With kick off due at 8pm, four of the eight floodlight switched off after some loud bangs and a flickering off the majority of lights in Tolka Park.

Just after 8pm, both sets of substitutes were recalled from the benches with both teams and officials waiting in the tunnel.

Referee Dave McKeon then consulted with Shelbourne officials before the game was officially called off at 8.20pm.

Half the floodlights have failed at Tolka Park - Shels training now on the pitch. pic.twitter.com/TaFniaUkoW

— Darren Cleary (@RadioCleary) August 26, 2014

The FAI said in a statement: “A blown transformer in the generator knocked out the lights on four of the eight pylons and while there was sufficient light to commence the game it would not have been possible to play it to a finish”

“When you physic people up and get people ready and all of the sudden there’s no game. It’s very hard,” said Shels manager Johnny McDonnell.

“I can’t do anything about it, I can just look after the football side of things, but its very disappointing, we had done everything to get the lads ready,” added McDonnell.

Last Monday, Bohemians' SSE Airticity league game against Shamrock Rovers was called off at late notice due to issue with the pitch.

McDonnell said: “It doesn’t look good for the league either after last week’s issue in Dalymount.”

The FAI have moved quickly to reschedule tonight’s fixture for Monday, September 1, at 8pm in Tolka Park.

Tickets purchased tonight will be valid for the rescheduled game.

The winner of the tie will play Bohemian’s in the Quarter final.