1. Trio look to secure safety
THE FINAL DAY of the season sees three clubs hoping to ensure their place in next season’s Premier Division.
With Shelbourne’s relegation confirmed, Bray Wanderers, UCD and Bohemians will look for wins as they battle it out to avoid that play-off spot where either Longford Town or Mervue United, who meet in their second leg tonight, await.
Bohs take on FAI Cup finalists Drogheda United at Hunky Dorys Park and hold a two-point advantage over the Students and the Seagulls, whose opponents are Shelbourne and Dundalk respectively.
2. Hoops and Candystripes after European spot
If Sligo Rovers are crowned FAI Ford Cup champions next Sunday, the club which finishes in fourth place will earn a place in next season’s Europa League. Derry City currently hold that place but the Candystripes will be well aware that Shamrock Rovers trail them by a single point.
Declan Devine’s men are at home to Limerick, while the Hoops host Sligo at Tallaght Stadium.
3. Saints to end the season in style
The pressure is off newly-crowned champions St Patrick’s Athletic as they travel to Cork City. With the title wrapped up, Liam Buckley has a full squad to choose from with the exception of long term absentee Stephen Maher and may choose to give some of their fringe players a run.
Victory would ensure the Saints broke their previous total points record of 73 — set by Buckley during his first spell in 1999.
4. Advantage Mervue in First Division play-off
Mervue United hold 1-0 lead over Longford Town going into tonight’s play-off second leg thanks to Jason Molloy’s first half strike at Fahy’s Field.
The Galway side should really have added a couple more after Corie Treacy was sent off but the closest they came was a Gary Shaw header which struck the crossbar.
Mervue boss Johnny Glynn told the club’s website: “We played really well again last week and take a narrow advantage into the second leg but it’s only half time in the tie and Longford showed in the second half that they are still in this tie and capable of turning it around.
“It’s going to be another tough game and we will have to play as well as we have recently to get a result as Longford will be eager to advance in front of a big home crowd on Friday night.”
5. Kelly bids farewell
Having refereed Bayern Munich’s masterclass against Viktoria Plzen on Wednesday, Alan Kelly will take charge of his final Airtricity League game tonight ahead of a move to the US.
The 38-year-old will bow out in his hometown as champions St Patrick’s Athletic visit Turner’s Cross.
