Title up for grabs

WHILE Shelbourne and Cork City battle it out for the First Division title at Tolka Park tonight, the only certainty before kick off is that leaders Shels have already secured automatic promotion.

A win or a draw tonight would also give Shels the title whereas a win for City would see them crowned champions. A draw for City would be enough to secure second place and automatic promotion, for even if Monaghan United win in Athlone — and thereby draw level with Cork on points — the latter would retain a vastly superior goal difference.

But City, who are at least certain of a play-off place against Galway United, could still miss out on both the title and automatic promotion tonight. If Cork lose in Tolka and Monaghan United win away in Athlone, then Monaghan will take second place and automatic promotion.

But if Monaghan draw or lose in Lisseywoolen, they in turn can be overtaken in third place by Limerick — if the latter win at home to Waterford United. However, it would require Monaghan to lose heavily in Athlone for a draw in Jackman Park to be enough for Limerick to finish third.

Limerick, however, cannot overtake Cork who have a much superior goal difference.

Tonight’s final round of Airtricity League fixtures. all 7.45pm: Athlone Town v Monaghan United, Lisseywollen; Limerick v Waterford United, Jackman Park; Mervue United v Finn Harps, Fahy’s Field; Shelbourne v Cork City, Tolka Park; Wexford Youths v Salthill Devon, Ferrycarrig Park.