Eire. The big news was the introduction of Second Division – it was made of 10 teams: the last 4 in the First Division 1984-85 – Sligo Rovers, Longford Town, Drogheda United, and Finn Harps – plus 6 elected clubs – Bray Wanderers, Derry City, Cobh Ramblers, Newcastle United, Monaghan United, and EMFA. Thus, the top league was reduced to 11 teams. The top 2 teams of Second Division were promoted and the bottom 2 in First Division – relegated. No wonder the inaugural season had particular importance in the minds, if not in the hearts: there was a new trophy to be won and it was good to be the first winner. However, the new Second Division did not produce some big exciting change – 4 teams were competing for top positions and the rest were quite bellow the leaders. EMFA finished last after winning just 1 match in the season. Monaghan United was 9th with 11 points. Newcastle United – 8th with 13 points.
Finn Harps – 7th with 13 points. Cobh Ramblers – 6th with 15 points and the lowest scoring team in the league with only 14 goals. Drogheda United – 5th with 18 points.
Derry City was 4th with 22 points, Longford Town – 3rd with 25 points.
Sligo Rovers clinched 2nd place with 27 points and quickly returned to top flight, but was unable to win the Second Division championship.
Bray Wanderers got the laurels – the newcomers were pleased to win the very first Second Division championship. They had splendid season, losing just once – the rest was 11 victories and 6 ties. They scored 30 goals – 2 teams scored more goals than them, but none equal them defensively – the first champions allowed only 10 goals in their net. It was not easy sailing at all – Sligo Rovers was equally ambitious and Longford Town not far away either, but at the end Bray Wanderers was one point ahead of the old top division member Sligo. It was just great. Promotion was even better – the club immediately proved its worth and may be justified the creation of the new division to the sceptics.
A Football Blog