FIRST DIVISION: WITH NOTHING confirmed in relation to promotion going into the last day, and with four clubs still in the mix, the consensus that this season's First Division has been one of the most competitive ever is borne out.
Derry City, three points clear with a far superior goal difference of nine, are effectively up as champions, with the smidgen of doubt provided by the highly unlikely scenario that second-placed Waterford United could, in theory, overtake them.
To add to the drama, the top four sides meet each other in tonight’s final games. Second and third get a play-off, with fourth place missing out altogether.
Technically, Derry may need a point at third-placed Monaghan United. However, for them to lose out on the title and the one automatic promotion place would require a bizarre couple of results – Derry losing heavily at Gortakeegan and Waterford United (second) tanking fourth-placed Shelbourne at Tolka Park.
Assuming Derry are up as champions, really, the main focus is on who gets the two play-off spots.
Having been Derry’s main challengers for much of the second half of the season, Monaghan will need a point to be guaranteed a play-off, if Shelbourne beat Waterford at Tolka Park.
Even if they were to lose to Derry, Monaghan would still get a play-off if Waterford beat Shelbourne.
A draw at Tolka Park is enough to guarantee Waterford a play-off, though should Monaghan lose they have it anyway.
Shelbourne’s task is simple. They must beat Waterford to get a play-off place. A draw could be enough for Shelbourne, but that would require Monaghan to lose by five goals at home to Derry.
“We won’t be complacent in any way,” said Derry manager, Stephen Kenny as they sit a hair’s breadth from the title.
“It would be a very special night for us to receive the trophy in Monaghan and bring it back to Derry.
“Neutrals have suggested it’s been the most competitive league in years, so we always had to be on our guard. But it’ll be a great feeling to win it and I believe the players are deserving of that for their efforts this season.
“They’ve been fantastic. We have a superb group of players, the vast majority of whom have experienced their first full season at this level and they will continue to improve.”
In the play-offs, second will host third in a one-off game. The winner then plays the loser of the Premier Division relegation play-off over two legs with the Premier Division side having home advantage in the second leg.
PWDLFAPts
Derry City 321994642466
Waterford Utd 321967572663
Monaghan Utd 311885582662
Shelbourne 321877562961
Limerick 3216610503454
Cork City 3215710382952
Wexford Youths 3311615405339
Finn Harps 3291013334337
Longford Town 328817355232
Athlone Town 3261313344531
Mervue United 314423327916
Salthill Devon 323623258215
Tonight’s fixtures (all 7.45pm)
Athlone Town v Limerick, Finn Harps v Mervue Utd, Monaghan Utd v Derry City, Salthill Devon v Longford Town, Shelbourne v Waterford Utd, Wexford Yths v Cork City.
