Who will win the 1st division

[Lamper.sffc]

Yeah, it really is getting annoying now! :mad:

I still think that even if someone loses next week in tolka, there's still plenty of time left to recover from it. Should be a good game though, can't wait. We still need to beat Wexford tommorrow first to stay move 3 points clear, but it is gona be a tricky game.

Wexford are a team that will have an influence on who will go up and who wont

[LeixlipRed]

The game next week against Waterford is a bit meaningless. It's too early in the season. We were atrocious last night. Monaghan were robbed to be honest.

[CSFShels]

The game next week against Waterford is a bit meaningless. It's too early in the season. We were atrocious last night. Monaghan were robbed to be honest.
We were crap too, but Monaghan were not robbed, bar a good 15 minute spell in the 2nd half, they didn't deserve the game any more than we did. I maintain that they're a poor outfit, and that Wexford and Limerick are the teams that we should be really worrying about taking points from the top 4.

[thischarmingman]

Monaghan were robbed to be honest.

Monaghan deserved a point maximum. Shels were the better team overall.

Monaghan attacked when you'd expect them to do so- one down midway through the first half. The fact that those attacks looked dangerous had more to do with Shelbourne's panicked defending than Monaghan's attacking brilliance.

[CSFShels]

How much things can change in 2 weeks

[blue til i die]

Bloody awful Blues performance tonight. Fair play to Wexford, deserved their victory.

Next weeks game just got a little more important!!

[Youths4Ever]

Wexford are a team that will have an influence on who will go up and who wont

after tonight's result I would say you could be right. :)

Waterford did not play as well as I have seen them play. Wexford played well enough though deserved the win the goal that Waterford scored was nothing short of sloppy from Wexford view point. Obviously very happy with the win looking forward to next Friday already

[stann]

I don't know if it was physical or mental fatigue or what, but we looked well off the boil compared to recent games.
Youths were first to most things, and looked like they had a better idea of what to do when they got there.
The second Wexford goal was very poor from our defence's point of view too - caught on their heels when the long ball came in, and then badly caught for pace.
No quibbles though, best team won on the night.

[blue til i die]

Now all wexford have to do is beat Fingal next week :p

[CSFShels]

Advantage Shels at the moment I'd say for definite. UCD and Waterford beginning to show the signs of cracking that people figured they might, while the Fingal lads seem happy just to collect a nice weekly paycheque and free apartment to live in. We're playing absolutely muck, but keep winning, so it looks bright, as we'll have to start playing well at some point, we certainly have the players to do so.

[blue til i die]

Advantage Shels at the moment I'd say for definite. UCD and Waterford beginning to show the signs of cracking that people figured they might, while the Fingal lads seem happy just to collect a nice weekly paycheque and free apartment to live in. We're playing absolutely muck, but keep winning, so it looks bright, as we'll have to start playing well at some point, we certainly have the players to do so.

Is there really much of an advantage to anyone at this point?
With just 2 points between the top 4, its as close as was expected. I know ye have a game in hand, but lose next week and its all changed again.

As i've already stated, i'd be pretty happy to take one of the play-off places and i still expect the likes of Wexford and Limerick to have a big say in who goes up.

[Splurge]

after tonight's result I would say you could be right. :)

Waterford did not play as well as I have seen them play. Wexford played well enough though deserved the win the goal that Waterford scored was nothing short of sloppy from Wexford view point. Obviously very happy with the win looking forward to next Friday already

yeah, Wallace pointed out last week that we're the only team outside the top 4 to beat a top 4 team, ie UCD, and now WD. Were looking very strong at the moment but unfortunately i dont think it'll be enough for a play off place. Those three losses at the start oft the season and the terrible display v Limerick are proving costly.

[5ForKeeps]

yeah, Wallace pointed out last week that we're the only team outside the top 4 to beat a top 4 team, ie UCD, and now WD. Were looking very strong at the moment but unfortunately i dont think it'll be enough for a play off place. Those three losses at the start oft the season and the terrible display v Limerick are proving costly.

20 games to go. The top 4 sides will take points off each other. Need to improve our home form and be more clinical in terms of finishing. 25/1 to win the division.

[DmanDmythDledge]

25/1 to win the division.
80/1 with Boyles.:p

[Lamper.sffc]

Advantage Shels at the moment I'd say for definite. UCD and Waterford beginning to show the signs of cracking that people figured they might, while the Fingal lads seem happy just to collect a nice weekly paycheque and free apartment to live in. We're playing absolutely muck, but keep winning, so it looks bright, as we'll have to start playing well at some point, we certainly have the players to do so.


Cant say that after one round of games. It could all change again next week.

UCD are showing a minor wobble at best thats all and waterford losing one game doesnt mean they are cracking.

You could also look at the shels scenario and say that the fact yous are playing muck will eventually catch up with yous and a lot of those wins could turn into draws and loses. You could say that but who knows. But saying advantage shels is a little premature dont you think.

[pineapple stu]

I think Wexford could come into the hunt, to be honest. Caught the second half against Waterford, and they reminded me of us at times; very organised, playing on the counter, working very well for each other. Mightn't have the guile to keep beating the other mid-table teams, but they'll take more points off the top four anyways.

Shels and Fingal just don't seem good enough to go up; someone said that Shels will go up as they're still grinding results while UCD and Waterford are starting to slip; you could easily argue that Shels' slip is yet to come.

I disgaree that we're dependent on one player (Ronan Finn, I assume) too. Andy Boyle and Evan McMillan are starting to gel at centre half (the goal against Fingal ended a run of five straight clean sheets in a game we were rarely threatened in), for example. We conceded silly goals at the start of the season, but if we can keep racking up clean sheets now, that'd negate Killer's drop off in form to an extent. We've just had three tough games; we've not three games against bottom half sides before hosting Shels. I still think we're not good enough to go up, but let's see where we stand after the next four games.

[LeixlipRed]

Advantage us if there were two games in the season left. There isn't.

[pineapple stu]

Yep, good summary. "Advantage" is a worthless concept after 13 games.

[Sunny Jim]

I don't expect us to break into the top four this season but I'll be very happy if we finish best of the rest.

As for the winner, it's too close and much too early to call it yet, but it'll be another exciting finish and I think we could have a say in it.

[GlasnevinRed]

Wexford will definitely have a big say. They've already shown they're more than capable of giving any of the top 4 a scare.
I'm just happy we only have to play them once more and got maximum points off them so far (albeit being quite lucky in doing so)

[Hairy Bowsie]

I don't believe it's advantage Shels, as there is still so far to go but i don't believe we've yet to hit top form either.

To UCD, Fingal and Waterford fans, do you expect to do much business in the transfer window?

[DmanDmythDledge]

UCD are showing a minor wobble at best thats all...
We are not wobbling. We are just not getting the luck we had at the start of the season. Our last three results are no more than we are capable of, although Fingal seemed to have underperformed once again.

@Hairy Bowsie: No.

[Lamper.sffc]

We are not wobbling. We are just not getting the luck we had at the start of the season. Our last three results are no more than we are capable of, although Fingal seemed to have underperformed once again.

@Hairy Bowsie: No.

Fair enough, the luck hasnt been with you of late and yes we are underperforming but our injuries are a factor also. Its no coincidence that our results have dipped since we have had all these injuries. Since the first time we played yous are form was gradually getting better until we started to pick up the injuries. Its not the whole story i know but its still a factor.



I don't believe it's advantage Shels, as there is still so far to go but i don't believe we've yet to hit top form either.

To UCD, Fingal and Waterford fans, do you expect to do much business in the transfer window?
As for transfers

Id expect us to do some business but im not sure it will help. If we do bring in some players i hope they are young hungry lads trying to make a name for themselves.
I think Gary O Neil may leave, Im not so sure he is injured just my opinion but something doesnt seem to be right there.

[Hairy Bowsie]

I think Gary O Neil may leave, Im not so sure he is injured just my opinion but something doesnt seem to be right there.

I can assure you that something isn't right. He hates Bucko and Bucko hates him. I'd love him back at Shels but we'd never afford him to be honest.

[blue til i die]

To UCD, Fingal and Waterford fans, do you expect to do much business in the transfer window?

I expect us to get at least 1, at the most 2, but they'll be straight replacements.

[Lamper.sffc]

I can assure you that something isn't right. He hates Bucko and Bucko hates him. I'd love him back at Shels but we'd never afford him to be honest.

Its a pity. I was looking forward to seeing him play. Doubt that will happen now.

[bennocelt]

latest odds from PP..............

SP 11/8
waterford 5/2
shesl 5/2
ucd 5/1
wexford 25/1

u can still get each way on them - so really ucd at 5 isnt so bad
would love if Wexford could sneek up but i wonder will they last the pace?

[Martinho II]

:confused:how does the playoff concept work for this season lads?

[Schumi]

:confused:how does the playoff concept work for this season lads?

Winner of 2nd v 3rd plays the loser of 8th v 9th in the premier for the last premier place.

[GlasnevinRed]

:confused:how does the playoff concept work for this season lads?

Top replaces bottom in the premier.
2nd & 3rd in the 1st Div play one match (2nd place at home)
8th & 9th in the Prem Div play one match (8th place at home)

Winner from 1st Div plays loser from PD over 2 legs

I think that's it anyway

[Lamper.sffc]

Another round of games on the way. Id say all the top four will get points this weekend with Shel game against Limerick being the most difficult, possibility of a draw there maybe.
The other teams contending should get all 3 points

[blue til i die]

Well it was this point earlier in the season that after losing 1-0 to Shels, that we won out next 7 games, scoring 18 and conceding just 2.

[Sam_Heggy]

Harps play 3 of the top 4 in the next 3 weeks so, if we keep improving the way we are then a few upsets could be on the cards.

In saying that, the green pigs flying by my window seem a bit odd and out of place.

[Lamper.sffc]

Well it was this point earlier in the season that after losing 1-0 to Shels, that we won out next 7 games, scoring 18 and conceding just 2.

Great run but i think things will be a little different this time around because some if not all teams will strengthen.

Also I think harps will have a much improved second half to the season and will take points of the top four at their ground especially.

[OneForTheFuture]

It's very quiet around here!:cool:

[CSFShels]

Yeah we're definitely in the driving seat now, don't think anyone other than Fingal will be really challenging us for the top spot. I know that may come across insulting to UCD and Waterford fans, but I do think you'll struggle to compete. Fingal have the best squad in the league, and we've the never ending ability to grind out wins even when not playing well, so its hard to say which way it'll go, I'd go with us at this point anyway. Waterford to get third.

[blue til i die]

Yeah we're definitely in the driving seat now, don't think anyone other than Fingal will be really challenging us for the top spot. I know that may come across insulting to UCD and Waterford fans, but I do think you'll struggle to compete. Fingal have the best squad in the league, and we've the never ending ability to grind out wins even when not playing well, so its hard to say which way it'll go, I'd go with us at this point anyway. Waterford to get third.

Why will we struggle to compete?

Shels are def in the driving seat atm, but still need to win that game in hand to make it count!
Might still depend on players teams bring in. Do UCD, Shels and Fingal expect to be signing many players in the transfer window?

[DRDoc]

Presumably Shels will have money to spend - havent replaced meenan as yet and if madden goes back to bohs that frees up another wage

Waterford with Warren added to the squad already hoping to bring in three others

Fingal are still clear favourites in my book, followed closely by the other 3

[CSFShels]

Why will we struggle to compete?

Shels are def in the driving seat atm, but still need to win that game in hand to make it count!
Might still depend on players teams bring in. Do UCD, Shels and Fingal expect to be signing many players in the transfer window?
Just don't think you're as good as the rest really. And yeah Shels will be a stronger proposition after the summer I'd imagine, last summer we brought in McAllister, McCabe, Gorman and Forsythe who really made a difference, I'd figure Keely will have seen who isn't getting their game at the Premier clubs, who would make a great addition to a First Division side and we'll have a few of them on loan. Fingal might sign again, but is there a point in them doing so? They've a good enough squad as it is, they just need to get them playing, bringing in even more big names, will hardly do that. UCD are already starting to stutter, and Waterford have shown signs of it too.

[Lamper.sffc]

Just don't think you're as good as the rest really. And yeah Shels will be a stronger proposition after the summer I'd imagine, last summer we brought in McAllister, McCabe, Gorman and Forsythe who really made a difference, I'd figure Keely will have seen who isn't getting their game at the Premier clubs, who would make a great addition to a First Division side and we'll have a few of them on loan. Fingal might sign again, but is there a point in them doing so? They've a good enough squad as it is, they just need to get them playing, bringing in even more big names, will hardly do that. UCD are already starting to stutter, and Waterford have shown signs of it too.

Problem is we have 5 to 6 injuries week in week out for the last two months so while our squad is descent we are having to put youth players on the bench just to fill it. So at the moment we are picking from a squad of 14.

3 central defenders have been missing for about 8 games or so. I think any team would miss Maher, Byrne and Paisley. We are playing a young lad whelan along with a full back at the centreback positions. Frost was injured in the last game so there is another to add to the injured list. I think we may have to bring in players to cover our injured (depending on how long our injured lads will be out). Id also doubt we would bring in someone unless its obvious they are better than what we have

O Neil (injured for 3 months) came on for the final 20 mins against kildare. We played a 4-4-2 for the last 20 mins against kildare and we looked alot better for it. If we stick with this formation and we get players back fit then I expect us to do really well in the second half of the season.

[oriel]

Who will win the 1st division ?

Hopefully Shels, to win one side of a double bet I have on for the season !

Besides, they do deserve it after last season.

[sheao]

Who will win the 1st division ?

Hopefully Shels, to win one side of a double bet I have on for the season !

Besides, they do deserve it after last season.
Shels would be the team i think will go up,but it is very hard to call with only 2 points between 1st and 4th.

[Tipp Top]

UCD will go up. They have been playing well all season and with Purcell now scoring goals they will have a few options up front.

[bluewater]

Shels are def in the driving seat atm, but still need to win that game in hand to make it count!



Anyone know when that Harps vs Shels game is set to be played?? Would like to have the games played count evened out!!

[CSFShels]

Shels would be the team i think will go up,but it is very hard to call with only 2 points between 1st and 4th.
Don't forget to factor in the game in hand though.

[GlasnevinRed]

Anyone know when that Harps vs Shels game is set to be played?? Would like to have the games played count evened out!!

With both clubs out of the cup I think it's looking like the next cup weekend which is some stage in August.

[Enruoblehs]

To be played on Saturday, August 15th in Finn Park

[Lamper.sffc]

To be played on Saturday, August 15th in Finn Park

Will be a much more difficult game now than when it was originally to be played.
If shels had played the game when it was supposed to be played then it probably would have been a shels victory. I wouldnt be so sure now.

[Mr A]

Harps are likely to shed players in the transfer window though.

[Sam_Heggy]

Harps are likely to shed players in the transfer window though.

I think 5 of the players that would have featured that night will have left by the time this fixture is played.