Longford and Leitrim fans are poised for a weekend stuck to radios and cell phones as they aim for promotion.
The final round of games in Allianz League division four has thrown-up a real day of drama. Leitrim’s last gasp victory over Laois means it will be all decided on the last day.
Laois
Laois top division four with 10 points. While there is a three-way tie for second place as Leitrim, Longford and Wexford each hold six points.
The top two teams progress to the league final and will play division three football in 2025.
However things are not that straight forward.
Laois need a result to secure top spot in division four. Waterford host Laois and are by far the weakest team in this year’s league. Laois are odds-on for victory. A draw would also secure top spot.
An unlikely defeat could see Laois in some bother, if Leitirm win and there is a winner in the Longford Wexford game!
Longford
Of the three teams on eight points; Longford have the most straight forward route. If they win away to Wexford they are promoted. No if’s, but’s or maybes. A draw would see Wexford progress on score difference, that’s if Leitrim lose to Tipperary.
Wexford
Indeed, Wexford’s task is out of their hands. They need Leitirm to lose to Tipperary no matter what happens. Indeed, a Leitirm victory would be the end of the road for the yellow belly’s as they would lose out on head-to-head.
If, Leitrim lose, a Wexford result against Longford would be enough. A win would see them progress the straight forward way. A draw would see Wexford progress on score difference.
Leitrim
Whereas, Leitrim have to beat Tipperary and hope Wexford beat Longford. In that scenario Leitrim would progress over Wexford on head-to-head. If Andy Moran's side win and Longford beat Wexford, Longford will progress on head-to-head over Leitrim.
A draw is no use for Andy Moran’s men!
Another pathway exists in the unlikely event of a Laois defeat. If Laois lose to Waterford, Leitrim beat Tipperary and a winner arrives between Longford and Wexford score difference will decide all.
That is a high risk strategy for all concerned. Laois have a score difference of +32. Wexford stand on +28, Longford + 19 and Leitrim +15. Meaning there Leitrim would need to put clear water between themselves and Tipperary.
It all goes into the melting pot from one o’clock on Sunday.
