The Airtricity League Premier Division season draws to a close this evening with the final series of matches in the 33 game campaign.
While the title has already been decided and the trophy resting proudly in Richmond Park, there are still plenty of issues going down to the wire this evening.
The battle for runners-up spot is a two horse race between Dundalk and Sligo Rovers with Stephen Kenny’s side holding a two point advantage over the FAI Ford Cup finalists going into their final game away to Bray Wanderers. If Sligo fail to beat Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght Stadium then Dundalk take second but if Sligo win, then Dundalk must beat Bray as they have an inferior goal difference to Ian Baraclough’s side.
Shamrock Rovers are still in with a shout of fourth place, and a possible Europa League spot if Sligo win the FAI Ford Cup on November 3, but they must win tonight in Tallaght and hope Derry City fail to win their final league game of the season at home to Limerick.
Limerick and Cork City are engaged in a battle for sixth spot with the Leesiders holding a one point advantage over the Shannonsiders and a win over newly crowned league champions St Patrick’s Athletic in Turner’s Cross will deliver Cork another top six finish.
While Shelbourne’s relegation was confirmed last weekend, the battle to avoid finishing 11th and facing a promotion-relegation play-off against either Longford Town or Mervue United will ensure plenty of nail-biting moments this evening as Bohemians, UCD and Bray Wanderers look to haul themselves to safety. Bohs are away to FAI Ford Cup finalists Drogheda United while UCD travel across Dublin to bottom side Shelbourne and Bray host Dundalk at the Carlisle Grounds.
Meanwhile, at City Calling Stadium, the second leg of the First Division Promotion Play-Off takes place with Mervue United holding a 1-0 advantage from the first leg over Longford Town.
Tonight’s Fixtures
Premier Division
Bray Wanderers v Dundalk, Carlisle Grounds, 7.45pm
Cork City v St. Patrick's Athletic, Turner's Cross, 7.45pm
Derry City v Limerick, Brandywell Stadium, 7.45pm
Drogheda United v Bohemians, Hunky Dory’s Park, 7.45pm
Shamrock Rovers v Sligo Rovers, Tallaght Stadium, 7.45pm
Shelbourne v UCD, Tolka Park, 7.45pm
First Division Play-Off Second leg
Longford Town v Mervue United, City Calling Stadium, 7.45pm
