Some twists and turns at both ends of the table in the Premier, and a decision made in the First. Here's our take-aways
1) It's Pats' title to lose
Some fans wont like hearing that and players and management will speak about "loads of football to be played" but Pats know they need 7 points from 4 games to be crowned champions. In fact, if they win the next two games against UCD and Sligo, they're practically assured of the title such is their goal difference advantage over Dundalk. Their win over Bray wasn't without it's nervous moments but they deserved the win and that they should be full of confidence for the run-in. They might slip up, but it's certainly their title to lose.
2) Sligo are now the closest challenger as Dundalk lose again.
Dundalk followed last week's loss in Inchicore with a disappointing home defeat to Limerick on Friday night, It is the first time this season they have suffered back-to-back defeats and they now trail the leaders by 6 points. Sligo Rovers beat Shels 2-0 (their third consecutive 2-0 home win) and leapfrogged Dundalk into second place. If Sligo beat an in-form Cork City side in the Showgrounds tomorrow, and Pats slip up away to UCD on Friday, they'll head into the big game in Inchicore knowing a win could put them top with 2 to play. Would Pats then be looking for a favour of the type they got from former-Saint (and current Limerick keeper) Barry Ryan?
Thats for all my pats mates. Hash tag
— barry ryan (@BazzzaRyan) September 27, 2013
3) Bohs are now safe
10 points in their last 5 games have seen Bohs vault up to the lofty heights of 8th in the league and more importantly 7 and 8 points ahead of Bray and Shels respectively. Seeing as both sides have earned a combine 1 (one) point between them in their last 5 games, Bohs can be forgiven for thinking they're safe from relegation. UCD are 2 points behind Bohs and look secure enough. It could be some battle to see whcihc of Bray and Shels avoids automatic relegation.
4) Athlone Town win the First Division, Promotion and entry into FIFA 15
Athlone Town beat Waterford United in front of a bumper crowd in Lissywoolen on Friday night to clinch promotion and the First Division title. After a patchy start to the league, nobody ca deny Athlone are the class of the division. In their last 14 games Athlone won 12 and drew 2 and celebrate a deserved league title with 2 games to spare. The play off spots had look destine for Waterford and Longford but Mervue keep playing hard and may sneak in there. What happens with Galway football and the first division next season is anyone's guess though. You can see more pics from Athlone's big night here.
5) Rovers might catch Derry for fourth and Limerick might finish top half
Derry returned to recent losing ways and their gap over 5th place Shamrock Rovers narrowed. 4th is important as it will be a Europa League spot if either Sligo or Dundalk win the FAI Cup (presuming they don't win a double...). Limerick will be hoping to continue their good form and potentially catch Cork for a top half finish in their first season back. With contracts to play for, there's not much chance of any easy games for the sides fighting for the more important prizes.
Monday sees 5 games with only Pats and UCD not in action. Pats will be hoping that Cork and Derry can get results in Sligo and Dundalk. Shels have maybe their best chance of picking up points in a while as they host Drogheda.
