Sligo Rovers vs Waterford United preview.
Waterford United face a very tough challenge against premier division champions and second place Sligo Rovers. The last time the two teams faced was in 2009, when a 76th minute Matthew Blinkhorn goal, sent the Bit O' Red into the FAI Ford Cup final. A heartbreaking night for the blues fans who travelled to the Showgrounds that October night.
The blues go into the game after coming off a one nil victory over 5th place Athlone Town,With a Cogs Quilty goal, which leaves the blues eleven points of top of the league Longford Town. Who are funnily enough Longford's rivals. The blues seem to have bonded together better and communicated alot better since Paul O'Brien has left. David Breen is in charge of the team until a replacement manager is found. Former Blues player Paudie Quinn also left midweek on mutual consent.
Sligo on the other hand have come into the game after a well fought draw against Limerick in Thomond Park on Friday night, From what I heard was a very entertaining tie, Limerick had a goal dissallowed from Axel Bossekota 23 minutes in, David O'Leary almost scored aswell, but Sligo goalkeeper Gary Rogers tipped to safety. Sligo also beat Mervue four nil, with two Elding goals and McMillian and Ventre with the other goals. Sligo lost to Dundalk on tuesday night, with Dane Massey getting the Dundalk goal, and Elding getting sent of with an off the ball challenge.
There are no suspensions for the game on Saturday.
Evan McMillan and Lee Lynch both out for Sligo
Higgins and Frost both doubtful for Waterford, Peter Higgins may feature.
Friday 31 May 2013
City begin title defence against non-league minnows
Derry City will begin the defence of
their FAI Cup when they travel to Cork to take on Munster Senior League winners
Blarney; in fact the sides last met seven years ago at this stage of the
competition when Derry ran out 3-1 winners on their way to their fourth FAI Cup
triumph in 2006.
It is very much a different Derry side
that will make the journey this time around with Barry Molloy, Kevin Deery and
Ruaidhri Higgins the only three left from that trip, whilst Declan Devine and
Paul Hegarty were part of Stephen Kenny’s back-room team.
Declan Devine is taking the defence of
the FAI Cup very seriously and has shown the Munster Senior League side the
utmost respect by taking all of his first team squad with him to Cork; however
there is a few injury doubts in the form of Sean Houston (ankle) and Thomas
Crawley (groin) are definitely out, whilst Barry Molloy (dead leg) and Dermot
McCaffrey (groin) aren’t expected to be risked.
Devine may hand starts to Paddy Kavanagh
who is returning from injury, Kevin Deery and Stewart Greacen who have lacked
game time since returning from injury and Michael Duffy who has impressed very
much this season.
Declan Devine had this to say ahead of
his side’s trip to Blarney:
“I will be taking the full
first team squad to Cork, as we intend to use it as another form of bonding
session”, confirmed the Derry boss; “I will start with the strongest team
available to me and I’m hopeful of giving run-outs to players who need game”.
Devine added that he will
be preparing for the Blarney game with the same intensity and focus as he would
if it were a Premier Division fixture; whilst continuing to say that midfielder
Barry McNamee would be joining up with the side on Saturday morning when he
returns from u21 international duty with Republic of Ireland in Denmark.
This is undoubtedly
Blarney United’s biggest game of the season and will be hoping to cause a huge
upset against the cup holders, David Monyihan will have a few words to his
players before the game but with a place in the next round at stake will be
enough motivation for the Munster Senior League side.
They will be hoping to put
in the same dogged display that reduced Derry to a two goal advantage at this
stage seven years ago and give a good account of themselves and maybe even
sneak a draw that would see a potential pay day at the Brandywell; but the Co.
Cork side know that it will take an extremely unbelievable performance for
either to happy and probably will need Derry to an off day.
Blarney Team News to
follow.
Preview by: JP Fahy @jp_fahy
Finn Park the venue, as the Youths look to repeat their success
Wexford won the dress rehearsal last week when the sides met in the
League at Ferrycarrig Park and this will be the first time the clubs
have met in the FAI Ford Cup, a competition Finn Harps won 39 years ago
when they beat St Patrick’s Athletic 3-1 in the final.
That was the era of the legendary striker Brendan Bradley and in Sean McCarron they appear to have unearthed a forward with a similar eye for goal. He has scored in each of his last four league game.
This is the third meeting between the sides this season with the previous two producing a scoreless draw and that 2-1 win for Wexford last week. Harps have Kevin McHugh suspended while Damien McNulty is struggling with tendonitis.
Wexford currently sit joint second in the table, equal on points with their opponents. They have no fresh injury concerns
That was the era of the legendary striker Brendan Bradley and in Sean McCarron they appear to have unearthed a forward with a similar eye for goal. He has scored in each of his last four league game.
This is the third meeting between the sides this season with the previous two producing a scoreless draw and that 2-1 win for Wexford last week. Harps have Kevin McHugh suspended while Damien McNulty is struggling with tendonitis.
Wexford currently sit joint second in the table, equal on points with their opponents. They have no fresh injury concerns
Battle between Cork and Dublin. as Corinthians head to Tolka
(Via FAI)
This is one of two all non-league ties in the Second Round which will ensure at least two non-league teams progressing to the last 16.
Tolka Rovers finished fifth in the Leinster Senior League and reached the quarter-finals of the FAI Intermediate Cup where they lost 1-0 to Phoenix. They beat Bangor Celtic 2-1 in the First Round of the Senior Cup while College Corinthians needed a replay to see off Newbridge Town
Corinthians, whose run in the Intermediate Cup was ended by eventual winners Avondale, are currently lying third in the Munster Senior League with two games to go.
This is one of two all non-league ties in the Second Round which will ensure at least two non-league teams progressing to the last 16.
Tolka Rovers finished fifth in the Leinster Senior League and reached the quarter-finals of the FAI Intermediate Cup where they lost 1-0 to Phoenix. They beat Bangor Celtic 2-1 in the First Round of the Senior Cup while College Corinthians needed a replay to see off Newbridge Town
Corinthians, whose run in the Intermediate Cup was ended by eventual winners Avondale, are currently lying third in the Munster Senior League with two games to go.
Potential banana skin in Bray, as Mervue look to cause a shock.
Bray Wanderers continue their quest for a third FAI Cup title tonight, as they face a Mervue United side for the first time ever.
Last season Bray fell in the first round to Shelbourne, while Mervue got to the quarter-finals, before being overpowered by eventual winners Derry City. The Galwegians have lost their last 3 games and will be missing Alex Lee, Gary Curran and Mike Elwood (who has emigrated). Pat Devlin is planning without Shane O'Neill and Eoin Hyland.
Home comfort should see the Seagulls through
OTS says: Bray Wanderers 3-0 Mervue United
Last season Bray fell in the first round to Shelbourne, while Mervue got to the quarter-finals, before being overpowered by eventual winners Derry City. The Galwegians have lost their last 3 games and will be missing Alex Lee, Gary Curran and Mike Elwood (who has emigrated). Pat Devlin is planning without Shane O'Neill and Eoin Hyland.
Home comfort should see the Seagulls through
OTS says: Bray Wanderers 3-0 Mervue United
McDonnell looks to grab first win as Bandon travel to Tolka
Shelbourne v Bandon (FAI Cup Second Round) 31-5-13
Preview by Aidan Geraghty (@AidanGeraghty5_
Munster Senior League First Division Runners-Up Bandon A.F.C. travel to Dublin to face Shelbourne in the FAI Cup Second Round this Friday night. Kick off at Tolka Park is 8pm.
While Johnny McDonnell's men are undoubtedly the favourites, everybody is aware of Shels' struggles against non-league opposition in the Cup in recent years. They lost 1-0 to Crumlin United after a replay in 2009 and there is, of course, the infamous Sheriff YC tie in 2011 where the Reds lost 3-2 in suspicious circumstances before being reinstated because of Sheriff's fielding of an ineligible player.
Bandon qualified for this round of the cup after reaching the quarter finals of the FAI Intermediate Cup and winning in the First Round of the FAI Senior Cup. Unfortunately, the FAI's website doesn't contain every result from the First Round. Bandon are sure to be on a high after becoming the first West Cork club to reach the MSL Premier Division.
TEAM NEWS
Suspended: Jack Memery (additional red card suspension), Brian Shortall (4 yellow cards).
Injured: Glenn Cronin (ankle), Paul Crowley (hip).
Bandon AFC made no team news available.
Prediction: Shelbourne should win this easily, but with their current form and Bandon's pricing at 11s, the away side are definitely worth a punt.
BETTING (paddypower.com)
Shelbourne 1-7
Draw 6-1
Bandon 11-1
Preview by Aidan Geraghty (@AidanGeraghty5_
Munster Senior League First Division Runners-Up Bandon A.F.C. travel to Dublin to face Shelbourne in the FAI Cup Second Round this Friday night. Kick off at Tolka Park is 8pm.
While Johnny McDonnell's men are undoubtedly the favourites, everybody is aware of Shels' struggles against non-league opposition in the Cup in recent years. They lost 1-0 to Crumlin United after a replay in 2009 and there is, of course, the infamous Sheriff YC tie in 2011 where the Reds lost 3-2 in suspicious circumstances before being reinstated because of Sheriff's fielding of an ineligible player.
Bandon qualified for this round of the cup after reaching the quarter finals of the FAI Intermediate Cup and winning in the First Round of the FAI Senior Cup. Unfortunately, the FAI's website doesn't contain every result from the First Round. Bandon are sure to be on a high after becoming the first West Cork club to reach the MSL Premier Division.
TEAM NEWS
Suspended: Jack Memery (additional red card suspension), Brian Shortall (4 yellow cards).
Injured: Glenn Cronin (ankle), Paul Crowley (hip).
Bandon AFC made no team news available.
Prediction: Shelbourne should win this easily, but with their current form and Bandon's pricing at 11s, the away side are definitely worth a punt.
BETTING (paddypower.com)
Shelbourne 1-7
Draw 6-1
Bandon 11-1
Thursday 30 May 2013
Long trip for Rovers as Salthill look to cause a shock
Second Round Tie of the FAI Ford Cup between Shamrock Rovers and Salthill Devon.
Article by Niamh Whelan
Shamrock Rovers and Salthill Devon are due to kick off the second round of the FAI Ford Cup this coming Friday at 7:45.
The sides will meet at Eamon Deacy Park to battle it out for a spot in the Third Round.
Having recently defeated Shels last weekend, Rovers are feeling confident but Rovers boss Trevor Croly knows that they'll have to fight for the win. "We have had Salthill watched and seen footage of them play and so know that they could be dangerous, and that was shown in them doing so well in EA Sports Cup against St Pat’s recently. We won’t be expecting to just go down there and pick up a win, but if we fully concentrate on the game, and play to our abilities, we should get it."
Salthill Coach John "Jumbo" Brennan is also eager for the win, but is more looking forward to the match as experience for his players. "It will be great to see Colin and the lads here tonight and we will make them work hard for the entire game. We are likely to make some changes ourselves tonight, as we need to give players a chance to play against good opposition - which will help in our league games."
Out of action for the Hoops are Mark Quigley, Pat Sullivan and Danny Ledwith still suffering from hamstring injuries. Lorcan Shannon is also out with a foot injury. Salthill will have to cope with the loss of Graham Kelly (suspended) and Derek O'Brien who is suffering with a knee injury.
Kick off is 7:45, Report to follow. Watch this space!
Foyle Cup Launched by Irish International
Article by JP Fahy @jp_fahy
The Foyle Cup in Derry is a very prestigious
tournament which has been running since 1992; it started off as a one day eight
team tournament at u14 & u16 level and every year since it has grown. When
it first began it was a Northern Ireland based tournament run by the local
Derry & District Youth FA at the request of the Derry City Council but as
the years went on it started to attract interest from teams in mainland Britain
with entrants from England, Scotland and Wales taking part and the tournament
changed to a six day event from 2005 with 90 teams entered in various age
groups.
The tournament from 2005 ran with an u10
& u11 mini-soccer event and u12, u14, u16 & u18 age groups with u18
changing to u19 in 2011; whilst in 2012 the tournament was increased to include
u13, u15, u17 & ladies events with the League of Ireland, Irish League,
English Premiership & Football League along with Scotland’s SPL being
represented throughout the various age groups. The tournament has continually
attracted interest from Europe and further afield with regular visitors such as
Ottawa Fury and Everton America whilst South American teams such as Guadalajara
have previously competed in the event.
On Thursday 23rd May,
Republic of Ireland International & Derry native Darron Gibson launched the
event whilst also making the draw in the City Hotel for the tournament which
took place from Monday 22nd July – Saturday 27th July 2013.
Included in the draw throughout the various age groups were Derry City,
Shelbourne, Finn Harps along with USL sides Letterkenny Rovers and Fanad United
and Co. Wicklow side Arklow Town; the Irish League are represented with
prestigious names such as Coleraine, Linfield, Glentoran and Crusaders; all
these teams will be pitting their wits against household names such as Glasgow
Celtic, Kilmarnock, Hearts, Hibernian, St. Johnstone, Norwich City and
Sheffield United.
The stand out group in the draw came in
the u13 category where Shelbourne have been pitted against Coleraine and
Glentoran, whilst the organisers await a late entry to fill the last spot
available in the category; in fact if this was the draw in a Setanta Cup group
stages it would certainly have been one of the better groups drawn at the time.
Of the League of Ireland representatives Derry City are represented from
u12-u16 as Derry Colts and u17, u19 & the ladies category as Derry City,
behind Derry City is Shelbourne who are represented in three categories, u13,
u14 and ladies with u13’s having been grouped with SPL side Heart of
Midlothian. Finn Harps, quite surprisingly have chosen just the two categories
in the advanced u17 and u19 age groups; Harps will compete against Select
Academy London, Derry side Ballymoor FC and Belfast side Hillsborough Boys FC;
whilst in the u19 group they will be favourites to advance when they come up against
Ballymoor FC, Strabane Athletic and Sporting Youth Monaghan.
The Ulster Senior League is also
represented with two teams in the u19 age group in the shape of Letterkenny
Rovers and Fanad United; Rovers will come up against Derry City, Limavady
United and Mountjoy United whilst Fanad have the tough task of overcoming SPL
side Kilmarnock which is likely to include former Derry City defender Caomhin
Bonner, they will also compete against the Inishowen Youth League as well Irish
League side Institute.
You can view the full draw at www.foylecup.com
and see whether there is representative teams that have been strung together
near you to compete is this event; these teams include Cavan/Monaghan Youth
League, Donegal Schools, Inishowen Youth League and little old Arklow Town FC
from Co. Wicklow all these teams are regular visitors to the Foyle Cup.
Wednesday 29 May 2013
England V Ireland - Match Preview
Giovanni Trapattoni's Republic Of Ireland squad prepare to visit close neighbours, England at Wembley stadium this Wednesday evening in a much anticipated game that certain media outlets have dubbed as, "more than a friendly".
The last time these sides met was back in 1995 at the old Lansdowne Road. The match was abandoned after 27 minutes when Ireland went 1-0 up thanks to a David Kelly goal. A section of English fans behind the goal began to riot which quickly escalated and more than 50 people were injured in the attacks. A stoppage was called and the game was recorded as a 0-0 draw.
18 years on and the two footballing nations have seen drastic changes. The hosts come into this game on a three game unbeaten streak with a notable 2-1 win over Brazil in a friendly in February. World Cup 2014 qualification looks a certainty for England and are unbeaten in their opening 5 games of the qualification process.
Ireland also come into this game on a three game unbeaten streak but will be disappointed to not have turned two draws against Sweden and Austria into wins which would have given the Irish nation a big boost in the hopes of qualifying for the World Cup next summer.
In a week that has seen players from both sides pull out due to injury, it's refreshing to see Robbie Keane desperately attempting to get into the squad to line out at Wembley with the national team. Keane, who plays for the LA Galaxy was originally told he can't go due to the MLS season still ongoing and was required to fulfill his club duties.
Lengthy talks between LA Galaxy and the FAI now sees Keane preparing with the rest of the squad.
England are set to give Ashley Cole the captain's armband as the Chelsea full back is set to make his 100th appearance in the white shirt while Daniel Sturridge, Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard are all set to start in this intriguing match up.
Trapattoni has also named his team which sees Stephen Kelly return to the left back position in place of the injured Marc Wilson.
James McCarthy lines up beside combative midfielder Glen Whelan in the middle of midfield while Aiden McGeady will hope to feed balls to the front pairing of Robbie Keane and Shane Long.
This is essentially a derby game and they say the form guide goes out the window for these type of games
so who knows what to expect but I think I speak for all when I say that I hope this time around, that the headlines will be purely about the football and nothing else.
Prediction: Ireland 0-2 England
England team to play Ireland (unconfirmed): Hart, Johnson, Jagielka, Lescott, Cole, Carrick, Lampard, Walcott, Rooney, Chamberlain, Welbeck
Ireland team to play England (confirmed): Forde, Coleman, O'Shea, St Ledger, Kelly, Walters, McCarthy, Whelan, McGeady, Keane, Long
---
Shane Saunders
Twitter: @ShaneSaunders88
The last time these sides met was back in 1995 at the old Lansdowne Road. The match was abandoned after 27 minutes when Ireland went 1-0 up thanks to a David Kelly goal. A section of English fans behind the goal began to riot which quickly escalated and more than 50 people were injured in the attacks. A stoppage was called and the game was recorded as a 0-0 draw.
18 years on and the two footballing nations have seen drastic changes. The hosts come into this game on a three game unbeaten streak with a notable 2-1 win over Brazil in a friendly in February. World Cup 2014 qualification looks a certainty for England and are unbeaten in their opening 5 games of the qualification process.
Ireland also come into this game on a three game unbeaten streak but will be disappointed to not have turned two draws against Sweden and Austria into wins which would have given the Irish nation a big boost in the hopes of qualifying for the World Cup next summer.
In a week that has seen players from both sides pull out due to injury, it's refreshing to see Robbie Keane desperately attempting to get into the squad to line out at Wembley with the national team. Keane, who plays for the LA Galaxy was originally told he can't go due to the MLS season still ongoing and was required to fulfill his club duties.
Lengthy talks between LA Galaxy and the FAI now sees Keane preparing with the rest of the squad.
England are set to give Ashley Cole the captain's armband as the Chelsea full back is set to make his 100th appearance in the white shirt while Daniel Sturridge, Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard are all set to start in this intriguing match up.
Trapattoni has also named his team which sees Stephen Kelly return to the left back position in place of the injured Marc Wilson.
James McCarthy lines up beside combative midfielder Glen Whelan in the middle of midfield while Aiden McGeady will hope to feed balls to the front pairing of Robbie Keane and Shane Long.
This is essentially a derby game and they say the form guide goes out the window for these type of games
so who knows what to expect but I think I speak for all when I say that I hope this time around, that the headlines will be purely about the football and nothing else.
Prediction: Ireland 0-2 England
England team to play Ireland (unconfirmed): Hart, Johnson, Jagielka, Lescott, Cole, Carrick, Lampard, Walcott, Rooney, Chamberlain, Welbeck
Ireland team to play England (confirmed): Forde, Coleman, O'Shea, St Ledger, Kelly, Walters, McCarthy, Whelan, McGeady, Keane, Long
---
Shane Saunders
Twitter: @ShaneSaunders88
Tuesday 28 May 2013
Sligo Rovers vs Dundalk match report.
A disappointing night in The Showgrounds for the home supporters as Dundalk came out on top with a 1-0 win thanks to Massey in the 41st minute with a superb shot from 25 yards out that soared over the head of Gary Rogers.
Overall the performance wasn't up to standard but the game started out bright for the champions as Aaron Greene intercepted a pass and put through Elding but Cherry pushed the attempt away.
Dundalks first attempt came in the 12th minute with a nice one-two between Hoban and Mountney and the shot skimmed by Rogers right post. The next best chance came in the 19th minute as another one-two this time with Ndo and Greene which saw his high cross hit the crossbar.
In the 28th minute Peers was lucky to escape with a yellow after pushing Mountney down in what seemed like a goal scoring opportunity. From the attack that followed the free, a fantastic curling shot by Ward which clipped the top of the crossbar. Three minutes later a Dundalk corner was cleared off the line by Ndo.
One of Sligo's best chances came in the 38th minute wen Greenes low cross was put into the path of Cawley who blazed his shot over the crosbar.
Halftime 1-0 Dundalk
Shots(On Target): Sligo: 5(1) Dundalk: 10(2)
Corners: Sligo: 2 Dundalk: 3
Fouls: Sligo: 8 Dundalk: 8
Offsides: Sligo: 4 Dundalk:1
Yellows: Sligo 2 Dundalk: 0
The first big chance of the second half came in the 51st minute when a splitting pass from Hoban put Mountney through but he just couldn't finish. Cawley was then booked for a challenge on Mountney and soon after the yellow carded captain Danny Ventre was subbed off for Djilali. Djilalis start to the game wasnt great as he lost possession a few times before starting to liven up. He put in a low cross which was well caught by Cherry. He was involved in another chance when his powerful shot which seemed to be going on target was deflected for a corner.
A controversial decision to send Elding off was the next major incident which caused uproar in the grounds, it appeared to be an off the ball incident. This was Eldings second red card in a month and both of which were for off the ball incidents.
The red however seemed to spark life into the Sligo attack and almost instantly Aaron Greene was put through on goal but was taken down inside the penalty area. The linsman on the Jinx Avenue stand flagged for a penalty but the referee overruled his decision. 5 minutes later Dundalk were awarded a penalty after Rogers took down Mountney on the left side of the box, Rogers received a yellow. However Hoban hit the post and a follow up was saved incredibly by Rogers.
The final incident was in the 93rd minute when O'Donell received a second yellow for diving, however it seemed like a penalty.
Final Score 1-0 Dundalk
Shots(On Target): Sligo: 7(1) Dundalk: 15(3)
Corners: Sligo: 3 Dundalk: 5
Fouls: Sligo: 16 Dundalk: 16
Offsides: Sligo: 4 Dundalk:2
Yellows: Sligo: 3 Dundalk: 3
Reds: Sligo: 1 Dundalk: 1
Teams: Sligo- Ian Baraclough
Rogers
Keane, Peers, Henderson, Gaynor
Cretaro, Cawley, Ventre(C), Greene
Ndo
Elding
Subs: Kelly, Martin, Millien, Daveron, Connolly, Djilali, Conneely
Dundalk:- Stephen Kenny
Cherry
Sullivan, Massey, Boyle, Rossiter
Meenan, Mountney, O'Donnell, Towell,
Hoban, Ward
Subs: Shanahan, Osbourne, McDonnell, Dillon, Byrne, Mulvenna
Referee: Paul McLaughlin
Overall the performance wasn't up to standard but the game started out bright for the champions as Aaron Greene intercepted a pass and put through Elding but Cherry pushed the attempt away.
Dundalks first attempt came in the 12th minute with a nice one-two between Hoban and Mountney and the shot skimmed by Rogers right post. The next best chance came in the 19th minute as another one-two this time with Ndo and Greene which saw his high cross hit the crossbar.
In the 28th minute Peers was lucky to escape with a yellow after pushing Mountney down in what seemed like a goal scoring opportunity. From the attack that followed the free, a fantastic curling shot by Ward which clipped the top of the crossbar. Three minutes later a Dundalk corner was cleared off the line by Ndo.
One of Sligo's best chances came in the 38th minute wen Greenes low cross was put into the path of Cawley who blazed his shot over the crosbar.
Halftime 1-0 Dundalk
Shots(On Target): Sligo: 5(1) Dundalk: 10(2)
Corners: Sligo: 2 Dundalk: 3
Fouls: Sligo: 8 Dundalk: 8
Offsides: Sligo: 4 Dundalk:1
Yellows: Sligo 2 Dundalk: 0
The first big chance of the second half came in the 51st minute when a splitting pass from Hoban put Mountney through but he just couldn't finish. Cawley was then booked for a challenge on Mountney and soon after the yellow carded captain Danny Ventre was subbed off for Djilali. Djilalis start to the game wasnt great as he lost possession a few times before starting to liven up. He put in a low cross which was well caught by Cherry. He was involved in another chance when his powerful shot which seemed to be going on target was deflected for a corner.
A controversial decision to send Elding off was the next major incident which caused uproar in the grounds, it appeared to be an off the ball incident. This was Eldings second red card in a month and both of which were for off the ball incidents.
The red however seemed to spark life into the Sligo attack and almost instantly Aaron Greene was put through on goal but was taken down inside the penalty area. The linsman on the Jinx Avenue stand flagged for a penalty but the referee overruled his decision. 5 minutes later Dundalk were awarded a penalty after Rogers took down Mountney on the left side of the box, Rogers received a yellow. However Hoban hit the post and a follow up was saved incredibly by Rogers.
The final incident was in the 93rd minute when O'Donell received a second yellow for diving, however it seemed like a penalty.
Final Score 1-0 Dundalk
Shots(On Target): Sligo: 7(1) Dundalk: 15(3)
Corners: Sligo: 3 Dundalk: 5
Fouls: Sligo: 16 Dundalk: 16
Offsides: Sligo: 4 Dundalk:2
Yellows: Sligo: 3 Dundalk: 3
Reds: Sligo: 1 Dundalk: 1
Teams: Sligo- Ian Baraclough
Rogers
Keane, Peers, Henderson, Gaynor
Cretaro, Cawley, Ventre(C), Greene
Ndo
Elding
Subs: Kelly, Martin, Millien, Daveron, Connolly, Djilali, Conneely
Dundalk:- Stephen Kenny
Cherry
Sullivan, Massey, Boyle, Rossiter
Meenan, Mountney, O'Donnell, Towell,
Hoban, Ward
Subs: Shanahan, Osbourne, McDonnell, Dillon, Byrne, Mulvenna
Referee: Paul McLaughlin
EA Sports Cup Quarter Final Draw - Details
The draw for the EA Sports Cup quarter-final draw will take place on Monday 10th June live on MNS, this is the first time since 2005 (when Derry City prevailed as winners) that the quarter-finals has consisted of all Premier Division teams.
In fact last season broke the four year trend of a first division team appearing in the final, ever since Wexford Youths played Derry City in 2008; they were followed by Waterford United, Monaghan United and Cork City.
The eight teams left in the draw are: Bohemians, Cork City, Derry City, Drogheda United (holders), Limerick, Shamrock Rovers, Sligo Rovers & St. Patrick's Athletic.
The quarter-finals are scheduled for Monday 1st July, with the Semi-Finals taking place on Monday 5th August with the final planned for Saturday 21st September.
Last Year's final took place at Tallaght Stadium when Drogheda United ran out 3-1 winners over Shamrock Rovers in what was Brian Laws first of seven games in charge of the South Dublin Club.
EA Sports Cup facts
- Derry City are the record holders with 10 wins including four consecutive victories from 2005-2008
- Limerick's victory in 2002 was the last two legged final and since 2003 the final has been held at the home of one of the finalists.
- Four of the last Five finals have been won by the 'away' side
- Last season's triumph was Drogheda's first since the 1983/84 season when they beat Athlone Town 3-1
- The four previous season's to last included a first division side in the final with an 11-2 agg in favour of the Premier Division and four triumphs.
Report: @jp_fahy
Preview: Sligo Rovers v Dundalk
By Daniel O'Connell
Champions Sligo Rovers host Dundalk in the Showgrounds (Tuesday 28th May kick off 7.45Pm), a fixture that was meant to have been played 18th of May, but due to torrential rainfall before the game the pitch was unplayable.
Sligo aren't on their best run at present with only one win in their last five and will be gunning for the three points tonight to get back top tonight having dropped into second place behind St.Patricks Athletic after their 0-0 draw away to Limerick.
Dundalk have been on better form of late with 3 wins in their last five but are on the back of a rough week after being defeated 1-0 in the EA Sports Cup by Shamrock Rovers Tuesday and then losing 3-2 at home to UCD. The Lilywhites record away from home in the league this season had been impressive with 5 wins from 6 with their only away league defeat being a 1-0 defeat away to Shamrock Rovers.
Views ahead of the game
Speaking about the game, Ian Baraclough acknowledged the threat that Dundalk pose: “I think both teams will see the game as a big opportunity. We gave ourselves a great platform in Oriel Park earlier in the season, we moved the ball well and were very clinical in front of goal to earn a 3-1 win.
“They will come here with no fear and play football and that should make it an entertaining game. When you create as many chances as we did against Limerick, there is a sense of frustration of not getting the victory. This game comes just a few days later and allows a chance to rid some of that.”
Speaking to dundalkfc.com, manager Stephen Kenny stated: “We want to put Friday behind us. The players gave everything they had and unfortunately it just didn’t happen. We didn’t deserve to lose the game and we created so many chances. It was frustrating but it’s a new challenge going to Sligo. We have been very consistent away from home with just the one defeat and we want to keep going. We have to dust ourselves down, go again and try get a result.”
Meanwhile, Captain Stephen O’Donnell stated “We had enough chances to win three games against UCD and the disappointing thing is that we only took two. We played well the whole game and were very unlucky. I suppose it is a good thing that we have a game so soon after and we want to put it right. No tougher game than the champions and no surprise they’re top again this year. They’ve got a fantastic squad but we’ll do our best to get something over there and hopefully we can.”
Team News
Sligo are without Lee Lynch (Hamstring) and Evan McMillan (Knee), They will also have to make do without Seamus Conneely and Danny North whom are just edging back from injuries.
The Lilywhites' only absentee is Chris Shields, whom is still out with a recurring knee injury.
The last time these sides met was back in 19th March in Oriel Park when Sligo came away victorious with a 3-1 win.
Betting: Sligo Rovers 8/15, Draw 13/5, Dundalk 11/2.
Verdict: Draw
Champions Sligo Rovers host Dundalk in the Showgrounds (Tuesday 28th May kick off 7.45Pm), a fixture that was meant to have been played 18th of May, but due to torrential rainfall before the game the pitch was unplayable.
Sligo aren't on their best run at present with only one win in their last five and will be gunning for the three points tonight to get back top tonight having dropped into second place behind St.Patricks Athletic after their 0-0 draw away to Limerick.
Dundalk have been on better form of late with 3 wins in their last five but are on the back of a rough week after being defeated 1-0 in the EA Sports Cup by Shamrock Rovers Tuesday and then losing 3-2 at home to UCD. The Lilywhites record away from home in the league this season had been impressive with 5 wins from 6 with their only away league defeat being a 1-0 defeat away to Shamrock Rovers.
Views ahead of the game
Speaking about the game, Ian Baraclough acknowledged the threat that Dundalk pose: “I think both teams will see the game as a big opportunity. We gave ourselves a great platform in Oriel Park earlier in the season, we moved the ball well and were very clinical in front of goal to earn a 3-1 win.
“They will come here with no fear and play football and that should make it an entertaining game. When you create as many chances as we did against Limerick, there is a sense of frustration of not getting the victory. This game comes just a few days later and allows a chance to rid some of that.”
Speaking to dundalkfc.com, manager Stephen Kenny stated: “We want to put Friday behind us. The players gave everything they had and unfortunately it just didn’t happen. We didn’t deserve to lose the game and we created so many chances. It was frustrating but it’s a new challenge going to Sligo. We have been very consistent away from home with just the one defeat and we want to keep going. We have to dust ourselves down, go again and try get a result.”
Meanwhile, Captain Stephen O’Donnell stated “We had enough chances to win three games against UCD and the disappointing thing is that we only took two. We played well the whole game and were very unlucky. I suppose it is a good thing that we have a game so soon after and we want to put it right. No tougher game than the champions and no surprise they’re top again this year. They’ve got a fantastic squad but we’ll do our best to get something over there and hopefully we can.”
Team News
Sligo are without Lee Lynch (Hamstring) and Evan McMillan (Knee), They will also have to make do without Seamus Conneely and Danny North whom are just edging back from injuries.
The Lilywhites' only absentee is Chris Shields, whom is still out with a recurring knee injury.
The last time these sides met was back in 19th March in Oriel Park when Sligo came away victorious with a 3-1 win.
Betting: Sligo Rovers 8/15, Draw 13/5, Dundalk 11/2.
Verdict: Draw
Monday 27 May 2013
Bray's Jason Byrne grab's late winner!
Bray Wanderers V Drogheda United : Report.
League of Ireland legend Jason Byrne netted a 95th minute winner to take all three points in an extremely entertaining game.
Drogheda changed it up from their familiar 4-3-3 formation to a 4-4-2 with Peter Hynes getting is first league start of the season alongside Declan O'Brien who captained the Boynesider's in the absence of Derek Prendergast.
It took only 10 minutes for the game to really light up. Jason Byrne played linked up brilliantly with John Mulroy smash the ball past Sava into the back of the net.
It only took 5 minutes for the Drogs to equalise. A long ball down the pitch from Gabriel Sava was misjudged by Bray's Daire Doyle and Fabio O'Brien was on hand to volley home to make it 1-1.
Drogheda were in control of the game until the half hour mark when Gabriel Sava was deservedly given a straight red for a deliberate handball outside the box. Peter Hynes sadly had to make way for Michael Schlingerman to replace Sava.
Several minutes into the second half and Bray took the lead. A poor Michael Daly clearance fell straight to the feet of Bray's Kieran Marty Waters who whizzed past two Drogheda defenders to square to Jason Byrne who made no mistake with the finish.
Once again Mick Cooke's side responded. Gavin Brennan made great use of his speed and strength on the left hand side to play a brilliant ball across the box and Fabio O'Brien tapped home to make it 2-2.
Bray really began to take control and move the ball swiftly but struggled to break down the 10 men of Drogheda. That was until in the dying minutes Drogheda's David Cassidy was sent off for what some would say a harsh second yellow and from the resulting free-kick Bray's talisman Jason Byrne latched onto a loose ball to finish and grab what would be the winner and his 3rd of the game.
Final score : Bray Wanderers 3-2 Drogheda United.
Attendance : 600 estimate.
On the sidelines Man of the Match : Jason Byrne.
Referee : Keith Callanan.
John Lynch.
Bray Wanderers V Drogheda United : Report.
League of Ireland legend Jason Byrne netted a 95th minute winner to take all three points in an extremely entertaining game.
Drogheda changed it up from their familiar 4-3-3 formation to a 4-4-2 with Peter Hynes getting is first league start of the season alongside Declan O'Brien who captained the Boynesider's in the absence of Derek Prendergast.
It took only 10 minutes for the game to really light up. Jason Byrne played linked up brilliantly with John Mulroy smash the ball past Sava into the back of the net.
It only took 5 minutes for the Drogs to equalise. A long ball down the pitch from Gabriel Sava was misjudged by Bray's Daire Doyle and Fabio O'Brien was on hand to volley home to make it 1-1.
Drogheda were in control of the game until the half hour mark when Gabriel Sava was deservedly given a straight red for a deliberate handball outside the box. Peter Hynes sadly had to make way for Michael Schlingerman to replace Sava.
Several minutes into the second half and Bray took the lead. A poor Michael Daly clearance fell straight to the feet of Bray's Kieran Marty Waters who whizzed past two Drogheda defenders to square to Jason Byrne who made no mistake with the finish.
Once again Mick Cooke's side responded. Gavin Brennan made great use of his speed and strength on the left hand side to play a brilliant ball across the box and Fabio O'Brien tapped home to make it 2-2.
Bray really began to take control and move the ball swiftly but struggled to break down the 10 men of Drogheda. That was until in the dying minutes Drogheda's David Cassidy was sent off for what some would say a harsh second yellow and from the resulting free-kick Bray's talisman Jason Byrne latched onto a loose ball to finish and grab what would be the winner and his 3rd of the game.
Final score : Bray Wanderers 3-2 Drogheda United.
Attendance : 600 estimate.
On the sidelines Man of the Match : Jason Byrne.
Referee : Keith Callanan.
John Lynch.
Sunday 26 May 2013
All-Ireland League
by Daniel O'Connell
Although Ireland as a whole may be a small island there is a massive interest if the footballing game in the country (or as some may say soccer). Despite that fact, the state of the game in both the League of Ireland and Irish League isn't in a great position...
Personally, the only way I could ever see a league doing well as for both the League Of Ireland and Irish League to merge for an All-Ireland league.
An example of a League I would use is:
1.Bohemians 2. Ballymena Utd 3.Cliftonville 4.Coleraine 5.Cork City 6.Crusadors 7.Derry City 8. Dundalk 9. Drogheda 10.Galway(Shall they make their comeback, as expected) 11.Glenavon 12.Glentoran 13. Linfield 14.Limerick 15. Portadown 16.St.Pats 17.Shamrock Rovers 18.Shelbourne 19. Sligo Rovers 20.Waterford Utd.
You could then have regionalised leagues north and south with the rest of the clubs of each sides making up two regionalised leagues with one each going up from the two Leagues and two getting relegated from the Top tier.
Sky Sports, Setanta Sports, RTE, BBC could all possibly be interested which would give coverage of the league, something both leagues certainly lacks. The key would be marketing the whole idea. Tv broadcasters would pay sides money to show the games. More sponsors would be looking to join up leading to more money leading to clubs... This then leads to clubs being able to improve facilities....which to it being more attractive to the general public...More people going to games leads to more money...Which leads to better standard of footballers being brought in and a better standard of football.
Many aren't appealed due to such poor stadia and facilities. The likes of the Showgrounds (Sligo Rovers), Tallaght Stadium(Shamrock Rovers), Turners Cross(Cork City),Eamon Deacy Park(Galway),Windsor Park (Linfield), are all of a decent standard and If more clubs could get their grounds to a standard of such as those it would help and appeal to getting new fans..
Both leagues currently have just 12 teams each in their top tier. The fact teams are playing their rivals so many times during the season can take the novelty off sometimes on such games. If there was a big league like those i mentioned and with some clubs with a good fan base things would be more exciting.
As a Dundalk fan personally, I could imagine playing Shamrock Rovers one week, Drogheda the next, Linfield, Cliftonville,Bohemians...Fans would look forward to things a whole lot more and interest would be developed by many I'm sure if a numbers of things were to happen.
They are a few of the reasons why I feel an All-Ireland League would boost football in this nation..
Get your act together FAI and IFA and give it a go...
Although Ireland as a whole may be a small island there is a massive interest if the footballing game in the country (or as some may say soccer). Despite that fact, the state of the game in both the League of Ireland and Irish League isn't in a great position...
Personally, the only way I could ever see a league doing well as for both the League Of Ireland and Irish League to merge for an All-Ireland league.
An example of a League I would use is:
1.Bohemians 2. Ballymena Utd 3.Cliftonville 4.Coleraine 5.Cork City 6.Crusadors 7.Derry City 8. Dundalk 9. Drogheda 10.Galway(Shall they make their comeback, as expected) 11.Glenavon 12.Glentoran 13. Linfield 14.Limerick 15. Portadown 16.St.Pats 17.Shamrock Rovers 18.Shelbourne 19. Sligo Rovers 20.Waterford Utd.
You could then have regionalised leagues north and south with the rest of the clubs of each sides making up two regionalised leagues with one each going up from the two Leagues and two getting relegated from the Top tier.
Sky Sports, Setanta Sports, RTE, BBC could all possibly be interested which would give coverage of the league, something both leagues certainly lacks. The key would be marketing the whole idea. Tv broadcasters would pay sides money to show the games. More sponsors would be looking to join up leading to more money leading to clubs... This then leads to clubs being able to improve facilities....which to it being more attractive to the general public...More people going to games leads to more money...Which leads to better standard of footballers being brought in and a better standard of football.
Many aren't appealed due to such poor stadia and facilities. The likes of the Showgrounds (Sligo Rovers), Tallaght Stadium(Shamrock Rovers), Turners Cross(Cork City),Eamon Deacy Park(Galway),Windsor Park (Linfield), are all of a decent standard and If more clubs could get their grounds to a standard of such as those it would help and appeal to getting new fans..
Both leagues currently have just 12 teams each in their top tier. The fact teams are playing their rivals so many times during the season can take the novelty off sometimes on such games. If there was a big league like those i mentioned and with some clubs with a good fan base things would be more exciting.
As a Dundalk fan personally, I could imagine playing Shamrock Rovers one week, Drogheda the next, Linfield, Cliftonville,Bohemians...Fans would look forward to things a whole lot more and interest would be developed by many I'm sure if a numbers of things were to happen.
They are a few of the reasons why I feel an All-Ireland League would boost football in this nation..
Get your act together FAI and IFA and give it a go...
Bohemians 0 - 2 St. Patrick's Athletic: Match Report
Friday evening saw the second meeting of Bohemians and St. Pats with an attendance of 1,878 on hand to see the away side claim all three points which moves them top of the Airtricity League table.
Bohemians, who have claimed some fantastic points on the road this season were lethargic and laboured and it was St. Pats who capitalised on some very poor passing from the home side.
Two goals in quick succession from St. Pats allowed the visitors to take an already stronger grip on a game they were already dominating.
It was former Bohemian, Christy Fagan who opened up the goal scoring. Coming off a brace against fellow Northside strugglers, Shelbourne, Fagan found himself on the score sheet yet again. A defence splitting pass by Greg Bolger in the 24th minute found Fagan. 'Keeper Dean Delany could do nothing but watch the ball slide through his legs into the back of the net to send the travelling support into raptures.
Having played poorly, Bohemians looked fired up and began to finally string some passes together much to the delight of the Dalymount faithful.
It's fair to say that fans who frequent home games at Dalymount Park haven't had a lot to shout about this season and more misery was piled upon players and fans alike in the 27th minute when an Ian Bermingham cross hit the unfortunate arm of Derek Pender in the Bohs penalty area.
Yet another former Bohemian player, Killian Brennan stepped up to take the resulting penalty kick and the Lough native duly obliged with a shot into the left hand corner of the net which sent Delany the wrong way.
Long ball tactics were on the agenda for Bohemians and a secondary plan wasn't forthcoming and it was St. Pats who continued to dictate play and Christy Fagan almost found himself on the score sheet again with an almost identical goal to his first one.
The second half saw a slight resurgence from Bohemians however, they were very slow in their build up which allowed St. Pats players to get back into position and defend expertly.
It was essentially a training match for the Saints who never had to get out of second gear in the second half. Some neat passing between Forrester, Fagan and Bolger was an absolute joy to watch which left Bohemians players chasing shadows for large parts of the game.
There wasn't much by way of goal mouth action for either side in the second half bar an audacious chip from Conan Byrne which saw Bohs keeper Dean Delany running back to his line hurriedly to tip the ball over.
Bohemians players were incensed with referee Alan Kelly late on when a Pats player looked to have handled the ball in the box. A penalty wasn't given and already frustrated home fans, were letting their feelings known.
Bohs manager Aaron Callaghan will have a lot of work on his hands to pick up his young squad who will no doubt be very low after that performance.
Opposite number Liam Buckley will be buoyed by his sides attacking prowess and joined in with his players to thank the large contingent of travelling fans to loud chants of "we are top of the league" which emanated around Dalymount Park long after the home fans left for the exits.
---
Bohemians: Dean Delany; Derek Pender, Dave Mulcahy, Luke Byrne, Ciaran Nangle (Kevin O’Leary 66); Andy Mulligan (Karl Moore 83), Stephen Traynor (Roberto Lopes 46) Shane Murray, Ryan McEvoy; Chris Lyons, Dave Scully.
Subs not used: Greg Murray, Kevin Devaney, Michael Barker.
Booked: Delany (71), Scully (72), O’Leary (90).
St. Patrick’s Athletic: Brendan Clarke; Ger O’Brien, Kenny Browne (Aidan Price 77), Conor Kenna, Ian Bermingham; Conan Byrne, Greg Bolger, Killian Brennan, Chris Forrester; John Russell, Christy Fagan (Anto Flood 86)
Subs not used: Sean Gannon, Jake Kelly, Jake Carroll, Shane McFaul, Dave Ryan.
Booked: Bermingham (71).
Attendance: 1,878
Referee: Alan Kelly
---
Shane Saunders
Twitter: @ShaneSaunders88
Saturday 25 May 2013
Home comfort for Rovers, as the Ringsend Derby goes Hoops' way
Shamrock Rovers 1-0 Shelbourne
By Aidan Geraghty @AidanGeraghty5
It was mid-table Shamrock Rovers who came out on top against struggling Shelbourne in the Ringsend Derby on Friday night, with Ronan Finn pouncing on a mistake by former Hoop Graham Gartland for the only goal of the game.
Shels nearly took the lead after 6 minutes; Robert Bayly took an optimistic shot from about 25 yards out and it just met the hands of Barry Murphy. The Reds had another chance moments later but Adam Hanlon couldn't make the counter attack count as his shot went over the bar. Moments later, Thomas Stewart should've been sent off for a horrendous challenge on 18-year-old Cornwall, but the referee only saw fit to book the northerner.
Rovers, who hadn't been in the game to this point, had their first chance in the 25th minute, longtime Shels player James Chambers' free kick met the head of Cabra-man Jason McGuinness but his header went wife of Hanley's post. The Hoops then took the lead 5 minutes later when Graham Gartland made a mistake, he was roasted for pace by Karl Sheppard who set up Ronan Finn to make it 1-0. At this point, the majority of the away crowd was only arriving due to a delayed Luas and they were in full voice from then on.
The rest of the first half was quite uneventful but Rovers started the 2nd half brightly; Ger Hanley was forced to save a Finn shot after Stewart played it from the left. Philly Hughes, who is just returning from injury, found a break at the halfway line but as Rovers defenders were tracking back he knew he wouldn't have the pace. He shot, as Murphy was off his line, but the Hoops' stopper recovered in time.
Shelbourne will really feel hard done by as, in the first of three added minutes, Robert Bayly found Hughes behind the defence who squared the ball to Dean Kelly but the underachieving former Rovers man couldn't find the open goal and pulled it to his right.
Rovers: Murphy; McCormack, McGuinness, Foran, Powell; O'Connor (McCabe), Rice (c), Chambers (Robinson), Finn, Stewart; Sheppard (Kilduff).
Shels: Hanley; Cornwall, Ryan, Gartland, Flynn; Hanlon, Bayly, Hurley, Sheerin (Hughes, Brennan; Leech (Kelly).
Referee: Pádraig Sutton
Attendance: Estimate of 2,000.
OnTheSidelines' Man of the Match: Ronan Finn.
By Aidan Geraghty @AidanGeraghty5
It was mid-table Shamrock Rovers who came out on top against struggling Shelbourne in the Ringsend Derby on Friday night, with Ronan Finn pouncing on a mistake by former Hoop Graham Gartland for the only goal of the game.
Shels nearly took the lead after 6 minutes; Robert Bayly took an optimistic shot from about 25 yards out and it just met the hands of Barry Murphy. The Reds had another chance moments later but Adam Hanlon couldn't make the counter attack count as his shot went over the bar. Moments later, Thomas Stewart should've been sent off for a horrendous challenge on 18-year-old Cornwall, but the referee only saw fit to book the northerner.
Rovers, who hadn't been in the game to this point, had their first chance in the 25th minute, longtime Shels player James Chambers' free kick met the head of Cabra-man Jason McGuinness but his header went wife of Hanley's post. The Hoops then took the lead 5 minutes later when Graham Gartland made a mistake, he was roasted for pace by Karl Sheppard who set up Ronan Finn to make it 1-0. At this point, the majority of the away crowd was only arriving due to a delayed Luas and they were in full voice from then on.
The rest of the first half was quite uneventful but Rovers started the 2nd half brightly; Ger Hanley was forced to save a Finn shot after Stewart played it from the left. Philly Hughes, who is just returning from injury, found a break at the halfway line but as Rovers defenders were tracking back he knew he wouldn't have the pace. He shot, as Murphy was off his line, but the Hoops' stopper recovered in time.
Shelbourne will really feel hard done by as, in the first of three added minutes, Robert Bayly found Hughes behind the defence who squared the ball to Dean Kelly but the underachieving former Rovers man couldn't find the open goal and pulled it to his right.
Rovers: Murphy; McCormack, McGuinness, Foran, Powell; O'Connor (McCabe), Rice (c), Chambers (Robinson), Finn, Stewart; Sheppard (Kilduff).
Shels: Hanley; Cornwall, Ryan, Gartland, Flynn; Hanlon, Bayly, Hurley, Sheerin (Hughes, Brennan; Leech (Kelly).
Referee: Pádraig Sutton
Attendance: Estimate of 2,000.
OnTheSidelines' Man of the Match: Ronan Finn.
More late drama, as points shared in the Brandywell
Derry City 1-1 Cork City
With the Radio One Big Weekend a big crowd wasn't expected but the fans that did go to the game where in for a real treat more so in the second half.
The first real chance came when Pat McEleney strike was saved by Cork keeper Mark McNulty. Patrick McEleney had another chance to make it 1-0 to the Candystripes then his shot when just wide of McNulty's right hand post.
All square at Half Time.
The second half was a more lively affair Derry manager Declan Devine took off Tyrone man Dermot McCaffrey and replaced him with local youngster Michael Duffy. The McEleney brothers nearly set up a goal together when Pat's corner hit off the head of Shane but it went wide.
Captain Kevin Deery then released Rory Patterson one on one but the shot just trickled wide
Derry again missed another chance to make it 1-0 when Patterson's free kick was tumbled by McNulty but Duffy didn't take advantage and keeper got the ball safely.
Cork inevitably took the lead on 83 minutes when Daryl Horgan chipped Ger Doherty from 25 yards. Sending the 20 traveling Cork fans into raptures
But as has been a pattern all season, the Rebel Army couldn't hold on, and 90 seconds later the Candystripes were level
Donegal man John Dunleavy's backpass ran short , which allowed Patterson to chase the ball down, knock it past McNulty and into the goal to level up
And the Foylesiders had a chance to win it, when Barry McNamee's effort was scrambled off the line in injury time
Derry will feel they should have taken all 3 points. Cork delighted to escape with 1, but could so easily have had 3
Final Score in the Brandywell : Derry City 1-1 Cork City.
With the Radio One Big Weekend a big crowd wasn't expected but the fans that did go to the game where in for a real treat more so in the second half.
The first real chance came when Pat McEleney strike was saved by Cork keeper Mark McNulty. Patrick McEleney had another chance to make it 1-0 to the Candystripes then his shot when just wide of McNulty's right hand post.
All square at Half Time.
The second half was a more lively affair Derry manager Declan Devine took off Tyrone man Dermot McCaffrey and replaced him with local youngster Michael Duffy. The McEleney brothers nearly set up a goal together when Pat's corner hit off the head of Shane but it went wide.
Captain Kevin Deery then released Rory Patterson one on one but the shot just trickled wide
Derry again missed another chance to make it 1-0 when Patterson's free kick was tumbled by McNulty but Duffy didn't take advantage and keeper got the ball safely.
Cork inevitably took the lead on 83 minutes when Daryl Horgan chipped Ger Doherty from 25 yards. Sending the 20 traveling Cork fans into raptures
But as has been a pattern all season, the Rebel Army couldn't hold on, and 90 seconds later the Candystripes were level
Donegal man John Dunleavy's backpass ran short , which allowed Patterson to chase the ball down, knock it past McNulty and into the goal to level up
And the Foylesiders had a chance to win it, when Barry McNamee's effort was scrambled off the line in injury time
Derry will feel they should have taken all 3 points. Cork delighted to escape with 1, but could so easily have had 3
Final Score in the Brandywell : Derry City 1-1 Cork City.
Friday 24 May 2013
MATCH REPORT: Limerick FC 0-0 Sligo Rovers
It was a frustrating night for the champions in Thomond Park as an inspired performance from Limerick goal keeper Barry Ryan kept them from collecting all three points.
Rovers flew out of the blocks and had their first chance of the night after just two minutes when Anthony Elding got onto the end of Ross Gaynor's first time cross but he couldn't direct his header on target. They only had to wait three minutes for there next chance when Raf Cretaro broke down Limerick's right hand side a put in a good cross that Elding just couldn't get on the end of. The best chance of the first half fell to Gavin Peers just two minutes later when Ross Gaynor took a short corner and played a one two with Raf Cretaro. From the resulting cross the ball fell to Gavin Peers who headed goalwards only for Barry Ryan to pull off a stunning reaction save to thwart him.
Limerick's first real chance came in the fourteenth minute from a corner when Gary Rogers came for the ball but got nowhere near it. Luckily for him Jeff Henderson was on hand to clear. But Sligo still applied the most pressure and in the twentieth minute Aaron Greene went on a good run down the left hand side and put in another good cross but again Elding couldn't quite get on the end of it. Two minutes later good work from Cretaro down the right saw the ball fall to Elding on the edge of the box, but Rovers top scorer blazed the ball high and wide. Moments later Limerick had the ball in the net when Axel Bossekota got the better of Gavin Peers from a long punted ball forward. Bossekota kept his cool to slot the ball past Gary Rogers only for referee Anthony Buttimer to chalk off the goal and book Bossekota for hand ball. Limerick found a foothold in the game after that and went close when David O'Leary had his free kick tipped over.
Arguably the best chance of the night came right after half time when Elding was put clean through by Joe N'do only to shoot straight at Barry Ryan, who tipped over for a corner. Moments later Rovers had an appeal for a penalty waved away when it appeared that Jeff Henderson was hauled down in the area. Sligo had another chance moments later when Gaynor's free kick was flicked on by Anthony Elding, but Jeff Henderson couldn't get enough purchase on his header to threaten Ryan. After that both teams cancelled each other out, and the game fizzled out as a contest, as both teams seemed happy to settle for a share of the spoils.
TEAMS:
Limerick: B Ryan, S Kelly, S Folan, P Nzuzi. B O'Callaghan, J Gamble, D Galbraith, S Bradley, D O'Leary(D Rainsford 87), S Tracy, A Bossekotta(R Gaffney 61).
Subs not used: V Feeney, S Cussack, S Costelloe, A Browne, B Sheedy
Sligo Rovers: G Rogers, A Keane, G Peers, J Henderson, R Gaynor, R Cretaro(L Martin 90), L Lynch(K Djilali 71), D Cawley(D Ventre 79), J N'Do, A Greene, A Elding.
Subs not used: C Kelly, I Davoren, R Connolly, P Millien,
Referee: Anthony Buttimer
Attendance: 1862
David Scanlon
Rovers flew out of the blocks and had their first chance of the night after just two minutes when Anthony Elding got onto the end of Ross Gaynor's first time cross but he couldn't direct his header on target. They only had to wait three minutes for there next chance when Raf Cretaro broke down Limerick's right hand side a put in a good cross that Elding just couldn't get on the end of. The best chance of the first half fell to Gavin Peers just two minutes later when Ross Gaynor took a short corner and played a one two with Raf Cretaro. From the resulting cross the ball fell to Gavin Peers who headed goalwards only for Barry Ryan to pull off a stunning reaction save to thwart him.
Limerick's first real chance came in the fourteenth minute from a corner when Gary Rogers came for the ball but got nowhere near it. Luckily for him Jeff Henderson was on hand to clear. But Sligo still applied the most pressure and in the twentieth minute Aaron Greene went on a good run down the left hand side and put in another good cross but again Elding couldn't quite get on the end of it. Two minutes later good work from Cretaro down the right saw the ball fall to Elding on the edge of the box, but Rovers top scorer blazed the ball high and wide. Moments later Limerick had the ball in the net when Axel Bossekota got the better of Gavin Peers from a long punted ball forward. Bossekota kept his cool to slot the ball past Gary Rogers only for referee Anthony Buttimer to chalk off the goal and book Bossekota for hand ball. Limerick found a foothold in the game after that and went close when David O'Leary had his free kick tipped over.
Arguably the best chance of the night came right after half time when Elding was put clean through by Joe N'do only to shoot straight at Barry Ryan, who tipped over for a corner. Moments later Rovers had an appeal for a penalty waved away when it appeared that Jeff Henderson was hauled down in the area. Sligo had another chance moments later when Gaynor's free kick was flicked on by Anthony Elding, but Jeff Henderson couldn't get enough purchase on his header to threaten Ryan. After that both teams cancelled each other out, and the game fizzled out as a contest, as both teams seemed happy to settle for a share of the spoils.
TEAMS:
Limerick: B Ryan, S Kelly, S Folan, P Nzuzi. B O'Callaghan, J Gamble, D Galbraith, S Bradley, D O'Leary(D Rainsford 87), S Tracy, A Bossekotta(R Gaffney 61).
Subs not used: V Feeney, S Cussack, S Costelloe, A Browne, B Sheedy
Sligo Rovers: G Rogers, A Keane, G Peers, J Henderson, R Gaynor, R Cretaro(L Martin 90), L Lynch(K Djilali 71), D Cawley(D Ventre 79), J N'Do, A Greene, A Elding.
Subs not used: C Kelly, I Davoren, R Connolly, P Millien,
Referee: Anthony Buttimer
Attendance: 1862
David Scanlon
Preview Dundalk V UCD
Having had two weeks off in the League due to the postponed of their game in Sligo last Saturday Dundalk return to league action as they host UCD.
Dundalk were due to play Sligo last Saturday however due to torrential rain a late pitch inspection ruled it unplayable and postponed to a later date(re-fixed for Tuesday 28th May. UCD didn't have that misfortune as the weather in the Capital last Friday didn't affect their game as they came from behind to get a well deserved 1-1 draw against Limerick.
Both sides are on relatively good form lately in their own respectives. Dundalk are sitting 4th at present having won 4 of their last 5 league games. The Lilywhites go into this looking to make it three home wins in a row following their last home victories against Cork(2-0) and Shelbourne(1-0). UCD are unbeaten in three and whilst they looked in big trouble down the opposite end of the league their late form have created a gap between themselves and basement side Shlebourne. UCD have shown they are no mugs by all accounts having beat the likes of Shamrock Rovers and Bohemians at home and shocked the league as they traveled to the Brandywell and beat Derry 4-2.
The sides last met earlier in the season as the Lilywhites came away from the UCD Bowl victorious with a 2-1 win thanks to goals from John Dillon and Tiarnan Mulvenna.
In team news, Dundalk are only have to cope without the services of Chris Shields once again who is out with a recurring knee problem. They welcome back experienced defender Mark Rossiter after being out with a knee problem. Stephen Kenny might look to rotate some of his squad with large group of games coming up. John Mountney who impressed in their 1-0 loss in their EA Sports game Tuesday is pushing for a start. UCD have to do without the injured group of Mick Leahy, Robert Creevy, Tomas Boyle, Sean Russell and Ger Barron. Neither side has any suspension worries.
Manager views ahead of the game:
Speaking to dundalkfc.com ahead of the match, Dundalk manager Stephen Kenny was full of praise for Dundalk’s opponents but three points is his aim.
“It’s all about three points for us on Friday. UCD were very good last week against Limerick. The results over the last few weeks speak for themselves. To go to the Brandywell and score four and to beat Shamrock Rovers 2-0 means that we’re going to have to be at our best. We have two victories in Oriel Park at the minute, we want three in a row.”
Speaking to ucdsoccer.com, manager Martin Russell spoke of the impact that Stephen Kenny has had on Dundalk but warned that his side have a desire to extend their unbeaten record.
"Dundalk have equipped themselves with a competitive squad and Stephen has them organised. We want to keep our unbeaten run going so go up to Oriel Park with a real desire, looking to come away with a good performance and three points.
Match Stat:
UCD have only one win at Oriel Park in the Premier Division since 1999 and that was last September.
Dundalk should prove too much for UCD, However the students have shown the can pull it off after their 4-1 away win to Derry. I'd expect an entertaining game between the two sides and I'd expect goals in their game.
Verdict: Home win
Thursday 23 May 2013
Athlone Town -v- Waterford United
Preview By Craig O'Sullivan
This Friday May 24th Athlone Town take on Waterford United at the Athlone Town Stadium. This will be the second meeting of the two sides, with Waterford winning the first outing 1-0 through a David Breen goal in the 78th minute. That win was Waterford's first league win of the season and this match like the first match between the sides Waterford go into the game on a bad run of form and will be looking to get back to winning ways.
The last league outing for Waterford was the last for manager Paul O'Brien as he had stood down from he's position after the game. Over the last couple of days it is rumoured former Waterford player and manager Alan Reynolds will be caretaker boss for the next few games till they find a permanent person for the position. In Waterford's one game since the departure of Paul O'Brien they played premier league side Limerick. Waterford probably played the best football they've played all season by keeping the ball on the ground and passing their way out of trouble which is something United fans have seen very little of this season. As in the majority of games they've this season they've continuously played long ball after long ball. Waterford players will have gained confidence from this game as they had the lead for two thirds of the match only to concede in the dying seconds and then go on to lose on penalties.
In the past week Waterford have received news that long-term injury Peter Keegan has returned to training but looks likely not to be in the match day squad as they may not want to risk him. Waterford also have doubts over Peter Higgins,Paudie Quinn and John Frost. Paul Qulity who mist Mondays league cup game should be back into the match day squad. Waterford will look to close the gap on the play-off places after such a bad start and their last outing against Limerick showed why they shouldn't be ruled out for a play-off spot just yet.
Roddy Collins men should be going into this game believing they can win all three points as they are unbeaten in the last couple of league outings and five points ahead of Waterford. Athlone have seem to be doing a lot of travelling lately having not played at home in the last two league outings. The Athlone supporters are expected to be out in numbers to get behind their team in such a big game. Athlone go into this game with the stats against them as they haven't beaten Waterford in over ten years ,but on the other hand when Roddy was in charge of Monaghan in the First Division Waterford weren't able to beat them. Athlone will look to break into the play-off places this week and close the gap on their Mid-Land rivals Longford Town while doing so. Athlone have reported no injuries or suspensions so should have a full squad to choose.
The game could potential be a cracker with both sides looking for a win and the last 17 games producing 38 goals.
Stats
Athlone have played seven games since the sides meet in the first series of games with six in the league and one in the Leinster senior cup. From those seven games they've won three scoring seven conceding one, have drawn two scoring and conceding three goals and also lost two which includes the 3-1 in the Leinster senior cup and also the 2-1 loss to near rivals Longford Town. In the six league games they have taken 11 from a possible 18 (61% of the points available).
Waterford have played eight games since the sides last faced each other also six league games, one Munster cup game and one Ea sports league cup game. Waterford have also won three games scoring four conceding one, they have drawn two games scoring and conceding just the one goal, they have also lost two games without scoring a goal and conceding three. Waterford also lost in the Ea sports league to Limeirck where the game finished 1-1 in normal time and went through extra-time the same score but Waterford lost 4-2 in the penalty shoot out. Waterford have taken 8 points from a possible 18 (44.4% of the points available).
Since 2008 there has been 17 games between the sides where Waterford have won nine , and the remaining eight games were draws and Athlone didn't win one.
There is an average of 2.2 goals a game from the previous 17 games between the sides.
Key Threats
Athlone : Phillip Gorman and Mark Hughes (Striker and Midfielder)
Waterford : Vincent Sullivan and Jack Doherty (Striker and Winger)
Match Odds
Athlone win 11/8
Draw 9/4
Waterford win 7/4
Blog Prediction : Athlone 1 - 2 Waterford
Match Preview- Wexford Youths V Finn Harps
Match Preview- Wexford Youths V Finn Harps
8 p.m Friday, May 24th.
Ferrycarrig Park.
Finn harps make the long trip to Wexford on Friday night for another crucial game in one of the most competitive First Divisions in years.Both sides are coming off defeats in the EA Sports Cup. Harps fought bravely but went out after a penalty shoot-out defeat to arch rivals Derry City after the game finished 1-1 after extra-time. Whilst Wexford suffered a 4-0 hammering at the hands of Cork City, with former Youths front man Danny Furlong bagging a brace against his former club.
On the league front both sides have been in good form of late. With Harps beating league leaders Longford two weeks ago and defeating Mervue last Friday to leapfrog them into second in the league, four points off Longford.
Wexford sit fifth in the league but are just 3 points behind Harps in second and have won three out of four including two wins out of two with a 3-0 win against Salthill Devon and a very impressive 1-0 win away to Waterford with young defender Jamie Carr scoring the only goal of the game.
Harps boss Peter Hutton will have some hard decisions to make following his sides very impressive performance against high flying Derry City with the likes of Aaron O'Hagan, Paul McVeigh, Mark Forker and Josh Mailey plus others all staking a claim for a regular first team place.
Wexford boss Shane Keegan will be looking for his side to bounce back after a poor performance against Cork but their recent league form will give the Youths confidence that they can get something in what should be a tight affair.
The two sides played in Finn Park earlier in the season with the game finishing 0-0. Harps will be looking towards Kevin McHugh and Sean McCarron to get the goals on Friday night the strikers getting six goals each this season. Wexford will need the likes of Glenn Hawe who's got four goals so far this season and Aidan Keenan who's also bagged four goals this season to perform if they're going to get something from this game.
Harps have a near full strength squad to chose from but Damien McNulty (knee) and Thomas McMonagle (ankle) are both doubts. Wexford will be missing Cj Browne and Jamie Carr through injury.
Officials: Betting:
Ref: S Rogers Wexford youths: 2/1
Assistant: P Brady Draw: 11/5
Assistant: B Connolly Finn Harps: 6/5
4th official: M O'Connor
Ringsend Derby at Tallaght Stadium. Not to be missed!
Match Preview - Shamrock Rovers vs. Shelbourne FC
It's a Ringsend Derby this Friday as Shamrock Rovers take on Shelbourne FC in the Airtricity League.Rovers are going into the game confident after winning their recent test against Dundalk in the EA Sports Cup earlier this week. The game consisted of many chances created by both teams, but it was Ciaran Kilduff who came to the rescue for the Hoops just before the hour mark.Kevin Doherty is taking charge of the boys in red this week as interim manager at the club. Shelbourne's last performance against St. Pats was mixed to say the least. Their first half performance was strong and the score was nil all at half time. Football is a game of two halves and this was certainly evident in the Dublin Derby. Second half goals from Christy Fagan (2) and Chris Forrester saw Liam Buckley's side secure a 3-0 win against Shels.
A lot of players have been ruled out for the Derby and many who are doubtful. Danny Ledwith, Mark Quigley and Pat Sullivan have all been ruled out of the clash due to hamstring injuries. Lorcan Shannon is also unfit to play due to a foot injury. Derek Foran is also a doubt with a bruised foot but his fitness will be assessed at tonight's training session.
Shelbourne have two suspended players unable to play in Friday's game including former Hoop Jack Memery and Brian Shortall as Memery received a red card in their recent defeat to Pats and Shortall got his fourth yellow card against Dundalk. Also doubtful are Sean Brennan, Adam Hanlon, Philly Hughes ,Stephen Hurley, Dean Kelly and Niall Burdon all being treated for injuries this week.
Conor Powell has returned from injury and is available for selection for the match. Shels will be hopeful to see Glen Cronin and Paul Crowley return to the squad for the tie.
Unfortunately, a win for either side this week will not have a major impact on the league table! Rovers being sixth in the league on 18 points, having drawn nine out of fourteen games, will be eager to win this test! Shelbourne, scraping the bottom will also be hoping to add to their only win of the season. A draw will see Rovers hit their tenth draw of the season and will see Shelbourne trail further at the bottom.
A game not to be missed this week! Kick off is at 8pm at Tallaght stadium.
Derry City vs Cork City
Derry City look to overtake at the top as they welcome Cork City to the Brandywell on Friday night.
The Candystripes are looking to build on a pulsating 3-2 win in Hunky Dorys Park last Friday. Rory Patterson (who else?) grabbed the winner for Declan Devine's side. But they were put through their paces in the League Cup midweek. Finn Harps proved a great test for the Foylesiders, who scraped through on penalties, to advance to the quarter finals of the cup.
Patterson picked up a red card in that Cup game, but will not be ruled out of the game on Friday, much to the relief of the Derry fans. Back in the squad for this encounter are Barry Molloy and Ryan McBride who missed out the shootout win because of suspension.
Paddy Kavanagh, Ruaidhri Higgins and Thomas Crawley all miss out through injury however.
Speaking to derrycityfc.net before the game, manager Devine had this to say:
“This game will bring to an end a tough week for us as a squad, three games in a week is never easy but having said that we have to be looking forward to our next challenge and that comes in the form of Cork City.
“Games between both sides have always been very tight affairs and very physical battles which have provided great entertainment for the fans who come to watch.
“I’m really looking forward to getting back to the Brandywell and putting on a performance that will show the fans that turned up for our last game (home loss to UCD) that the performance on that night was a one-off and that we can be a match for any team in this league.”
It was a mixed week for Cork City. They make the longest trip in the Premier Division on the back of a 3-1 loss to Bray Wanderers at home in the league last Friday, but a comfortable 4-0 victory over Wexford Youths in the EA Sports Cup on Monday sees them head to the Brandywell with a slight bit of confidence.
Speaking to corkcityfc.ie before the game, Tommy Dunne weighed up the task ahead of his team : ''We’ve gone to the Brandywell in worse circumstances as we all know but it is a tough place to go. Derry is always a tough place to go, they are playing really, really well at the moment and we know that we have a bit to do to get a result there. I have to say that we need to get a result because when you lose home games like we have, then you need to pick points up on the road. Derry is a difficult place to do that, but I have no doubt that if there’s one team that can get a result in the Brandywell, then it’s us.”
The Rebel Army are without Kevin Murray who had a recurrence of his groin injury on Monday night, along with his namesake Dan, who has work commitments. Denis Behan will also be missing, and Danny Furlong, who scored twice in the 4-0 win, is a doubt. Long term absentee Brian Lenihan has been passed fit however, and will be in the squad. Neal Horgan returns from a knee injury, and Darren Dennehy will slot into centre back, having served his suspension.
Stats:
Derry and Cork City have played some important games through the years. Derry beat Cork in the 1989 FAI Cup Final 1-0 (Felix Healy) to secure the treble for that year
Barry McNamee and Daryl Horgan are both training with the Irish U21 Squad
The Candystripes are looking to build on a pulsating 3-2 win in Hunky Dorys Park last Friday. Rory Patterson (who else?) grabbed the winner for Declan Devine's side. But they were put through their paces in the League Cup midweek. Finn Harps proved a great test for the Foylesiders, who scraped through on penalties, to advance to the quarter finals of the cup.
Patterson picked up a red card in that Cup game, but will not be ruled out of the game on Friday, much to the relief of the Derry fans. Back in the squad for this encounter are Barry Molloy and Ryan McBride who missed out the shootout win because of suspension.
Paddy Kavanagh, Ruaidhri Higgins and Thomas Crawley all miss out through injury however.
Speaking to derrycityfc.net before the game, manager Devine had this to say:
“This game will bring to an end a tough week for us as a squad, three games in a week is never easy but having said that we have to be looking forward to our next challenge and that comes in the form of Cork City.
“Games between both sides have always been very tight affairs and very physical battles which have provided great entertainment for the fans who come to watch.
“I’m really looking forward to getting back to the Brandywell and putting on a performance that will show the fans that turned up for our last game (home loss to UCD) that the performance on that night was a one-off and that we can be a match for any team in this league.”
It was a mixed week for Cork City. They make the longest trip in the Premier Division on the back of a 3-1 loss to Bray Wanderers at home in the league last Friday, but a comfortable 4-0 victory over Wexford Youths in the EA Sports Cup on Monday sees them head to the Brandywell with a slight bit of confidence.
Speaking to corkcityfc.ie before the game, Tommy Dunne weighed up the task ahead of his team : ''We’ve gone to the Brandywell in worse circumstances as we all know but it is a tough place to go. Derry is always a tough place to go, they are playing really, really well at the moment and we know that we have a bit to do to get a result there. I have to say that we need to get a result because when you lose home games like we have, then you need to pick points up on the road. Derry is a difficult place to do that, but I have no doubt that if there’s one team that can get a result in the Brandywell, then it’s us.”
The Rebel Army are without Kevin Murray who had a recurrence of his groin injury on Monday night, along with his namesake Dan, who has work commitments. Denis Behan will also be missing, and Danny Furlong, who scored twice in the 4-0 win, is a doubt. Long term absentee Brian Lenihan has been passed fit however, and will be in the squad. Neal Horgan returns from a knee injury, and Darren Dennehy will slot into centre back, having served his suspension.
Stats:
Derry and Cork City have played some important games through the years. Derry beat Cork in the 1989 FAI Cup Final 1-0 (Felix Healy) to secure the treble for that year
·
City returned the favour in 2005, when on the
final game of the season goals by John O’Flynn and Liam Kearney secured the
league title for City in front of a packed Turners Cross. Derry then beat City
1-0 in the 2011 League Cup final, also at Turners Cross.
Rory Patterson is the league's top scorer with 11 goals
City’s biggest league defeat came at the hands
of Derry 7-2 in the Brandywell on the 27th August 1987Rory Patterson is the league's top scorer with 11 goals
Barry McNamee and Daryl Horgan are both training with the Irish U21 Squad
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)