Holders Derry City held by minnows Bluebell in FAI Cup tie

Leinster Senior League amateurs Bluebell United deservedly earned a replay against FAI Cup holders Derry City after their third round tie at the Brandywell ended goal-less on Friday.

Sean Houston, David McDaid, Paddy Kavanagh and Rory Patterson had chances for the under-par top-flight outfit.

Robert Douglas and Shane Stritch went close for the south Dublin side.

Visiting defender Peter Sherlock was named man of the match and the replay will be staged in Derry on Tuesday.

The Candystripes brought Barry McNamee and Houston into their starting line-up but Ryan McBride, Kevin Deery and Stewart Greacen sat out the game through injury.

In the first half, Houston headed just wide, McDaid saw a shot palmed clear and Kavanagh blasted high and wide over the bar.

Patterson had a 35-yard free-kick tipped over by Andrew McNulty, who also denied the ex-Linfield and Coleraine striker in the second half.

Ger Doherty saved a Douglas shot, while Stritch also had a chance.

McDaid twice headed off-target after the break.

Declan Devine's men won the cup last November by beating St Pat's Athletic 3-2 after-extra-time in the final.

They began their defence of the trophy with a 4-0 victory over Cork-based juniors Blarney in the second round.