Preview: Four sides begin First Division play-offs

The League of Ireland First Division play-offs begin tonight as four sides plot their path to the top flight over the next three weeks.

It had been expected Galway United and Waterford would battle it out for automatic promotion this season.

United laid down an early marker and dominated the division, winning every single home game and conceding just five goals in the process.

The Blues were their rivals while it was competitive, but they have known a long way out the play-offs were their future.

Several mid-season signings arrived with a view to being stronger for these matches while Ronan Coughlan posted a remarkable total of 33 goals in just 29 starts, breaking several records in the process.

The battle of the remainder of the play-off positions was far less predictable.

The likely contenders of Bray Wanderers, Finn Harps and Longford Town all missed out, allowing the unfancied Cobh Ramblers and Wexford to profit.

Athlone Town took the final spot on the final day, despite some woeful form to conclude their campaign, shipping 15 goals in four games before a 0-0 draw with Longford on the final day.

Town have 10 different nationalities in their squad, using a partnership with USA-based Valeo Futbol Club. Frantz Pierrot has been the find of the season, registering 20 goals.

Town face Waterford in the first leg at Athlone Town Stadium. The visitors will certainly be favourites, but Athlone registered a win in the last meeting of the teams.

The other game throws up two major success stories.

Shane Keegan has worked wonders with Cobh to comfortably claim third spot in the division.

With clever recruitment Keegan has brought the best out of the likes of Jack Doherty and Wilson Waweru.

Lee Steacy has brought experience in goals and