Bohemian Football Club Crest

There were hints early in the season that the Premier Division title race would be intriuging and it is certainly working out that way with up to six teams still in the mix.

It was never going to be easy for Bohemians to retain their league crown for a third time in a row, especially with so many teams in the top flight strengthening their squads. So far, there have been several different league leaders. Patterns emerged at the beginning, but the real title contenders are starting to flex their muscles as the campaign heats up.

St Patrick’s Athletic, next visitors to Dalymount Park, currently lead the way with a slender margin and right behind them are Shamrock Rovers, who are level on 41 points. One place further back sit Bohs, who have a game in hand over the top two and that could prove to be crucial to narrowing the gap between the teams. That is if they win because nothing is granted in this league. Sporting Fingal will feel that they are still involved in the title race, while Sligo Rovers and Dundalk could yet surprise and make it a six-horse race to the finish.

The recent European qualifying games acted as a distraction, but now that the league is entering Week 24 this is when it starts to get really serious and dropped points can make or break a team’s season. With some wheeling and dealing done in the July transfer window, St Pat’s will feel that they are better equipped to last the pace than they were when the 2010 season kicked off back in March. Pete Mahon should be the early frontrunner for Manager of the Year after turning the Saints into real contenders, but a lot can change over the coming weeks and he won’t be looking beyond Friday’s clash with Bohs.

That Dublin derby should be quite a competitive affair – judging by the last time they met at Richmond Park – as crucial points are up for grabs. If Bohs win, they close the gap on their city neighbours. But if St Pat’s win, they open up a bigger margin.

The season will surely take a few more interesting turns over the coming weeks, although the title race is already ticking along at a gripping pace and that translates into this season scoring high on entertainment value.