CONSIDERING it began with some fearing a one-horse race and others concerned that not all the horses at the starting gate might even reach the finishing line, the season just ending in the Airtricity League of Ireland can only be judged a raging success.

St Patrick’s Athletic will be looking to put the disappointment of their Cup exit behind them when they take on Derry City at Richmond Park tonight, kick-off 7.45pm.

OFFICIALS at Cork City have reacted with delight to the news that this year’s EA Sports Cup Final will be held at Turner’s Cross.

HAVING knocked the glide out of Sligo’s stride, Bohemians now turn their attentions to new league leaders Derry City.

NEWLY-PROMOTED Derry City picked up their first Premier Division points of the season when an early goal from winger Gareth McGlynn set them on the path to victory over UCD in a tense encounter at the Belfield Bowl.

Derry City 1 St. Patrick’s Athletic 0

DOUBLE-WINNING Bohemians boss Pat Fenlon hailed Brian Murphy after the goalkeeper’s two saves in the penalty shoot-out – added to a couple of quality stops in the game itself – helped his side to FAI Cup glory at the RDS.

THERE’S no doubting the pick of tonight’s eircom League Premier Division action as table-toppers Saint Patrick’s Athletic face champions Drogheda United at United Park (ko 7.45pm).

CORK CITY rediscovered their scoring touch and reignited their Setanta Cup challenge with a four-goal salvo against Portadown at Turner’s Cross last evening.

FOR the second year running, Derry City look set to push the eircom League race right to the wire, and while Cork City will once again be their final opponents, this time its Shelbourne who the Candystripes have in their sights.

CORK CITY open the defence of their eircom Premier League of Ireland crown at Turner’s Cross tonight, with newly-promoted Dublin City providing the upstart opposition.

ALL HEAVYWEIGHT battles deserve a proper billing. We’ve had the Rumble in the Jungle and the Thrilla in Manilla, so let’s call tonight’s Cork City-Derry City title decider the Crunch at the Cross.

Derry City 2 St Patrick's Athletic 0

SO it’s all going to come down to 90 minutes at Turner’s Cross next Friday.

CORK CITY resume their eircom League campaign against Bray Wanderers at Turner’s Cross tonight, boosted by the news that Liam Kearney has been named the eircom/SWAI player of the month for August.

Derry 2-09 Down 1-12

Derry corner forward Shane Bradley’s compound fracture of his left leg ruined an impressive day for the Foylesiders at Ballinascreen, as they ran out comprehensive 1-18 to 0-6 winners over UUJ in Section A of the Dr. McKenna Cup SF.