Mervue United win gives FAI potential play-off headache

Mervue United have given the FAI a potential major headache after Johnny Glynn’s side moved to within a point of the promotion play-off spots in the Airtricity League First Division on Friday night thanks to a 1-0 win over Longford Town.

The victory, their fourth on the bounce, still leaves the Fahy’s Field-based side playing ‘catch-up’ in the race for the play-off, which will be contested by the teams that finish second and third in the league, but given that they are the form team at the moment, there is every chance they will qualify for that play-off, to be contested by the sides that finish second and third.

However, given the fact that the club – along with Salthill Devon – has been told by the FAI that it will not get a licence to participate in the league next year, it will be interesting to see how the FAI handles the situation if Mervue qualify for, and win, the promotion play-off series.

At the moment they sit fourth in the table, a point behind both Waterford United and Longford Town – Athlone Town were confirmed as First Division champions at the weekend when they defeated Waterford United 1-0.

The teams that finish second and third will go into a home-and-away play-off, with the winners of that facing the team that finishes 11th in the Premier Division to decide on the 12th team for the top flight next season.

Of the three teams left in the chase for the play-off spots, Mervue United have all the momentum with four wins on the trot – both Waterford United and Longford Town have won two and lost two of their last four games.

Mervue United’s final two games are at home to Cobh Ramblers this Friday, who they have already beaten in Fahy’s Field this season; and away to Wexford Youths. Waterford United host Salthill Devon this Friday – where they will be expected to pick up all three points – before finishing away to Cobh Ramblers, so in reality it is Longford who Mervue hope to catch.

Tony Cousins’ side are home to Wexford Youths this Saturday, but they finish with a Midlands derby away to newly-crowned champions Athlone Town, and that is the game likely to decide whether it is them, or Mervue, who make the play-offs.