Irish Premiership: Title race goes down to the wire today

Champions Linfield are just a point ahead of Cliftonville

Will Linfield boss David Healy be celebrating another title win this evening?
Author: Gareth McCulloughPublished 30th Apr 2022

Today sees what will be one of the most dramatic finishes to a NIFL Premiership season in many a year.

Linfield and Cliftonville are separated by just a single point going into the final day of action.

The Blues are home to Coleraine as they aim for their fourth league title in a row, while Paddy McLaughlin's chasers go to The Oval to take on third-placed Glentoran, knowing only a win will keep their hope of claiming a first title since 2014 alive.

In terms of form since the split, the sides can't be separated.

Both have drawn three and won of their four games in the top six, all on the same weekends, with Cliftonville unable to take advantage of the days when Linfield failed to secure maximum points to move clear.

While David Healy's men go into the final day as favourites, given they have home advantage and are taking on a Coleraine side who have hit a poor run of form in recent weeks - losing four of their previous 5 games before last weekend's win at home to Glentoran - you wouldn't bet against another twist about to arrive.

Is Cliftonville manager Paddy McLaughlin about to lead his side to glory?

The Solitude men have already secured the Bet McLean League Cup this season, following their extra-time win against Coleraine where they came from 2-0 down to win 4-3 and lifting the title in dramatic fashion would be the perfect icing on the cake of what has been a superb season.

In the Glens, they take on a team who know that they can ill-afford any slip-ups in they are to secure third spot for the campaign, with in-form Irish Cup finalists Crusaders breathing down their necks.

Linfield will likely have to do without inspirational captain Jamie Mulgrew, who was stretchered off during the first half of last weekend's home draw against Larne. How they cope with the loss of their talismanic leader could well play a part in the destination of the Gibson Cup today.

Regardless, it's been another superb season for the Northern Ireland Football League.

Crowds have increased, the level of football has too and interest in the game locally is as has as it has been in over a decade.

At the other end of the table, Warrenpoint Town have already been relegated, while Portadown will have to endure the nervy promotion/relegation play-off - most likely against near neighbours Annagh United.

Ciaran McGurgan's side require a remarkable turn of events to enable them to win the Championship.

Newry City AFC currently lead by three points with Dergview at home this afternoon (3pm). Darren Mullen's side would have to lose, Annagh would need to win at Loughgall and there would have to be a 14-goal swing in the process to prevent City from a return to the Premiership.