THE First Division of the SSE Airtricity League beckons for Cork City after their defeat to Sligo Rovers on Saturday evening, coupled with Finn Harps’ victory away to Bohemians, ensured that they will finish tenth of ten teams in the Premier Division.

The Rebel Army’s hopes of securing ninth spot to earn a play-off against a first-division side had receded in recent weeks and a 10th straight game without a win — nine in the league and one in the cup — was confirmed as they lost 2-1 at the Showgrounds.

That left them on the brink and a 2-0 win for Harps at Dalymount Park left City four points behind the Donegal side with just one game left to play.

With on-field matters for the 2020 season effectively dealt with — City have one more game left to play, at home to Derry City on November 8, but the outcome is academic — attention will now turn to Wednesday night’s special general meeting of Foras.

The supporters’ trust which runs the club is to vote on whether to allow Grovemoor Ltd to avail of an option to purchase City for €1 and take on the liabilities accrued.

The Foras board of management has backed a vote in favour of such a move but there have also been strong views expressed in opposition to the proposal.