Matches 13 June

[Dunny]

Not quite although it looked it, 3,135 was a little lower than the visit of Rovers on Good Fri (3,364), decent away support as mentioned on attendances thread.

Thought it was a nervy performance by both sides, good game to watch, totally fair result. Our lead has been obviously cut by Cork's impressive win, but we keep a 6 point gap with Pats.

Still fairly open league to be fair, Rovers might fall away a little but Pats won't be too far off judging by tonight and Cork are full of confidence.

I'll be happier when we get Boyle and Hoban back, but overall where we are, and performances to date, it's been an excellent first half of the season for us.
When will Hoban be back? Thats the BIG question? and i dont think it will be anytime very soon.McMillan will get the suspension for the red so we are down to Griffin up front.Yes we score goals from all over the park but i'm sure we'd all be more comf wirh a reckognized striker playing up top.Also did Towell not go off with cramp last night?He didnt seem right last couple of mins.

[Charlie Darwin]

Chris Forrester ‏@ChrisForrester1 (https://twitter.com/ChrisForrester1) 16m (https://twitter.com/ChrisForrester1/status/477586179509190657)
That pitch tho https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v1/72x72/1f615.png

[White Horse]

Really? Did he really blame the pitch for his completely ineffectual performance?

It didn't seem to bother Chris Shields and Richie Towell.

[Dunny]

LOL.He was pure muck to use a GAA phrase.Is he trapped in the blades of the grass or do's he want moo milk to brighten his up pale face ?

[oriel]

The pitch indeed, it looked fine again this evening, was even saying earlier at the match that the bounce of the ball is perfect on it. Also I hope the Pats fans enjoyed the visit tonight compared to last season, they seemed to enjoy mingling pre match in main bar, then the upstairs bar at ht, no one seemed to be bothered, also for some reason they took up seats in the centre of the stand as opposed to the away side, but again no issues from the home fans.

Also the fine evening hopefully made the away terrace less painful this time, next season there should be big improvements in place.

A roof, proper toilets and better viewing in this area would be the priority and hopefully this will all be in place for every away fan next season.

[PartySaint]

The pitch indeed, it looked fine again this evening, was even saying earlier at the match that the bounce of the ball is perfect on it.



I have absolutely no problems with the Oriel pitch but the bounce is anything but perfect, it's mental. Makes the game a lot more interesting tho, bounces like a rugby ball.

[Charlie Darwin]

I have absolutely no problems with the Oriel pitch but the bounce is anything but perfect, it's mental. Makes the game a lot more interesting tho, bounces like a rugby ball.
Careful now, if the ball bounces weird it's only because you're playing hoofball, and if you're playing hoofball then you're Shamrock Rovers, and you don't want that. Nobody wants that.

[Ezeikial]

A roof, proper toilets and better viewing in this area would be the priority and hopefully this will all be in place for every away fan next season.

You keep mentioning improvements for next season - perhaps a little prematurely?

To my knowledge there are no specifics announced either as regards the extent of the upgrades or any timescale

[nigel-harps1954]

You keep mentioning improvements for next season - perhaps a little prematurely?

To my knowledge there are no specifics announced either as regards the extent of the upgrades or any timescale

Wasn't the plans to extend the main stand out to either side? Surely that'd take much longer than just next season, and there'd be no point in any sort of upgrades otherwise if the plans are there to do so?

[Ezeikial]

Careful now, if the ball bounces weird it's only because you're playing hoofball, and if you're playing hoofball then you're Shamrock Rovers, and you don't want that. Nobody wants that.

Not a pitch issue - it's a Croly one. Rovers are hoofballers.

[White Horse]

There are so many interesting things to talk about from the Dundalk/Pats game. Just because Forrester wants to deflect from his mare of a game, let's not debate the bloody pitch (again).

[Charlie Darwin]

Not a pitch issue - it's a Croly one. Rovers are hoofballers.
We had this argument before, but it doesn't explain why the ball leaps off the ground from a flat ten yard pass, nor does it explain why there is a mental bounce from a long ball, which Rovers do play.

[PartySaint]

There are so many interesting things to talk about from the Dundalk/Pats game. Just because Forrester wants to deflect from his mare of a game, let's not debate the bloody pitch (again).

Agreed. I think Hoban upfront for Dundalk tonight might have just tipped the balance in your favour. 0-0 was the last result I expected.

[Dunny]

Rinse and repeat everyday is that not the doctors orders about the pitch at Oriel.Grow-up the fuq some of yous ffs!

[Dodge]

There are so many interesting things to talk about from the Dundalk/Pats game. Just because Forrester wants to deflect from his mare of a game, let's not debate the bloody pitch (again).
Kenny Browne said it was a disgrace too and he was pretty much foot perfect throughout the game. As was Oman until he nearly took your man's head off

I thought Pats had better of first half with Forrester (who had a bit of a mate overall) missing a good chance. Think Pats should have had a penalty too but Lino didn't flag and ref probably couldn't see

Dundalk looked stronger in 2nd half but never really threatened Clarke's goal. Thought Towell was poor and created nothing. Horgan was the best attacker on the pitch

Good game even with little goal mouth action IMO

[adamd164]

I find it staggering that Kalen Spillane is playing in the heart of the Sligo defence.. he was a major weak link in our side and I'm delighted we offloaded him!

Delighted with the win tonight, we had a good crowd at it too.

[White Horse]

Agreed. I think Hoban upfront for Dundalk tonight might have just tipped the balance in your favour. 0-0 was the last result I expected.

Your back four were very good. McMillan couldn't hold up any ball, so Horgan, Towell, and Meenan got possession in very deep positions. Hoban would have won his fair share and that would have pushed our play further into Pat's half.

For a nil-nil it was an interesting game. It was a pity there were two red cards. I was looking forward to seeing what Buckley and Kenny would try and do in the last 15 minutes when space started to open up. I actually thought Pats played their best football when it was 11 vs 10.

A draw was a fair result. It's all to play for in the second half of the season.

[White Horse]

I find it staggering that Kalen Spillane is playing in the heart of the Sligo defence.. he was a major weak link in our side and I'm delighted we offloaded him!

Delighted with the win tonight, we had a good crowd at it too.

Definitely Cork's night (with an honourable mention to Athlone).

[Town Legend]

I missed the game tonight but according to a Harps reporter it was an enjoyable game. Harps had no real chances whereas the Town had a couple of good chances and the goal was a sweet strike. Shel's slipping up also been a bonus.

[Pablo Escobar]

I find it staggering that Kalen Spillane is playing in the heart of the Sligo defence.. he was a major weak link in our side and I'm delighted we offloaded him!

Delighted with the win tonight, we had a good crowd at it too.
In fairness, Kalen has all of the attributes bar a screwed on head. The logic of him going to Sligo was him getting out of his circle down here. If he's managed that, I'm delighted for him. It'll be Sligo's gain.

[oriel]

You keep mentioning improvements for next season - perhaps a little prematurely?

To my knowledge there are no specifics announced either as regards the extent of the upgrades or any timescale

I said 'hopefully' there will be improvements, and surely there will be at some point, agreed nothing specific or timescales are in scope.

[jinxy lilywhite]

Good game last night. Fair result overall.
So many battles all over the pitch. I didn't know forester was playing until he was substituted.
As a result Pat's were balanced better when he was substituted as a result of the red card. I didn't see the McMillan incident so can't comment.


How are cork fans now in the break? Great position they are in? Is there scope for them to strengthen. I don't think they are going to fade away

[Pablo Escobar]

How are cork fans now in the break? Great position they are in? Is there scope for them to strengthen. I don't think they are going to fade away
We are clearly delighted with our position. I still don't think we'll win it, but we're certain to strengthen. We've been unlucky with injuries, but have come through. Now Danny Morrissey is coming back too, so if we could get another strike in to cover the absence of Michael Rafter and a solid centre back, we'll be well placed to continue. John O'Flynn and Gavin Kavanagh, respectively, are probably the most likely and I would not say no to either of them.

[Ezeikial]

Kenny Browne said it was a disgrace too and he was pretty much foot perfect throughout the game.

One can only ponder the levels of perfection that Kenny Browne could otherwise rise to.........

[Ezeikial]

We are clearly delighted with our position. I still don't think we'll .win it, but we're certain to strengthen. We've been unlucky with injuries, but have come through. Now Danny Morrissey is coming back too, so if we could get another strike in to cover the absence of Michael Rafter and a solid centre back, we'll be well placed to continue. John O'Flynn and Gavin Kavanagh, respectively, are probably the most likely and I would not say no to either of them.

Great credit to Cork. That was an impressive result to win in Tallaght (or does it say more about Rovers?) and a 5th league win on the spin since losing back-to-back to Dundalk and Pats.

I have only seen Cork live once this season and while their performance in Oriel Park in the 4-0 drubbing was woeful, it is looking like that was an off-day against a team who simply overpowered them on the day. If Cork add quality players in the July window who are fit enough to slot into the team there is every reason to believe that Cork could maintain a title challenge.

[White Horse]

If Cork add quality players in the July window who are fit enough to slot into the team there is every reason to believe that Cork could maintain a title challenge.

Given the upsurge in attendances, there should be scope to increase the budget for the remainder of the season.

Some posters are too quick to rule Cork out of the title race.

[jinxy lilywhite]

thanks for that.

I guess the bump in attendances this season will give the board food for thought in that do they go for it and back JC.
Its great to see a cork side back up there.

I believe thought that they have to be considered as contenders

[Nah Nah Nah Nah]

I find it staggering that Kalen Spillane is playing in the heart of the Sligo defence.. he was a major weak link in our side and I'm delighted we offloaded him!

Delighted with the win tonight, we had a good crowd at it too.

He's nowhere near first choice. He's only playing cause Henderson and Peers are injured. We only named 3 subs last night for some very strange reason considering a few of the under 19s have been on the bench a good bit of the season.

[Nah Nah Nah Nah]

Given the upsurge in attendances, there should be scope to increase the budget for the remainder of the season.

Some posters are too quick to rule Cork out of the title race.

When's the last time a team came from nowhere to win the league though?

[Ezeikial]

We only named 3 subs last night for some very strange reason considering a few of the under 19s have been on the bench a good bit of the season.

Similar to the cup game against Dundalk when he left 2 sub spots empty

Is he trying to make some sort of statement about the squad depth? Reminiscent of Ian Foster not putting a sub goalie on the bench and still not using all the available sub places.

[gufcfan]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5gVkVvQWc0#t=29

[Pablo Escobar]

When's the last time a team came from nowhere to win the league though?
I'll maintain that I don't think we'll win it, but I certainly don't think we've come from nowhere. The Dublin media didn't know the players, but we did. The squad was very deep. I was thinking we'd be 3rd at the start of the season, behind Dundalk and Pats. I thought Sligo's squad was too thin and Shams were being undone by the master, Trevor Crolly.

[El-Pietro]

Given the upsurge in attendances, there should be scope to increase the budget for the remainder of the season.

Some posters are too quick to rule Cork out of the title race.

we're still paying off last years losses.

[Nesta99]

they seemed to enjoy mingling pre match in main bar, then the upstairs bar at ht, no one seemed to be bothered


Doubt that will be happening again after HT in the main bar. A few dirtbags are likely to have ruined such arrangements happening again for the decent fans!

[White Horse]

Doubt that will be happening again after HT in the main bar. A few dirtbags are likely to have ruined such arrangements happening again for the decent fans!

It's always a few who ruin it for the rest. 95% of the Pats fans in the stand were decent, it was a few tanked up scumbags who caused trouble.

This is why all away fans tend to get treated as scumbags in most grounds, the lowest common denominator effect.

[pineapple stu]

First Division getting really tight btw. Shels in a proper stutter, and Galway, Wexford and Longford are suddenly right over their shoulders. Could be an interesting one there.

No team really seems to be standing out though, which is always a positive for the Premier Division side in the play off come the season's end.

[Longfordian]

We have the best squad I reckon but Cousins isn't really getting the most out of them on a consistent basis. We're very tight at the back but overly reliant on O'Sullivan for goals. Shels have a very young and inexperienced squad and I'm not sure they'll last the pace. I think if Galway bring in a couple of players in July they'd be my tip to win it. Big one coming up just after the break, Galway v Longford.

[poster]

I find it staggering that Kalen Spillane is playing in the heart of the Sligo defence.. he was a major weak link in our side and I'm delighted we offloaded him!


He's easily the worst footballer/defender I've ever seen play for Rovers.

Has absolutely no idea what he's at when in possession. Constantly caught when on the ball and is never in position when the opposition breaks. Loves a needless thump forward and has no spacial awareness whatsoever. He's not even First Division standard.

Just doesn't seem to know in the slightest, what he is doing.

[oriel]

Kenny Browne said it was a disgrace too and he was pretty much foot perfect throughout the game. As was Oman until he nearly took your man's head off]

Dundalk looked stronger in 2nd half but never really threatened Clarke's goal. Thought Towell was poor and created nothing. Horgan was the best attacker on the pitch

Good game even with little goal mouth action IMO

Towell had an average game agreed, but also thought Brennan was extremely quiet.

Also on the pitch (yawn) I didn't see any of the Dundalk players having a single problem all evening with it.

[White Horse]

Towell was ill and on antibiotics all week. He struggled to get through the game.

[desaintsno.12]

Also on the pitch (yawn) I didn't see any of the Dundalk players having a single problem all evening with it.

seriously ? you cant figure out why the Dundalk players may be slightly more comfortable on the astro pitch in Dundalk.... their home....where they play ????? ..... the ansers in the question

[Louth4sam]

seriously ? you cant figure out why the Dundalk players may be slightly more comfortable on the astro pitch in Dundalk.... their home....where they play ????? ..... the ansers in the question

They also seemed more comfortable in Richmond earlier in the season? Was that played on astro?

[desaintsno.12]

No they just played far better. Good response though

For the record i wasnt whinging about the pitch. but pointing out that it didnt seem to effect Dundalk as much, is just stupid

[White Horse]

No they just played far better. Good response though

For the record i wasnt whinging about the pitch. but pointing out that it didnt seem to effect Dundalk as much, is just stupid

Many of the Pats players don't like the pitch and they entitled to their opinion, particulary as it is based on actually playing on it, not on how it looks on the telly.

I didn't notice them struggling on it though. I thought their play was neat and tidy, particularly in defence.

I wonder how much of their reaction is due it having been a very warm (even hot) evening. The pitch was drier than usual and they looked very tired towards the end of the game. Both sides worked very hard.

[dong]

A lot of it seems to be getting the excuse in early as Dundalk are too good for everybody these days.

I heard Seamus Conneely speaking on Ocean FM about how most of our squad hated it and sure enough we were tanked in the following games there. Sorry but you all need to be a bit tougher and deal with it mate. It is what it is.

[Charlie Darwin]

A lot of it seems to be getting the excuse in early as Dundalk are too good for everybody these days.

I heard Seamus Conneely speaking on Ocean FM about how most of our squad hated it and sure enough we were tanked in the following games there. Sorry but you all need to be a bit tougher and deal with it mate. It is what it is.
And when Dundalk were awful and people were still complaining about it that was... what?

[Dunny]

Buckley had a go at the pitch post match Friday


St Patrick’s Athletic boss Liam Buckley became the latest SSE Airtricity League manager to have a pop at the Oriel Park surface following Friday night’s 0-0 draw with Dundalk.A dogged 90 minutes saw both sides struggle to break each other down and, speaking afterwards, Buckley - who revealed that Keith Fahey turned down the chance to play because of the pitch - said the artificial surface was a big factor in the game ending scoreless.
“It is a hard-fought point, I think that a draw was probably a fair result over the 90 minutes. I don’t think either side did enough to win it but the pitch had a big part to play in it.
“It doesn’t help Dundalk,” he added. “They are a terrific footballing side and they do pass it well but that pitch just absolutely negates all that because you can’t judge it. It takes a bobble, it bounces over you and it just doesn’t help them and certainly didn’t help us. It took away from the game bearing in mind the quality of both teams.”
The scoreless draw was the first that Dundalk have been involved in since the opening day of the 2013 season.
“Dundalk have scored lots of goals and so have we but I think, again, the pitch didn’t help in general play,” said Buckley.
“We like to pass it and link it in but if you look through that 90 minutes I don’t think you will find a period where there was eight, nine, 10 passes before you get a chance.”

Stephen Kenny hit back-


Unsurprisingly, Lilywhites supremo Stephen Kenny hit back at Buckley’s claims. Shamrock Rovers boss Trevor Croly and former Derry City manager Roddy Collins were also outspoken about the pitch earlier in the season but Kenny said comments like that were disrespectful to his side.“It seems to be a weekly occurrence,” he said. “The pitch is certainly better than what it has been in recent years. We’ve spent €25,000 in the past year on maintenance, outside of the work that Harry Taaffe does day to day with his machines and it has passed rigorous UEFA tests.
“We have consistently played well here and people are saying it is the best football they have seen since a different era but we have played well on grass as well.
“People are trying to devalue us and point score a little bit by knocking the pitch but, listen, we’re not getting hung up about it. We don’t have self esteem issues. We’re grand.”

http://www.dundalkdemocrat.ie/sport/soccer/buckley-the-latest-to-criticise-the-pitch-1-6123826

[Charlie Darwin]

How is anyone devaluing Dundalk by criticising the pitch? They play terrific football regardless of the surface and have been roundly complimented by everybody and anybody for their style of play. If anything, it's a compliment to Dundalk that they can play such good football in spite of the pitch.

[Nah Nah Nah Nah]

A lot of it seems to be getting the excuse in early as Dundalk are too good for everybody these days.

I heard Seamus Conneely speaking on Ocean FM about how most of our squad hated it and sure enough we were tanked in the following games there. Sorry but you all need to be a bit tougher and deal with it mate. It is what it is.

He also said how Ross Gaynor thought the pitch was great as he had played on it lots on his time with Dundalk. Familiarity is certainly an advantage.

The Setanta Cup final showed the sort of the pitch teams need to strive to put out when Dundalk come to town

[Nesta99]

He also said how Ross Gaynor thought the pitch was great as he had played on it lots on his time with Dundalk. Familiarity is certainly an advantage.

The Setanta Cup final showed the sort of the pitch teams need to strive to put out when Dundalk come to town

It's called home advantage and why greater value is put on away goals in some competitions!