1990–91 Irish League


The 1990–91 Irish League was the 90th edition of the [Northern Ireland (island)|Ireland Football League|Irish League], the highest level of football in Northern Ireland. The league began with the first round of matches on 22 September 1990 and ended with the final round of matches on 27 April 1991. Defending champions Portadown won the championship for the second time.
The league consisted of 16 teams, an increase of two from the previous season as Ballyclare Comrades and Omagh Town were elected to the league.
Portadown qualified to compete in the 1991–92 European Cup and runners-up Bangor qualified for the 1991–92 UEFA Cup.

Background

The Irish League was formed in 1890 and was originally a league for the whole of the island of Ireland. From 1920, the competition has been contested by teams from Northern Ireland.
Linfield were the most successful team in the history of the competition having won the league 45 times. Portadown were the defending champions after winning the league for the first time in 1989–90, beating Glenavon to the title by a single point.
The league was increased in size from 14 teams in 1989–90 to 16 teams. No teams were relegated and Ballyclare Comrades and Omagh Town were elected to the league.

Format

The league took on a traditional double round robin format. Each team played every other team twice – once at home and once away from home – for a total of 30 matches each. Three points were awarded for a win, one point was awarded for a draw and nothing was awarded for a loss. Teams were ranked on total number of points accumulated with ties broken by goal difference.

League standings