Relegation run-in

[Passive]

As it stands:
Rovers: 28 games, 26 points
Pats: 28 games, 25 points
Waterford: 27 games, 20 points
Harps: 27 games, 18 points


SRFC:
Bray (a)
Pats (a)
Cork (h)
Waterford (h)
UCD(a)

Pats:
Waterford (a)
Cork (a)
Rovers (h)
Derry (a)
Longford (h)

Harps:
Cork (h)
Longford (h)
Shels (a)
UCD (h)
Drogheda (a)
Bray (h)

Waterford:
UCD (a)
Pats (h)
Derry (a)
Cork (h)
Rovers (a)
Drogheda (h)


Harps and Waterford definitely have the hardest run-in, imo. I think we have the best run-in - we have to play two of the bottom three, plus UCD, Bray (both beatable) and Cork. Even if we only get six points from our last five games (that would be a poor taking, imo), Harps would have to get 14 points (four wins and two draws - i.e. not likely) and Waterford would need 12 points (four wins - again, not likely).

By no means safe, but I fancy our chances of holding fourth from bottom (or "9th", as I prefer to call it). I think it's between Harps and Waterford to decide who goes straight down and who beats Cobh in the play-off.

[chippie0001]

I think Harps are down, I just cannot see them getting enough points in the remaining games to stay up. Last night they looked very bad and we are not playing well but every time we attacked they looked dodgy.

As for the playoff spot it could well depend on the result of the waterford v Pats game, a real 6 pointer. If Waterford can win that game with Dolan behind them I would not like to be in Pats shoes. However I think the premier team will have too much for the first division side so only Harps to go down for me.

[The Stars]

well if it was the case that Sligo are in the playoffs(please god were not) then I think we could easily beat the premier division team and the same goes for cobh.

[dcfcsteve]

Harps and Derry have signed a pact with the devil. We'll take 3pts off Waterford in our game with them, and in-return the Harps are promised to take 1 point in their game with Cork.....

[sligoman]

I think it's between Harps and Waterford to decide who goes straight down and who beats Cobh in the play-off.

Cobh will be no push-overs. Cobh could easily beat Harps or Waterford if it happens

[Dr.Nightdub]

The three critical games on which it all hinges are
Waterford v us
Us v Rovers
Rovers v Waterford

Waterford have to catch either us or Rovers and realistically, the only way they're gonna do that is by winning one or both of these games. Even then, the game between us and Rovers is a potential get-out-of-jail card for either team.

[bigmac]

Waterford have to catch either us or Rovers and realistically, the only way they're gonna do that is by winning one or both of these games. Even then, the game between us and Rovers is a potential get-out-of-jail card for either team.

I agree. I think Harps would be looking to catch us and get the play-off spot but I'd be really worried about a playoff to be honest. If Waterford manage to get a result out of UCD, then there'll only be at most 4 points between Waterford and Pats come the game in the RSC. Realistically, I don't expect any of the four teams to take points from the top two, but you never know with the Waterford Cork game, I never expected to get a point in the Cross earlier this season.
I think Rovers are safe enough, as Passive says, they have an easier run in than the others, and for that reason I'll be cheering them on against Pats. With the three big games, if any team manages to win both of their big ones then I think they'll be safe. Hopefully it'll be the Blues!

[ccfcgirl]

I think Rovers are the safest especially if they beat Pats away.Pats and Waterford both have to play Cork City and Derry City which will be tuff.

[bluemovie]

Passive, relax. Rovers aren't in the relegation battle. To me, they look like they could get points every game they play. The only reason I'd include Pats is because they're in poor form and we could potentially be ahead of them after next Friday. I don't see Harps getting more than 27 points...ie 9 more. That means 8 points would get us a play-off....at least 4 of which need to come this week. Last night was a setback. I'll admit virtually every time we've lost that we haven't been good enough, but last night we were mugged. One shot on target from Bray (looked like he charged the clearance down with his hand) and an outstanding performance from the keeper. Fair play to Bray, they were more clinical and punished us. Hopefully we'll bounce back on Monday in UCD, but we always have trouble against them. In an ideal world, I'd like Harps, Pats (probably the two teams I hate the least) and ourselves to stay up, but these are difficult times so f*** them both!

[Dodge]

In an ideal world, I'd like Harps, Pats (probably the two teams I hate the least) and ourselves to stay up, but these are difficult times so f*** them both!

You sound like a proper football fan to me. Anyone who describes other teams in relation to how much they hate them is OK by me...

As for our run in, I'm honestly bricking it. I can't see us scoring a goal so I'm hoping that we at least draw in waterford, pick up the odd point and waterford don't pick up 5.

[Stevo Da Gull]

we were mugged. One shot on target from Bray (looked like he charged the clearance down with his hand) and an outstanding performance from the keeper. Fair play to Bray, they were more clinical and punished us.

Yeah I'll agree with all of that except for the handball claim, players appeals seemed half-hearted, as did the appeals from the fans. I was in the Shed so I dunno for sure, people behind the goal would have had the best view, I'll reserve judgement till EL Weekly.
I know how you feel (from experience), its sickening to lose a game like that but football aint about who has most of the possesion or who makes the most chances its about who takes their chances. It's harsh and a kick in the pants at times but thats football for you and when a keeper performs like that you can only admire (and curse him if its against you).
If you continue to perform like that (and score) I dont think that you'll finish bottom but thats a bit of an understatement- not that it makes you feel any better I'm sure

[dfx-]

Rovers aren't in the relegation battle.

I wouldn't be as sure of that....

[mypost]

As it stands:
Rovers: 28 games, 26 points
Pats: 28 games, 25 points
Waterford: 27 games, 20 points
Harps: 27 games, 18 points


SRFC:
Bray (a)
Pats (a)
Cork (h)
Waterford (h)
UCD(a)

It's v Bray (h)

I think the current positions will remain as they are. I think we're more or less safe, we need just a couple more points, and the run-in isn't too bad to get them.

Harps look doomed as they can't play us again, the only team they beat. I think Pats will get at least a point from Waterford, and even though they have the hardest run-in, [(a) Cork, (a) Derry], I don't think Waterford will be able to catch them. But, this is the second season that Pats have been in this battle, if it continues in future years, they will eventually go down.

[Passive]

It's v Bray (h)

My God, I made a typo. How will you ever forgive me?

[mypost]

[RE: Bray (a):]My God, I made a typo. How will you ever forgive me?

I know you probably hate playing at Dalymount, but we have no home game for 4 weeks. Don't you think we have enough away games to play?

[nismo]

Cobh will be no push-overs. Cobh could easily beat Harps or Waterford if it happens

this man talks sense!

[NY Hoop]

I know you probably hate playing at Dalymount, but we have no home game for 4 weeks. Don't you think we have enough away games to play?

4 weeks? We're playing Bray on the 28th............

Cant see us being dragged into it. Harps or Waterford will go down. As long as CHF are not involved in anything to do with promotion the league will be happy.


KOH

[trevy]

I think that if Waterford United my team can pick up a point or even 3 from UCD tonight and then beat Pats Friday night we've a good chance of finishing out of bottom 2.St Pats haven't won in about 10 and seem to be going backwards.Rovers should be ok I think.Finn Harps look doomed.
Ps Pats fans How is John Frost playing for ye?

[bluemovie]

You sound like a proper football fan to me. Anyone who describes other teams in relation to how much they hate them is OK by me...

Thanks, but if I can correct myself - in an ideal world, I'd like all 11 other teams to be relegated in one go.

[WeAreRovers]

Definitely think we're safe and Soccerbot seem to agree -

http://www.soccerbot.com/fai/tables/irprem2005.htm

As long as we don't lose to Waterford and Pats we'll be alright. I'm hoping and praying that Pats go down (and Harps stay up). If we stayed up in the worst season in our history and Pats went down I don't think I'd ever stop laughing.

KOH