Longford were tipped as one of the favourites for the Irish First Division title before the season commenced. Their title hopes weren’t fulfilled in the end as they finished 4^th. They do, however, have a second chance of promotion following their 2-1 win over Galway yesterday.

De Town march on to the final

FT | @GalwayUnitedFC 1-2 @LongfordTownFC

What a win for Longford who go through to the promotion/relegation play-off final

Those FT scenes #LOI | #GreatestLeagueInTheWorld pic.twitter.com/azmi2SHSVj

— SSE Airtricity League (@SSEAirtricityLg) NOVEMBER 6, 2020

Their win against Galway in the playoff final yesterday means they are now guaranteed a place in the promotion/relegation playoff. All their hard work this season will culminate next Saturday as they aim for their first promotion since 2014. Their opponents will be decided in the coming days after the Premier Division seasons is wrapped up. Finn Harps are their opponents as it stands, but that could change based on various results. The other two teams in the mix are Derry City and Shelbourne.

The match was played at the UCD Bowl. Longford had only frequented the same stadium a week before as they defeated UCD on their way to the final.

Galway United were tipped as slight favourites prior to the game given their recent form and resurgence under the helm of John Caulfield. You wouldn’t think so given their first half performance, however.

Longford manager Daire Doyle had his team firmly in control for long periods of the first half. They controlled play as Galway consistently struggled to retain possession. Galway were unable to cope with the relentless pressing of the midlanders resulting in several inaccurate passes. Aodh Dervin was particularly impressive as he marshalled the midfield area with his impressive work rate and passing range.

The Longford pressure nearly told in the 16^th minute as a long-range effort from Dylan Grimes rattled the woodwork. Grimes isn’t impartial to a wondergoal as he’s shown his ability from range during the regular season. He was very unlucky on this occasion.

Both teams struggled to create clear cut chances throughout the half despite Longford largely dominating. It looked as though the first half would end scoreless. That is until the 43^rd minute. Aaron McNally’s cross was poorly dealt with by Galway keeper Micheál Schlingermann before falling to the feet of Karl Chambers. Chambers made no mistake as he tapped the ball into an empty net.

Chambers is the longest serving senior member of the Longford Town squad having joined the senior setup in 2015. He should be elated with his performance as his goal only added to an already impressive display of pressing.

Here is Karl Chambers goal that has us ahead at half time.

Second half live: https://t.co/s1IGuEnHui#TheGoat #Town2020 pic.twitter.com/JxCKeSohqe

— Longford Town FC (@LongfordTownFC) NOVEMBER 6, 2020

John Caulfield was obviously very unsatisfied with the first half performance as he made no less than two changes at the break. Conor Barry and Wilson Waweru – who scored the decisive goal in the playoff semi-final – were brought on.

Galway looked much better at the start of the second half, pressing with more intensity and keeping the ball well on occasion. Chances were still slim, though, as both teams failed to create many opportunities of note. Maybe that was a sign of the tension radiating from both camps.

Galway nearly got their equalizer in the 71^st minute. Former Longford man Carlton Ubaezuono was another sub brought on by Caulfield and it didn’t take him long to make an impression. He delivered a dangerous cross into the box from the left wing, but the ball just evaded an incoming Shane Doherty. It surely would have been a goal if Doherty made sufficient contact.

It wasn’t long afterwards when Longford got their 2^nd goal to solidify their lead. The aforementioned Aodh Dervin unleashed a shot from 30 years which whistled into the bottom left. Dervin was undoubtably man of the match in a fixture which he described as the biggest of his career so far. He put in an imperious midfield performance which has become a norm for the local hero at this stage. There were rumours of Premier Division clubs being interested in his signature last season and that may well be the case again after tonight’s performance.

𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙞𝙩 𝙝𝙞𝙩𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙣𝙚𝙩

What a strike from Aobh Dervin | @LongfordTownFC
#LOI | #GreatestLeagueInTheWorld pic.twitter.com/86Nh8B4YAh

— SSE Airtricity League (@SSEAirtricityLg) November 6, 2020

To their credit, Galway didn’t slow down after the Longford goal was scored. Their determination resulted in a Vinny Faherty strike in the 88^th minute to pull back the deficit. The goal came as a result of less than convincing goalkeeping from Lee Steacy. Steacy has been ever-present for Longford over the past couple of years, but could have done better on this occasion.

A tense few minutes followed as Galway attacked with all their might and Longford did similarity defensively. Longford had their backs to the walls for the remaining minutes. The time kept ticking in what would have felt like an eternity for Daire Doyle and his men.

After an unnerving few moments for both teams, the referee blew his whistle after 4 minutes of added time. Longford players roared in relief as the Galway players appeared dejected.

As mentioned beforehand, Longford will now look forward to Saturday’s promotion/relegation playoff. They’ll face the 9^th placed Premier Division team on the night. Both clubs will have so much on the line come Saturday in what promises to be a fascinating affair.

The post Longford Town through to promotion/relegation playoff after victory over Galway United appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

All ten teams kicked off at the same time tonight to draw the 2020 First Division season to a close. There was no lack of drama as there was plenty at stake, particularly for clubs at the top half of the division.

Drogheda vs. Cabinteely

Drogheda took on Cabinteely at Stradbrook Road in one of tonight’s most decisive fixtures. There was far-reaching implications for both teams based on the result. Drogheda ran out winners which ultimately meant they claimed the league title and automatic promotion to the Premier Division. Goals from James Brown and Luke Heeney ensured their victory. On the other side of things, Cabinteely missed out on a promotion play-off place as a result of their defeat at the hands of Drogheda and fixtures elsewhere. Both teams met last season in the promotion/relegation play-off semi-final. Like tonight, Drogheda came out on top as they ran away with a 6-2 aggregate win before they lost to Finn Harps in the final. Losing a play-off final can be demoralising for any team but Drogheda showed their heart and determination throughout the season. They battled for promotion until the penultimate day of the season where they made their dreams a reality.

| 2020 SSE AIRTRICITY LEAGUE FIRST DIVISION CHAMPIONS!!!!!#OnOurWay pic.twitter.com/5a8F0A25pM

— Drogheda United F.C. (@DroghedaUnited) OCTOBER 27, 2020

Bray Wanderers vs. Athlone Town

Bray Wanderers managed to pick up a victory against Athlone, but they’ll be disappointed after Drogheda picked up a result. Before the match, one point separated 2^nd placed Bray from Drogheda. That remains the same after tonight as both teams managed to win. If Drogheda had lost – or even drew – against Cabinteely, Bray would be celebrating promotion to the Premier Division tonight. Unfortunately for them, that was not the case. Their season is far from over yet, though. Finishing 2^nd means they await a play-off semi-final against the winners of the play-off quarter finals. If they can come out of the semi-final with a win, they’ll then face the 2^nd team from last in the Premier Division to determine if they go up or stay down.

Elsewhere in the division, there were no less than five teams battling for a promotion play-off place. The teams in question were; UCD, Longford Town, Cabinteely, Galway United and Cobh Ramblers. As mentioned previously, Cabinteely missed out on a spot due to their result against Drogheda.

Longford Town vs. Wexford FC

Longford Town were in the most enviable position prior to kick off as they took on league strugglers Wexford FC. Wexford picked up just 5 points all season before tonight. However, in a shock result Wexford managed to defeat Longford by 2-1. Goals from Karl Fitzsimmons and former Longford man Jack Doherty secured a win for Wexford. Despite their loss, Longford still managed to secure a play-off spot due to UCD’s draw against Galway. This is the second year in a row that Longford have reached the play-offs after tonight. Last season they were cruelly knocked out on penalties at the hands of Cabinteely. They’ll be anticipating they can get further than the quarter finals this time. Although, they’re going to have to put in a better performance than they did tonight if they wish to do so.

Full Time

Wexford 2-1 Longford Town

We escape with a playoff spot by the skin of our teeth!!!#Town2020 pic.twitter.com/1ytlf6rjyC

— Longford Town FC (@LongfordTownFC) OCTOBER 27, 2020

UCD vs. Galway United

UCD could only manage a draw at Eamonn Deacy Park against fellow play-off chasers Galway United, but it would be enough for them to clinch a play-off spot. UCD were 3 points ahead of Galway and Cobh Ramblers pre match, meaning a draw would be sufficient as long as either Longford or Cabinteely drew or lost. They just about managed a draw in the end as Galway were leading until the 81^st minute when UCD pulled one back. They would score a further goal in the 89^th minute before Galway drew level again in the 93^rd minute from a 30-yard Shane Duggan screamer. Galway will be cursing their luck as they had a play-off spot secured until the 81^st minute, but they needed to win the game in order to have any chance of getting a play-off spot. UCD will now face Longford Town in the play-off quarter finals in their next fixture. They were relegated from the Premier Division last season so they’ll be hoping they can right their wrongs and gain promotion back to the division at the first time of asking.

First Division – FULL TIME | Evan Weir’s second half double secures our play off spot! We will confirm details of the playoff as soon as we have them! #COYBIB pic.twitter.com/tHbMrbF86F

— UCD AFC (@UCDAFC) OCTOBER 27, 2020

Cobh Ramblers vs. Shamrock Rovers II

Cobh Ramblers played Shamrock Rovers II in what was the least dramatic match of the night. Cobh Ramblers still had a *slim* chance of promotion before the match but they failed to capitalize as they played out a 0-0 draw. Good result for Shamrock Rovers II as they fielded several young players including Kevin Zefi (15) and Sam Curtis (14).

Drogheda United can look forward to playing in the Premier Division next season. Longford, UCD and Bray, on the other hand, will be planning for their upcoming play-off games.

Longford and UCD will play each other first and the winner of that game will play Bray in the play-off semi-final. The victor of the semi-final will be involved in a relegation/promotion play-off final against the 2^nd last team in the Premier Division – which is yet to be decided.

The post Drogheda United clinch Irish First Division title after last day drama appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Two positive COVID-19 cases have been identified in the Galway United squad and as a result the whole first team squad and staff are now restricting their movements and awaiting tests, following HSE and government guidelines.

The new date for the fixture will be announced in due course.

This is the thrift reported incident today, with Munster Rugby suspending training and FAI reporting one of the international back room team has tested positive

The post Galway United v Drogheda United postponed due to positive Covid tests appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.