ARDFIELD will go ‘all-out attack’ in a bid to clinch the WCL Championship title in the most unusual of circumstances.

In their final league outing, third-placed Ardfield travel to Bay Rovers knowing only a win will secure promotion to the Premier Division – and the title.

Victory on Sunday would see Ardfield leapfrog Beara United and Bunratty United, who both sit on 48 points, two ahead.

There is a twist, however: Ardfield have just 45 minutes to overturn a 2-1 deficit when the sides resume their abandoned clash on Sunday afternoon (2.30pm).

Ardfield manager John Lawless explained the background.

‘We played Bay Rovers just before Christmas. We went over to their pitch but it wasn’t playable and the referee called it off at half-time with it 2-1,’ he said.

‘Under the rules, the game has to be finished from that point – you can’t replay the full match. So we’ve 45 minutes left to play.’

Ardfield's Diarmuid Kerr celebrates after scoring against Beara. (Photo: Paddy Feen)

It leaves Ardfield needing at least two goals in that remaining period to claim the victory required to win the Championship title.

‘It’ll be all-out attack for the 45 minutes. A draw won’t do us – we have to win, so we need goals,’ Lawless said.

‘The only way to get them is to go for it, but at the same time we have to be careful not to get caught on the counter.’

Ardfield showed their resolve last weekend, bouncing back from a Beamish Cup final loss to defeat title rivals Beara United 2-1. A point for Beara would have sealed the title.

Goals from Niall Keane and Diarmuid Kerr before the break handed Ardfield a 2-0 half-time lead. Declan Dunne pulled one back ten minutes into the second half, but Ardfield held firm to keep the race alive.

‘We were pushing from the start and missed a few chances, but we got the first just before half-time. Then from a kick-out it fell to Diarmuid and he finished it,’ Lawless said. ‘Beara got one back early in the second half and really put us under pressure after that. There were a few heart-in-mouth moments.’

Ardfield's Cillian White moves in to tackle Beara United's Declan Dunne. (Photo: Paddy Feen)

The result was the perfect response to their Beamish Cup final defeat to Drinagh Rangers.

Already Championship Cup winners, Ardfield are now chasing a league and cup double – and promotion to the top tier.

‘The mood is very positive. We were a bit down after the Beamish Cup final, but it picked up again quickly,’ Lawless added.

‘The lads know we’ve 45 minutes to win it. Bay Rovers are a good side and really put it up to us the last day, so we know what we’re facing.

‘We know 45 minutes is a tough ask; anything can happen. We’ve been playing two games a week lately to catch up, so we’re match-sharp at least.’

Ardfield have hunted down their rivals in recent weeks, winning games in hand to stay in the title race. Now, they have one final half of football to complete the job.

‘Winning the league would be massive. We set out at the start of the season to win something and we’ve done that in the cup,’ Lawless said.

‘To win the league and get promotion would be the icing on the cake. The lads deserve it, they’ve put everything into it.’

If Ardfield get the win and secure one of the two promotion spots, Beara United and Bunratty United will meet in a play-off for the runner-up position and the second promotion place. But if Ardfield don’t win, then Beara and Bunratty will both be promoted, and play off for the title of champions.