NATIONAL LEAGUE/News: The first leg of the promotion/relegation play-off finally goes ahead at Flancare Park tomorrow night between Longford Town and Finn Harps after Dublin City yesterday withdrew their plans to go to arbitration in the First Division player registration row. The second leg is at Ballybofey on Tuesday night.

Dublin City were hoping to be awarded three points, or at least be given a replay, for the match they lost to Waterford United early last month because Waterford fielded the unregistered Noel Hunt.

Waterford were docked three points and when Dublin City's appeal concerning a replay or the points being given to them was thrown out they decided to take their case to arbitration. But yesterday they withdrew fearing the financial implications of losing the case.

"I'm disappointed that we can't see this through because we believe we had a very strong case," said Dublin City director, Ronan Seery.

"But after being advised as to the possible financial implications, if the case went against us, we felt that we would undermine much of the good work that has already gone into the club.

"Although we have done nothing wrong, to go the next step in trying to prove our case is simply outside our financial capability at this point in time, so in the interests of all concerned, we have dropped our case, rather than let it drag on."

Dundalk were yesterday awaiting advice on whether to protest against Longford whom it is believed have a player whose registration cannot be found in the league's offices.

"It's unlikely we will do anything until the whole registration issue goes before the league's board of management," said Dundalk chairman, Des Denning.

No date has been set for the meeting, though league commissioner Roy Dooney has said that no club is likely to be deducted points following his investigation which generally found every club to be in breach of the registration rules in some small way or another.

PROMOTION/RELEGATION PLAY-OFF

First leg: Saturday: Longford Town v Finn Harps, Flancare Park. 7.30 p.m.

Second leg: Tuesday - Finn Harps v Longford Town, Finn Park. 7.45 p.m.