The Promotion Battle

“The difference between those clubs who are challenging at the top of the First Division and Premier Division sides are the circumstances placed on the sides competing.” – Is the second tier really as grim and as unappealing as the lack of national coverage suggests? That’s the beauty of cup competitions; they give you an insight into cross-divisional clashes.

At least one side will be promoted from the second tier to the elite league in this country at season end, but is their manner of football and their club structure decent enough to merit them a place, despite their potential on-field success?

Limerick FC top the charts at the moment and held Longford to a scoreless draw at the weekend; a score line that does not credit Limerick’s style of play and attacking nature. Should Limerick prevail from their eighteen year exodus from the Premier Division, they shall enrich the top tier with a fantastically strong setup, a group of talented individuals who really like to play ball on the deck, and a potential fan base to match the dizzying heights that Shamrock Rovers and Cork City have offered in previous years.

While only the veterans of this league remember those long gruelling battles in Garryowen, the revamped Markets Field will host Limerick in their Premier Division campaign next season, should they achievepromotion. Once fully developed, the state of the art facility will have a capacity of over eight thousand. Combine this with their academy focus and their community schemes, Limerick look to be the most promising entity since, well, Sporting Fingal.

Something tells me that the transparency in the club’s workings and the assets they hold will save them from any such ill-fate.

The Shannonsiders have already battled with Shamrock Rovers this season. Although completely crippled with over ten injuries, the Blues deserved at least a replay from the tie, and had Limerick the resources in terms of squad available as they have now, the Blues would have left Tallaght with the win.

Bray Wanderers fell victim to Limerick’s charm in the EA Sports Cup as Lims strolled to a three-one win at the seaside. Pat Scully’s men have shown they can certainly compete with the best. They will get another chance in the last four of the EA Sports Cup as they lock horns with Rovers once more.

Longford Town are a traditional club with a loyal fan base and a consistent structure; similar enough to the majority of Premier Division sides. Based in Flancare Park, “the Town” have a formidable base on which to progress and should do well in the Premier Division because the volunteer work that goes on. The local media also do extensive coverage of Longford games; a privilege that not many First Division clubs can boast.

Having been in the First Division since 2008, Longford have gone from strength to strength and finally, under Tony Cousins, seemed to have capitalised on a weak division this year. Bringing in players like Gary Shaw and Noel Haverty has really solidified a squad that look to snatch top spot from Limerick in the last eight games.

Youngster Daniel Purdy looks a real talent. The attacking midfielder is only nineteen and could well develop into one of the country’s finest young guns. The trusty pair of Des Hope and Christ Deans also provides much needed experience and will not be giving up points easily. With one or two additions, Longford could well compete in the Premier Division next season.

Unlike Limerick, Longford have failed to display good performances against sides who compete on a different level to them. Failing to win in any of their pre-season friendlies against Premier Division sides, as well as being beaten by Bray in the Leinster Senior Cup, losing to Dundalk in the EA Sports Cup and falling to Leinster Senior League side Cherry Orchard in the FAI Cup, Longford seem to be set up to play in the division they compete in, and trained to win matches in the second tier of Irish football.

There appears to be very little else they are capable of, but for the task at hand, Tony Cousins has drilled them marvellously, and he deserves massive credit for that. Upon potential promotion, Cousins knows he will have to strengthen his squad considerably to play in a way that is suitable to the Premier Division.

Waterford, unlike the other two sides, have always been there or thereabouts since their relegation. Their attendances haven’t been exactly up to standard this season, but one feels that can only improve with success. Their base is the Regional Sports Ground, which consistently receives praise from all who play on its beautiful surface. The facilities are there, as is the local radio coverage, so Waterford United have all the bells and whistles required to improve the Premier Division.

While a title run-in dressing room usually leans on the shoulders of experience to guide them through, all hope seems to be lodged in young Sean Maguire. Having already attracted copious amounts of interest of scouts across the Irish Sea, Maguire’s scoring record since breaking into the team has been nothing short of sensational.

And backed by the experienced Gary Dempsey, Waterford have a solid spine. Loyal servants such as Paul Carey and David Breen seem to be coming into form also, as well as Peter White, who is out to get his former club, Limerick, for his release earlier this year. Waterford United are a highly determined bunch, and I expect them to fight it right to the end.

The Blues’ pre-season was up there with one of the worst I can remember. Their three friendlies all resulted in massive losses, and when added together, the combined score from the three fixtures was a staggering sixteen-one in favour of their opposition. All of these sides were Premier Division outfits, and when Waterford had a chance to exorcise their Premier Division demons in the EA Sports Cup, they fell victim to yet another hammering, taking the form of a six-one defeat to UCD.

While this hoodoo continues to haunt them, another strange series of events seems to favour them - their winning streak against Limerick. Winning three games out of three against Lims, Waterford cannot seem to put a foot wrong when playing their Munster rivals. Maybe it is tactical genius or maybe it’s just a psychological mishap on Limerick’s behalf, but one thing is for certain, Suirside has had the boasting rights this year.

If Waterford are to achieve promotion, they, like Longford, will need improvements in their side in order to compete with the big boys.

As the three-horse race continues, one can only suggest that all three clubs have something to add. Longford and Waterford bring stability and character, while Limerick will breathe a breath of fresh air into the top tier after their long spell in the First Division.

It’s all to play for with just eight games to go.