Matchday 14

[White Horse]

Boyle should be suspended for the Pats game and they should suspend Towell and Hoban as well for good measure.

According to LMFM, Hoban is having a knee op today and will be out for three weeks.

[Sam_Heggy]

Dundalk are just obliterating all in their path at oriel

It's that pitch, it's a jinx on all real footballing sides.

It's not real grass ya know...

[KeepersBall]

Am on the FAI mailing list for media and just received this.

Following receipt of the referee’s report from last night’s SSE Airtricity League Premier Division match between Dundalk and UCD at Oriel Park it has been confirmed that Dundalk player Andy Boyle (No. 4) received yellow cards in the 51st minute and 75th minute.

The matter will now be dealt with by the FAI Disciplinary Committee and the FAI Elite Referees Committee.

[Nesta99]

Elite referees committee? I presume they mean elite by their free passes in to the Aviva and their complimentary glass of orange juice...

McMillan gets his chance now with Hoban out for a few weeks, though 3 weeks is a little tight to be back to full fitness with any knee surgery even 'minor' surgery like meniscus repair and a general tidy up. While on such a good run the break may not be the best timing for us, unless we beat Pats which in that case it would be ok going into the break. Wouldnt want to stew on a loss for too long!

[Nesta99]

That happened with Peter Hutton against Drogheda in the cup last season. He hopped the wall to about 10 yards from the bench where the rest of us were standing and started barking out orders from there, as well as the odd criticism of the fourth official. Probably the highlight of his time in charge of Harps.

Saw it a couple of times, once in particular at Rathbane was funny as the ref stopped the game a couple of times to get Martin Murray to move back from the perimeter wall, Murray just took a couple of steps back laughing and shouted a little louder. Ah one of the very very few amusing moments of days in the 1st division.

[pineapple stu]

Surprised McMillan hasn't really got a run out at Sligo or Dundalk yet. I know Dundalk in particular aren't exactly goal-shy, but someone who was among the top scorers in the league while with UCD would surely bag more than that with a better team. Though Killer hasn't really fulfilled his potential either, I guess.

[Ezeikial]

Surprised McMillan hasn't really got a run out at Sligo or Dundalk yet. I know Dundalk in particular aren't exactly goal-shy, but someone who was among the top scorers in the league while with UCD would surely bag more than that with a better team. Though Killer hasn't really fulfilled his potential either, I guess.

McMillan was Dundalk top scorer prior to Pat Hoban scoring twice against UCD. Thats despite his very limited game time

[Nesta99]

Well he is getting his chance now so no pressure on him at all.

[geysir]

I thought both penalties were penalties tbh.

Don't know where you're getting the constant diving from.

One thing that is interesting is on our first goal; the ref didn't count out the ten yards for the wall, but then blew his whistle for the free to be taken. This, I think, confused Cherrie, who was still sorting out the wall. When he saw Mulhall running up to take the free, Cherrie - who was on the post - ran towards the middle of the goal, but the ball went back the way he'd come, so he had little enough chance.

I thought the rule with a quick free though was that you either take the kick immediately or wait for the whistle? I'll post the video later, but the ref talks to Mulhall, then walks away for a few seconds and blows his whistle. This, by my understanding, isn't a quick free kick and so the ref should have marked out ten yards for the wall, which would have meant Cherrie would have been in position for the free.

Here's (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCWjioIR5MM) a quick free kick with no whistle.

Did the ref mess up again here?
The ref only needs to blow his whistle to restart play after he has walked the 10 paces. I presume once the ref starts to pace the wall, the ball is out of play and therefore he needs to blow in order for play to resume.
He doesn't need to blow the whistle if he doesn't pace out the wall.
But there's nothing to say in the rules that he can't blow his whistle, in the incident you describe.
Whistle happy is not a crime.

[pineapple stu]

Well, here's the goal (first one). Maybe it's just the slowest quick free kick ever. The ref definitely doesn't pace out the wall as he hasn't walked ten paces by the time he blows his whistle. Though maybe he just decided he was happy where the wall was?

It just seems to be neither one thing nor the other, and I'd be fairly sure that confused Cherrie to an extent. That shot shouldn't have beaten him ordinarily.

mJrcHtmzASQ

[oriel]

Surprised McMillan hasn't really got a run out at Sligo or Dundalk yet. I know Dundalk in particular aren't exactly goal-shy, but someone who was among the top scorers in the league while with UCD would surely bag more than that with a better team. Though Killer hasn't really fulfilled his potential either, I guess.


Kenny has really only been playing one striker though, Byrne operates just behind Hoban and often assisting with MF. I don't think that's McMillans game, he's more a goal facing striker, so its really the system and the fact that Hoban is the no 1 striker that has limited his starts, but he has already got at least 4 league goals, and as many is other competitions and all the league goals are from the bench. He'll get his chance now in June.

[Nah Nah Nah Nah]

McMillan got a few chances with us but just didn't take them. Missed penalty against Shams being the prime example. Missed a few one on ones as well with us. Would still have kept him on if possible all the same. He'd be a better option then Maguire.

[Charlie Darwin]

Ha, a striker scoring goals off the bench! Imagine that. Imagine it Croly, just imagine it.

[White Horse]

Surprised McMillan hasn't really got a run out at Sligo or Dundalk yet. I know Dundalk in particular aren't exactly goal-shy, but someone who was among the top scorers in the league while with UCD would surely bag more than that with a better team. Though Killer hasn't really fulfilled his potential either, I guess.

His performances and finishing have been excellent. However, Kenny loves to play with a lone striker with three attacking midfielders pushing up behind. Hoban does this role perfectly. McMillan is a different player.

Personally, I think he and Hoban would be devastating if played together.

[Terry]

Shels -v- Galway

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEyldqi9RmA

[geysir]

Well, here's the goal (first one). Maybe it's just the slowest quick free kick ever. The ref definitely doesn't pace out the wall as he hasn't walked ten paces by the time he blows his whistle. Though maybe he just decided he was happy where the wall was?

It just seems to be neither one thing nor the other, and I'd be fairly sure that confused Cherrie to an extent. That shot shouldn't have beaten him ordinarily.
Nothing wrong with the way ref sorted that out, he probably was just satisfied that the wall was 10m away, doesn't have to pace it out and was happy to blow his whistle to get things moving. No law against that. Cherrie just tried to fool the free kick taker with his movement and got caught out by that excellent strike.
Mark it down as a well struck free kick which beat the goalie fair and square.

[pineapple stu]

Ah now; it's fairly clear Cherrie was taken by surprise. His positioning was all wrong, I would imagine because he was waiting for the ref to confirm the wall's position. When our player starts his run, Cherrie goes back towards the side he should have been at. He's then wrong footed by Mulhall's clever free. But to say he tried to fool mulhall is nonsense

[trevy]

Waterford United win 1-0 v Shamrock Rovers B at Tallaght with a late goal from Conor Whittle in tonights only game.

[geysir]

Ah now; it's fairly clear Cherrie was taken by surprise. His positioning was all wrong, I would imagine because he was waiting for the ref to confirm the wall's position. When our player starts his run, Cherrie goes back towards the side he should have been at. He's then wrong footed by Mulhall's clever free. But to say he tried to fool mulhall is nonsense
Yes he wasn't trying to fool anybody, that was me giving him some get out of jail card, that he clearly didn't deserve
If he was taken by surprise then that's his 100% responsibility, he should have been ready, the ref does not have to pace out the distance, in fact the ref didn't even have to blow his whistle which gave him some warning that he wasn't entitled to. The free taker can show that one to his grand kids.

[oriel]

Ha, a striker scoring goals off the bench! Imagine that. Imagine it Croly, just imagine it.

I don't think he could Charlie, for starters he wouldn't know what to say post games on soccer rep if you had one, apart from thinking he is going to start on the wing next match.

[pineapple stu]

Yes he wasn't trying to fool anybody, that was me giving him some get out of jail card, that he clearly didn't deserve
Course it was...

I did a bit of googling on quick free kicks, as it's something which comes up every now and again (Liverpool v Newcastle last month, for example)

You can opt for a quick free kick unless there's an injury, the ref wants to book or send someone off or wants to talk to a player. If the exception proves the rule, it seems if the defending team has a sub waiting, that can't stop a quick free kick (unless, possibly, if it's for a player who has already come off injured).

For a slow free (also called a ceremonial free kick), the ref must stand in front of the ball, must indicate to wait for the whistle, must pace out the ten yards for the wall, must raise his arm to indicate a direct free (if appropriate) and must blow his whistle for the game to restart. None of that applies for a quick free kick.

Cherrie could claim to have picked up mixed signals from the ref, who maybe was walking away from the ball in a similar manner to how you'd mark out the ten yards, which would indicate that it absolutely isn't a quick free kick. But it's a bit of a stretch alright.

I still don't know why the referee whistled, unless it was to indicate for the "quick" free kick taker to hurry up, which I don't think the ref has a right to do. For Mulhall's part, he was sneakier than most quick free takers in that he waited for Cherrie to rush over to his uncovered side before sending the free back the other way.

For Dundalk's part, a man standing over the ball would have ruled out the chance of a quick free kick. Or you could put the ref in front of the ball, like this case. :) (15 seconds in)

WcH_5RV9BY0

[poster]

Surprised McMillan hasn't really got a run out at Sligo or Dundalk yet.

Baraclough playing him on the wing didn't help.

[pineapple stu]

Funny; Russell used to play him on the wing too. Wasn't great there, but would score regularly when up front. Never understood that.

[Dodge]

McMillan was Dundalk top scorer prior to Pat Hoban scoring twice against UCD. Thats despite his very limited game time

Despite his limited talents you mean. All his goals for Dundalk have been the last 1/2 in thumping wins. He's an OK LOI striker and is a decent finisher/striker. But Hoban to McMillan is a big drop off.

He scored once for Sligo (league) after his move there last season, so that might explain why he was let go

[Nah Nah Nah Nah]

Baraclough playing him on the wing didn't help.

He missed plenty of chances when he played up front for us

[poster]

He missed plenty of chances when he played up front for us

Yes, true. Wasn't trying to defend him.

[redobit]

He missed plenty of chances when he played up front for us

He had enough game time for us but didn't do a whole lot. He missed a brilliant opportunity against Molde during the Champions League game, put a header wide from the 6 yard box when it was nil nil in Norway.

[Nah Nah Nah Nah]

And don't get me started on the missed penalty and one on one he missed against Shams!

[Ezeikial]

Despite his limited talents you mean.

No - I have said what I mean very clearly.



All his goals for Dundalk have been the last 1/2 in thumping wins. He's an OK LOI striker and is a decent finisher/striker. But Hoban to McMillan is a big drop off.


In my opinion Hoban is a more effective centre forward and is arguably the best all-round No 9 in league currently.

According to stats by Conroy on Orielweb, in all competitive games up to 29 May McMillan had 8 goals in 1001 minutes played (1 goal per 125 mins). That compares with Hoban getting 7 goals in 1470 minutes (1 goal per 210 mins)

[Dodge]

And that's fine if you think it's a good indicator of talent. 0 goals in his last 9 league starts is another stat. I know which one I think is more apt

[Ezeikial]

And that's fine if you think it's a good indicator of talent.

That's hilarious - you are the one rambling on about his 'talent'

My comments were very clear - David McMillan has a very good goalscoring record this season relative to his limited game time.

[Dodge]

What's the issue then? You say his record is good relative to his game time. I say his record his good relative to his (lack of) talent

[pineapple stu]

Boyle suspended for the next league game (Pat's) (http://www.sseairtricityleague.ie/news/5479-fai-disciplinary-committee-issues-red-card-to-dundalk-player)

Interesting to note that, immediately after we scored the penalty, Benson went on a run past two or three Dundalk players, and it was Boyle who put in the decisive tackle to stop him about 25 yards out from goal.

C'est la vie, I guess.

[geysir]

What's the issue then? You say his record is good relative to his game time. I say his record his good relative to his (lack of) talent
Goalscoring is a talent.

[Ezeikial]

Goalscoring is a talent.

Most would agree.

But not if your team mates also score a few or if your goals are not in the first half.........


Despite his limited talents you mean. All his goals for Dundalk have been the last 1/2 in thumping wins.

[Charlie Darwin]

I think it's fair to say a player who scores goals that change the outcome of games are more valuable than those who add gloss to the scoreline.

[Overthemoon]

I think it's fair to say a player who scores goals that change the outcome of games are more valuable than those who add gloss to the scoreline.

Bit like Dave McMillan last night then?

[Charlie Darwin]

Bit like Dave McMillan last night then?
You'd need a larger sample size.

[Overthemoon]

According to stats by Conroy on Orielweb, in all competitive games up to 29 May McMillan had 8 goals in 1001 minutes played (1 goal per 125 mins). That compares with Hoban getting 7 goals in 1470 minutes (1 goal per 210 mins)

Also I think a good striker should chip in with assists, he had 2 last night also. One of the things Stephen Kenny has a Midas touch for is getting the best out of his players. Of course it's only a season and a half and we haven't won anything but it's the best football I've seen a DFC team play including Mc Loughlin era, debate is that it's better than the Fox era in 67 but that only lasted a year.

[oriel]

Jim McLaughlins time with DLK is written into history with 3 league titles and 3 FAI cups, and unbeaten at home in Europe from 1976 to 1983, but his teams were firmly built on solid defence. It was rare to see more than one or two players with any flare, Barry Kehoe was one, Tommy McConville was another, his teams were full of hard working players, and that is how they won things.

In comparison this side that Kenny has built is full of flare and players wanting and encouraged to play on the deck all over the park. I completely agree with the quality of football on offer though, it's fantastic to watch. I find myself looking forward to the Friday night game all week, I would have in the past, but that would be more out of support, this is definitely the best I have seen in over 30 years.

Just the small matter of having to win something now to back it up.