St Patrick’s Athletic will be presented with the Airtricity League Premier Division trophy following their game with Derry City at Richmond Park on Friday evening.
But while the Saints wrapped up the title last week there are still a number of outstanding issues to be resolved with just two games left to decide who finishes as runners-up, who is automatically relegated and who will contest the promotion-relegation play-off.
Dundalk and Sligo Rovers are in the battle for second place with Stephen Kenny’s side holding a two point lead over the 2012 champions. The Lilywhites are at home to Cork City while Sligo play Drogheda United on Saturday at the Showgrounds in what is also dress rehearsal for the FAI Ford Cup Final on Sunday, November 3 at the Aviva Stadium.
Fourth place Derry City, who hold a three point lead over Shamrock Rovers, need to avoid defeat from their visit to Richmond Park to keep control of their own destiny while the Hoops must beat UCD at the UCD Bowl to keep the pressure on as fourth place will yield a Europa League spot if Sligo Rovers win the FAI Ford Cup. UCD are safe from automatic relegation but need to keep picking up points to stay out of the promotion relegation play-off.
Shelbourne’s defeat by Limerick on Wednesday night has left them on the brink of relegation and they will fall through the trap door tomorrow night if Bray Wanderers avoid defeat from their visit to Bohemians. There has been a change in referee at Dalymount Park with Paul McLaughlin taking over from Robert Rogers.
The First Division promotion play-off commences tomorrow with Mervue United at home to Longford Town in the first leg at Fahy’s Field.
Weekend Fixtures
Friday, October 18
Premier Division
Bohemians v Bray Wanderers, Dalymount Park, 7.45pm
Dundalk v Cork City, Oriel Park, 7.45pm
St. Patrick's Athletic v Derry City, Richmond Park, 7.45pm
UCD v Shamrock Rovers, The UCD Bowl, 7.45pm
Promotion-Relegation Play-Off
Mervue United v Longford Town, Fahy's Field, 7.45pm
Saturday, October 19
Premier Division
Sligo Rovers v Drogheda United, The Showgrounds, 7.45pm
