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.