While I agree that Richmond is probably closer to United Park in size, I’m not sure how much smaller it is than Tallaght (it certainly seems a lot narrower I’ll grant you.) However, I do think Richmond seems very small because of the tight surroundings etc, and might be deceptively bigger. Be interested if anyone has the actual dimensions.
Out for a spell, got neglected, lay on the bench unselected.
"PLAYOFF FINAL MOVED TO TALLAGHT"
Neutral venues are used for the First Division playoff final and the promotion-relegation playoff. Neutral venues are not used for FAI Cup semi-finals. Is that because a home drawn FAI Cup semi-final will sell out? Why not extend that logic to the promotion-relegation playoffs?
If we have the Stadia, Neutral semi finals would be class, and really help build the occasion.
The neutral venue would have to be Dublin. The last thing provincial towns and cities need is an influx of peasants from the capital
Premier Division v First Division FAI Cup form guide for the playoff on Saturday:
Bray 0 - 1 Shelbourne
Athlone 1 - 4 Drogheda
Drogheda 3 - 2 Wexford
Bray beating Drogheda would be a bigger shock than Drogheda beating Derry IMHO. A surprise Bray win would probably give the rest of the Premier Division a relegation safety net.
1,872 attended the First Division playoff final. Tomorrow might have double. Whether the current format is the way to continue is for the clubs. The FAI Cup doesn't have neutral venues. UCD and Wexford didn't gain much advantage after finishing 2nd and 3rd.
Any word on ticket sales for this game?
Irish by birth ,Harps by the grace of god.
This game is tighter than the final last week.
I take it all back.
Decent first half. Drogheda started well but Bray created two good chances. Drogheda were lucky to get away with a hand ball in the lead up to the first goal. Their second was taken well. Bray can be confident at half time that they can score. They have had opportunities.
A very easy day for Drogheda ,Bray were never the second best team in the First Division this year but that’s what happens in playoffs…..
Irish by birth ,Harps by the grace of god.
Bray get the goal their overall play deserved. 1-3.
Interesting to hear Doherty make a very pointed comment about the turning point of their season being dundalk dancing on the pitch after beating them..
He should get manager of the year but I'm presuming Joey O'Brien's monkey will get it instead
I went along. 3 to 1 flattered bray tbh. They had a ten minute spell where drogs were just happy to stand still and take a breath but if they had had to score another couple I thi k they could have. Great attendance stewards had to open the North Stand to deal with overflow
https://kesslereffect.bandcamp.com/album/kepler - New music. It's not that bad.
The stewards did not open the North Stand for overflow, there were tickets already on sale there for Drogs fans as Nigel said, however they did direct late arrivals for the West Stand to it, including quite a lot of Bray supporters. There were a remarkable amount of late arrivals from Bray so I presume some traffic issues somewhere.
The playoff format overall possibly needs a review. Granted it is giving clubs a lifeline but it is probably too generous in a 10 team division. 2019 had 3rd v 4th, the winner v 2nd and the promotion-relegation playoff.
If they want to retain top 5, maybe just go with a series of one of matches - 4th home to 5th, 3rd at home 4th v 5th winner and 2nd at home in the playoff final.
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