AS IF to illustrate just how long they’ve been out of the big time of Irish domestic football, Alan Mathews was yesterday reminded the last time Shelbourne featured live on television was when they were winning the league back in 2006.

SHELBOURNE moved seven points clear in the First Division but it took a controversial Philly Hughes penalty to separate them from nearest rivals Monaghan in a tense duel at Gortakeegan.

Shelbourne 1 Sligo Rovers 2

Bray Wanderers and Monaghan United resume their battle for a place in next season’s Airtricity League Premier Division at the Carlisle Grounds tonight, kick-off 7.45pm.

Monaghan United 0 Bray Wanderers 0

Monaghan United and Bray Wanderers commence their two-legged battle for a place in the 2011 Airtricity League Premier Division at Gortakeegan tonight, kick-off 7.45pm.

THE clock starts on 180 minutes of destiny for Monaghan United and Bray Wanderers this evening as the first leg of the Airtricity League promotion/relegation play-off kicks off at Gortakeegan (7.45pm).

WITH Derry City already safely installed in the Airtricity League Premier Division, the issue now is who will join them in the top-flight – and who will drop down to make way.

SLIGO ROVERS go into tonight’s draw for the FAI Ford Cup semi-finals with the three other Airtricity League Premier Division sides after Saturday’s 3-0 defeat of First Division leaders Monaghan United at The Showgrounds.

Glenville 1 Bohemians 7

Monaghan United 1 Bohemians 1 (After extra-time: Monaghan win 4-3 on pens)

JOINT-LEADERS of eircom League Division One, Dundalk and Waterford United, clash for the first time this season when they meet at Oriel Park tonight (7.45pm).

Finn Harps travel to Waterford United tonight for the second leg of this season's eircom League of Ireland play-off clash at the RSC. Kick-off is at 7.45pm.

Finn Harps entertain Waterford United in tonight's eircom League of Ireland play-off first leg clash at Finn Park, kick-off 7.45pm.

Waterford United go in search of three points as they take on Shamrock Rovers in tonight's eircom League of Ireland Premier Division clash at Tolka Park, kick-off 7.45pm.

Waterford United take on Galway United in tonight's eircom League of Ireland Premier Division clash at the RSC, kick-off 7.45pm.

NO MATTER what the result, there will be historic post-match celebrations in United Park tonight, when champions Drogheda United finally get their hands on the eircom League trophy — and a brand new one at that — following their game against Bray Wanderers (kick off 7.45pm).

Waterford United go head-to-head with champions Drogheda United at the RSC in tonight’s eircom League of Ireland Premier Division clash, kick-off 7.45pm.

Sligo Rovers entertain Waterford United in tonight’s eircom League of Ireland clash at the Showgrounds, kick-off 7.45pm.

Waterford United and Derry City go head-to-head in tonight's eircom League of Ireland Premier Division clash at the RSC, kick-off 7.45pm.

Sligo Rovers 2 Waterford United 2 (Waterford won 4-3 on pens. After extra-time)

Waterford United 1Sligo Rovers 1

Waterford United host Shamrock Rovers at the RSC in tonight's eircom League of Ireland Premier Division clash, kick-off 7.45pm.

Waterford United travel to United Park to face Drogheda United tonight, with both sides looking for points at either end of the table, kick-off 7.45pm.

Waterford United 1 Sligo Rovers 2

St Patrick's Athletic will be looking to regain top spot in the eircom League of Ireland Premier Division as they entertain Derry City at Richmond Park tonight, kick-off 7.45pm.

Derry City find themselves struggling in this year's Setanta Sports Cup as they sit in third place in Group 1 behind Linfield and Drogheda United.

STUART PEARCE has released 10 Manchester City players including loanees Kiki Musampa and Albert Riera and French defender David Sommeil.

Stuart Pearce has released 10 Manchester City players including loanees Kiki Musampa and Albert Riera and French defender David Sommeil.

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND U-21 manager Don Givens insists Stephen Ireland’s prior fall-out with Brian Kerr will not block his path to again playing for his country.

Republic of Ireland Under-21 manager Don Givens insists Stephen Ireland’s prior fall-out with Brian Kerr will not block his path to again playing for his country.

Robbie Fowler has been ruled out of Manchester City’s FA Premier League Asia Trophy campaign with a back injury.

Willo Flood has stoked up rivalry ahead of Sunday’s Manchester derby at Old Trafford by revealing he would like nothing more than to beat the Red Devils.

Bohemians Stephen Ward has been included by international Under-19 manager Sean McCaffrey in a squad of 18 players he has named for the European 2003/2004 Championship first qualifying phase in San Marino next week.

Republic of Ireland Under-19 manager Sean McCaffrey has named a squad of 18 players for two friendly matches against Norway in Dublin later this month.

The Irish Under-19 squad has made five late changes for the four-team tournamnet in Oport in Portugal this week.

Republic of Ireland manager Sean McCaffrey has named three home-based players in a squad of eighteen players for the Oporto (Portugal) Under-19 tournament later this month.