Promotion/Relegation play off

**Sam_Heggy** · 19/10/2015, 1:20 PM

So the first division play off games are starting this Friday.

23rd - UCD v Harps
30th - Harps v UCD

It'll be a tough game for both sides, alot will depend on the fitness/availability of key players on both sides.

Realistically the Prem side could be any one of Limerick, Drogheda, Sligo or Galway. That side along with the First division play off winner will have from Friday 30th until Monday 2nd to prepare for the promotion/relegation play-off.

When will the draw be made for who gets home advantage?

Surely the 6 teams in question should be given the chance to prepare for what could be a lengthy away trip on 3 days after their previous game?

Anyway. Who's everyones tips for the play-offs?

I personally think, if Foy, Boyle and Harkin are fit we should get past UCD over 2 legs.
Sligo look to be the team for the play-off but they have a massive game on the last day v Limerick which could decide alot.

Harps v Sligo play-off.

Sligo favourites.

**ThePrisoner** · 19/10/2015, 2:29 PM

After the rubbish produced by SR in the Showgrounds last Saturday, FH would be favourites in my book.

A lot of the SR players had no interest in playing, not even for personal pride. A lot clearly don't want to be there. Take the last few weeks' wages look for a new club.

It was obvious from their attitude on the pitch.

Either way there will have to be a big clear out of players shortly.

Can't see SR staying up. Away to Pat's on Friday night and last match at home to Limerick.

Where as FH have everything to play for. Promotion and the opportunity to rub shoulders with Dundalk, Shams, Pat's, Cork. What better motivation could FH have?

**PartySaint** · 19/10/2015, 2:44 PM

You'd think if Limerick could get themselves into a play-off the momentum would see them get through it.

I wonder if UCD's games in Europe this season can help them when it comes to a 2 legged play-off against a better side if they can beat Harps.

**ciaraa** · 19/10/2015, 2:47 PM

Originally Posted by ThePrisoner

After the rubbish produced by SR in the Showgrounds last Saturday, FH would be favourites in my book.

A lot of the SR players had no interest in playing, not even for personal pride. A lot clearly don't want to be there. Take the last few weeks' wages look for a new club.

It was obvious from their attitude on the pitch.

Either way there will have to be a big clear out of players shortly.

Can't see SR staying up. Away to Pat's on Friday night and last match at home to Limerick.

Where as FH have everything to play for. Promotion and the opportunity to rub shoulders with Dundalk, Shams, Pat's, Cork. What better motivation could FH have?

From the way you're talking then its Sligo to finish bottom unless Drogs and Lims lose both their last games? I'd think Lims should pick up at least a point if not 3 and Drogs should beat Longford now they are safe - or at least draw.

**NeverFeltBetter** · 19/10/2015, 3:09 PM

This Limerick side could go out and beat Shams on Friday, or lose 5-0, and I wouldn't bat an eyelid. They are just too unpredictable in terms of what they'll bring to any game, and no way would I feel like they were stand-out favorites if they were to get to a play-off.

If it comes down to Limerick needing to win in Sligo, I wouldn't be confident, no matter how bad Sligo have been.

**pineapple stu** · 19/10/2015, 6:19 PM

What's the dates for the final(s)?

Presuming Benson is back from injury of course; otherwise you can ignore my question!

**nigel-harps1954** · 19/10/2015, 6:21 PM

Originally Posted by pineapple stu

What's the dates for the final(s)?

Presuming Benson is back from injury of course; otherwise you can ignore my question!

First Leg – Monday, November 2 at 7.45pm
Second Leg – Friday, November 6 at 7.45pm

**Mr A** · 19/10/2015, 7:50 PM

UCD are very dangerous and have some excellent players that missed our last encounter. They have two wins in a row now after a barren spell and will be relishing the role of underdogs. A lot of people writing them off but am very nervous about these games.

**Olander** · 19/10/2015, 7:58 PM

Originally Posted by Mr A

UCD are very dangerous and have some excellent players that missed our last encounter. They have two wins in a row now after a barren spell and will be relishing the role of underdogs. A lot of people writing them off but am very nervous about these games.

Are Finn Harps the bookies favourites?

I certainly wouldn't be calling UCD the underdogs anyway. They've got more experience in these types of games than Harps and they retained a lot of their players from the Premier Division.

Last year, we finished behind Shelbourne and we píssed on them over two legs, it doesn't mean much. All the same I will be hoping Harps do it. UCD have the slight edge with a fully fit squad I think, I hope Ollie doesn't approach the first leg too negatively.

**Mr A** · 19/10/2015, 8:45 PM

Not sure overall but odds for Friday are:

UCD 13/10
Draw 9/4
Harps 7/4

**pineapple stu** · 19/10/2015, 10:14 PM

Originally Posted by nigel-harps1954

First Leg – Monday, November 2 at 7.45pm
Second Leg – Friday, November 6 at 7.45pm

Is it decided who's home/away in those games?

Would have thought the Premier Division side would have home advantage second (like how Harps have home advantage second), but we were away second last year.

**nigel-harps1954** · 20/10/2015, 7:02 AM

Coin toss decides it Stu. Hasn't been decided yet..

**osarusan** · 20/10/2015, 8:24 AM

Originally Posted by PartySaint

You'd think if Limerick could get themselves into a play-off the momentum would see them get through it.

Our momentum has kind of ground to a halt.

The effort over the last 9-10 games has taken an awful lot out of the players, and they don't have much left to give I'd say.

If we play against Rovers like we did against Derry we'll get nothing anyway.

**nigel-harps1954** · 20/10/2015, 11:47 AM

Looking likely to be close to 250 Harps fans in Belfield on Friday night. Three buses heading down, heaps of people driving, large Dublin base of fans as well as others based around the country heading up for the game.

This could be interesting.

**Sam_Heggy** · 20/10/2015, 2:46 PM

Originally Posted by pineapple stu

Is it decided who's home/away in those games?

Would have thought the Premier Division side would have home advantage second (like how Harps have home advantage second), but we were away second last year.

I'd argue that the 1st Div team should have 2nd leg at home.
Whichever team from 1st Div is in play off final will have earned it. The prem teams achievement is not finishing bottom of the league.

The fact that the home/away legs are not decided is a joke.

**Dodge** · 20/10/2015, 4:18 PM

Last 3 years the first division team has been at home in the 2nd leg. It was the opposite for the previous 3 years

**Longfordian** · 20/10/2015, 5:03 PM

Originally Posted by nigel-harps1954

Looking likely to be close to 250 Harps fans in Belfield on Friday night. Three buses heading down, heaps of people driving, large Dublin base of fans as well as others based around the country heading up for the game.

This could be interesting.

Could get nawty