory Patterson’s return for Derry after being sidelined with injury is something of a gamble for Derry.

Speaking to RTE before the game, Derry boss Declan Devine justified his selection by saying he wanted to field his strongest team.

With eight goals in just seven appearances for Derry, it could well be a risk worth taking.

13.48 – As the game kicks off, Twitter informs me that one of Ireland’s brightest young talents has returned to his old club to cheer on the home team:

13.52 – The first effort of the game comes from Shels with a long range strike that the Derry goalkeeper Ger Doherty deals with easily.

It’s a beautiful day for football in Derry, almost perfect conditions.

13.59 – Derry have their first corner after a spectacular strike by Patrick McEleney from fully 40 yards forced the Shels’ keeper into a spectacular save.

Unfortunately for the home team, they are unable to work anything from the set-piece.

14.03 – Rory Patterson sends a 20-yard speculative effort high and wide of the Shelbourne goal.

After a long injury, perhaps Patterson just needs to shake off the rust.

Derry are definitely coming back into the game after suffering such an early set-back but they’ll need to work better openings and show a bit more patience.

At the other end, Kevin Dawson blazes a 30-yard effort well over the bar.

14.07 – Stephen Paisley upends Rory Patterson down the Derry right wing and receives a long lecture from the referee but escapes the game’s first booking.

Stephen McLaughlin’s delivery drifts harmlessly wide though.

14.12 – The gamble with Rory Patterson looks like it won’t pay off for the Candystripes as the Northern Ireland international is limping noticeably now.

How long more the Derry management give him remains to be seen.

14.19 – With 30 minutes gone, Shelbourne remain good value for their lead though their propensity to bypass their midfield with long balls doesn’t make for the most attractive football. Mind you, given the state of the Derry pitch, it would be difficult for any team to try and play it along the ground.

A free header for Glenn Cronin lands safely in the arms of Ger Doherty from a Shelbourne corner.

14.32 – There’s not what you’d call a “cup atmosphere” at the Brandywell.

Indeed, at times you’d forget Derry are losing such is their lack of urgency.

Patrick Kavanagh did well to get in behind the Derry defence with just over two minutes left in the half to win a corner but Glenn Cronin’s tame effort form the edge of the area drifts wide of the left-hand post.

14.58 – The ball is in the net for Derry but the referee’s whistle had blown for a free kick to Shelbourne.

Shels’ ‘Keeper Chris Bennion jumped into the back to two Derry attackers and wins a free-out for it.

A lucky break for the Dubliners.

15.07 – GOAL: Derry, David McDaid, 58 mins

Davy McDaid makes it 1-1 as he gets on the end of a great ball by McCaffrey found the striker for his 15th goal of the season.

Derry have been much better in the second half and that pass by McCaffrey was by far the highlight of the game.

All to play for now.

15.23 – Going back to his roots:

Image: RTE Screengrab