UCD FAN looks forward to Drogs v. UCD

So amidst all the high profile, euro glory boosted premier division title racing that’s been hogging the headlines and even getting on the telly begod, the race in the first division for 2 play off places has been on fire, with Drogheda, Cobh and my boys, UCD AFC going for 3 spots. But 3 into 2 doesn’t go as we well know. Drogheda thought they were in the clear a month ago, but then they went and lost to Cabinteely. And last week they failed to do what Cobh managed the week before and beat already long crowned, runaway champions Limerick, who appear to have their feet off the gas. They lost at Markets Field by a solitary goal, while up in Belfield the night before, UCD scored with the last kick of the game to gub Shelbourne 3-2 and seal 3 crucial points. While the premier league leaders still have 5 games to play, they’ve now reached round zero in the first division. Drogheda stand on 49 points, with UCD on 48 and Cobh on 47. But luckily for Cobh, UCD travel to United Park to face Drogs on Saturday for their final game, while Cobh travel to lowly Athlone where only a win will be on their minds. If they succeed, they are into the play offs and will face the winner of what is basically a cup tie between Drogheda and UCD. In that case, only a win will see UCD join them. With an 8-1 away win at Waterford preceding that great result last week, UCD are in good form, while Drogs have seemingly hit the skids, losing two on the trot. I am hopeful that both College and Cobh will get the job done and that a return to the rebel county is imminent for UCD for the play off. The winner of this as yet undecided first division play off (no jinx plz), will most likely be playing Wexford Youths for a spot in next season’s premier division. Wexford’s last win came back in August and since then they have only picked up a point, so they would appear to be there for the taking, lads. During UCD’s heroic european run last season, manager Collie O’Neill made a stern point of saying that while the campaign was a huge bonus in terms of excitement and experience as well as a nice little financial boost (albeit most of it spent on the actual event… last minute travel and accommodation aint cheap… this was no Dundalkesque windfall) promotion in the next couple of seasons was the real goal. A season later, he might just be about to achieve it. C’mon College. Buzzing.