Matty Smith's second-half strike and a fantastic chip from match-winner Darragh Burns were the crucial moments in a tense Semi-Final that booked St. Patricks Athletic a date for the Aviva Stadium FAI Cup Final as they overcame Dundalk at Inchicore beating them 3-1. The Saints took the lead with a first-half strike from Billy King that was cancelled out by Dundalk's Patrick Hoban. Smith and Burn's fantastic efforts, however, settled the tie in a thrilling contest in Dublin.

Patching lets one fly but it just goes wide, when it's not your night.

Five added minutes here at Inchicore.

Game set and match for St. Patricks Athletic! Darragh Burns broke free of the Dundalk defence and chipped it over Cherrie and that's the tie for the home side.

What a hit from Patching on the volley that was tipped over the bar from Jaros!

Coming into the last ten minutes, last throws of the dice for Dundalk as Pat's look to be in control of this tie.

David McMillan is on for Murray and Raivis Jurkovskis is on for Dummigan

A double change for Pat's as Ronan Coughlan and Jason McClelland come in for King and Forrester

Daniel Kelly comes on for Greg Sloggett has Vinny opts for two up front.

A free-kick sent in by Duffy was punched clear by Jaros this game has everything going for it at the moment, Dundalk is desperate to get back in this contest.

Very close to a third here as Billy King's cross is almost over Cherries head but it goes over.

Jamie Lennon comes off and on comes former Dundalk player Robbie Benson.

And Pat's retake the lead! A brilliant through ball and Smith hit a fantastic effort that Cherrie had no chance in saving.

Absolutely fantastic football that ends with a deep cross going inches in front of Hovan but he couldn't get a connection to it.

It didn't fall to him kindly but Dummigans shot was saved by Jaros who had to get down low to deflect the effort.

Paddy Barrett booked for a foul on Hoban

Hickman has gone to right-back for Pat's with Lee Desmond going in at left-sided centre half alongside Paddy Barrett with Ian Bermingham at left-back

We are back underway for the second half, Will Patching restarts the game.

Half time sub for St. Patricks Athletic is that Jak Hickman replaces James Abankwah.

HALF-TIME: That has been quite the half, Billy King sent this place into absolute raptures with a great goal but Pat Hoban has pulled it back for the home side. All to play for and there will be drama yet you feel.

Right on half time, Jame Abankwah gets his body towards goal from a free-kick but Cherrie gathers.

Two added minutes here

For a foul on Murray Abankwah is given a yellow card.

And it's level in Inchicore! A fantastic through ball from Patching to Hoban who rammed it into the back of the net.

A bit stop-start period here as both sides trying to get some rhythm into the game but it's proving difficult.

Pat's nearly made it two as Dundalk left exposed and cut open and Bermingham hits a fantastic effort that just goes wide.

And Pats take the lead! A poor pass back from Greg Sloggett and King latches onto it and slams it past Cherrie.

Darragh Burns turns on the afterburners and his low effort is well blocked by Boyle. Fantastic defending.

A corner to Dundalk and it is played short but despite pressure from Dundalk it is cleared and the chance is gone.

A terrific chip from Barrett sees Forrester get in behind Cleary but Cherrie is alert to the danger.

Murray runs into the area and despite attention from Abankwah his effort hits the side netting.

Incredible block from Andy Boyle as Smith's turn and shot was looking goalbound.

A delay in play as a flare is on the pitch and they have to wait to clear it.

A cross from the right is met at the back post by Matty Smith but his effort is well wide of the goal.

Dundalk really are closing everything down and Greg Sloggett lays a clever ball off to Murray whose effort while on target was weak and Jaros saves with ease.

Still, no real goalmouth action as of yet but plenty to be focused on, Dundalk looking very fast in the counter attach with Greg Sloggett looking to be pulling the strings in midfield.

This is a bright opening from both sides, Dundalk and Pat are both looking confident going forward and it's an opening passing game. This has the hallmarks of a classic semi-final here.

The first sight on goal as Duffy lays it off to Patching whose effort is saved well by Jaros.

Billy King kicks us off and we are underway.

Delay to proceedings here, the flares and smoke are causing an issue.

The teams are out and here we go, some atmosphere, fans still coming in as Dundalk it is said to have about 1000 fans here tonight.

Cameron Dummigan for Sami Ben Amar is the 1 change to the Dundalk side which drew v Bohs last week. Dummigan and Sean Murray are the only two players to have started every FAI Cup match so far for Dundalk

Dundalk captain Andy Boyle has fond memories of his last FAI Cup meeting with St Pat’s. He was part of the Shelbourne side which beat Pete Mahon’s side in a semi-final replay 10 years ago in 2011.

Cameron Dummigan and Sean Murray are the only two players to have started every FAI Cup match so far for Dundalk with Sam Stanton, who starts, and Raivis Jurkovskis, who is on the bench, the only other players who have featured in every round to date.

Dundalk is aiming to reach a 7th successive Cup final which would be a new record. The current record tally of six is level with that of the Shamrock Rovers side who reached the final and won six seasons in a row from 1964 to 1969.

Good Evening from Inchicore for the best Semi-Final ...not to be televised! St. Patricks Athletic vs Dundalk in the FAI Cup. Both teams are out on the pitch ahead of tonight's clash.