1 week Ago By Vincent Whelan
THE League of Ireland title race is going to the wire — but it will not go beyond the final day of the season on November 1 because of the FAI’s tie-breaker rules. With three games to go, just four points split the top five — and six separate the top six — in the most exciting and craziest season in years. The 2024 Premier Division champions will have the lowest points-per-game total — when adjusted for three points for a win — since 1993.
Back then, the three leading teams — Bohemians, Shelbourne and eventual champions Cork City — were tied, which meant a play-off round. That then went to a second play-off when the sides could still not be separated as goal difference was not yet in use. That soon changed and goal difference has been needed in 2006 and 2010 to decide the destination of the league trophy.
But incredibly this season, goal difference and goals scored still might not be enough to decide where some teams finish. And that is why the LOI also use head-to-heads and aggregate scores of those head-to-heads. The league even has an allowance for a play-off to decide league, Euro and relegation spots.
A play-off will not be needed this year. Of the six teams still in the title running, the only sides that are level on head-to-heads and aggregate scores are Shels and Derry City, with the Candystripes boasting a superior goal difference. Shamrock Rovers and St Pat’s are also closely matched.
Stephen Bradley’s five-in-a-row-chasing Hoops have a two-point advantage and a two-goal advantage, while both teams have netted 46 times. But the Saints lead the head-to-head stats, having won three and drawn one of their four meetings. Four points separate leaders Shelbourne from Galway.
But if the Tribesmen manage to go level on points with the Reds, they would also potentially make up the goal difference of four and the goals-scored deficit of five. Were the two to finish level on and it go to head-to-head, Shelbourne win out as both have two wins each, but Damien Duff’s men win 3-2 on aggregate. The difference — if it comes down to that, which is unlikely — may well be Shels’ last Tolka Park win, a 2-0 victory over United .
It was the only game that either side won comfortably, on a night when the hosts’ Conor Kearns saved a late penalty from Francely Lomboto. And that highlights the fine margins in a season where every point, goal scored and goal conceded could be the difference between glory and defeat..
