While Derry City's title aspirations suffered a shuddering blow when losing heavily to Drogheda United on Tuesday, leaders Shelbourne were moving six points clear with a polished performance against Sligo Rovers at the Showgrounds.
With the league scheduled to finish next weekend - pending, that is, the result of tomorrow's arbitration hearing - Shelbourne could secure the title if they better Derry's outcome at St Patrick's tomorrow when they, on the same night, tackle holders Cork City at Turner's Cross. Understandably, however, manager Pat Fenlon is refusing to get ahead of himself by entertaining premature notions of silverware.
Turner's Cross, as Fenlon concedes, has proved a less than rewarding destination for his side in recent seasons. Shelbourne have yet to beat Damien Richardson's side anywhere this season and have lost both games - Setanta Cup and league - played at that particular venue this term.
"Cork will be tough," he admits. "We're not going there thinking of league titles, but if we can get something out of the game I'd be more than happy. We'll be concentrating on ourselves but if results elsewhere happen to work out in our favour then hopefully we'll take advantage of that.
"But we still have to go to Cork, then play Bohemians definitely once, maybe twice, and they'll all be hard games. Bohemians and ourselves are such big rivals and the top four places are still up for grabs which makes everything very exciting. It's definitely not a forgone conclusion, it's not done and dusted yet," he added.
Derry remain Shelbourne's closest challengers despite that defeat on Tuesday but it would appear their treble-chasing exploits - including a European run - are taking their toll on a squad who wojust three of their last 11 league games.
FAI chief executive John Delaney expects a "speedy" conclusion to tomorrow's arbitration in the dispute between Shelbourne and the Eircom National League board over the game between Bohemians and the Tolka Park club. Arbiter Michael Collin SC has been briefed on all aspects of the case and a outcome may be arrived at tomorrow, but more likely over the weekend.
"I won't be putting any pressure on Michael Collins," Delaney said. "The decision is solely under his domain."
Meanwhile, Limerick FC chairman Danny Drew says the club could go out of business within weeks if the issue of a long-term lease for the club to play at Hogan Park is not resolved.
Drew says the situation has reached the stage where it is creating so much uncertainty he will depart and the club would most likely fold if a solution can not be found. Without a long-term home Government grants cannot be drawn down and Limerick has already been allocated some €400,000 in public funding which it cannot currently access.
Fr Joe Young, a former chairman of the club, had indicated a 25-year lease would be granted earlier this year. After a breakdown in relations between the two parties he said he would grant it to the FAI instead but so far no deal has been concluded.
Dundalk striker Philip Hughes is the Eircom/Soccer Writers Association of Ireland Player of the Month for October. It is rare a First Division player receives the award but Hughes has scored 21 goals this season.
The draw for the Setanta Sports Cup will be held in Dublin on December 7th while the competition is scheduled to start on February 26th. Linfield, Glentoran, Portadown and Dungannon Swifts are the four competing teams from the Irish League. From the National League, Derry City are guaranteed participation having won the League Cup while Shelbourne, Cork City, Drogheda United and St Patrick's are in contention for the three remaining places.
