Dundalk V Cork

[Dunny]

The weather forecast for Friday in Dundalk isn't so bad actually. 12 degrees celsius with some rain and a light wind. What happened to all the talk of Ireland and Britain getting the blustery tail-end of Gonzalo this week? Was that just to be yesterday then?

Still overcast and wet here, the wind has calmed down a lot since yesterday though. But sure who cares :) wind, rain or shine it'll be a fantastic night.

[White Horse]

It's forecast to be showery with a light breeze.

Perfect conditions to allow both teams to play the ball on the deck.

[Straightstory]

How many do you think would go to this if there was no limit on the ground capacity? 10,000? 15,000? More? It's really like a cup final.

[Charlie Darwin]

It's forecast to be showery with a light breeze.

Perfect conditions to allow both teams to play the ball on the deck.
A bit of rain won't affect Cork too much as their players can walk on water.

[El-Pietro]

How many do you think would go to this if there was no limit on the ground capacity? 10,000? 15,000? More? It's really like a cup final.

We'd easily bring 2,000. More perhaps if there were tickets available.

[Dunny]

How many do you think would go to this if there was no limit on the ground capacity? 10,000? 15,000? More? It's really like a cup final.

I'd say it'd hit maybe 9,000 if both sets of fans had more allocation tbh but that's just opinion.

Cork would easily have 2000 or even more up for this.

[PartySaint]

Perfect conditions to allow both teams to play the ball on the deck.

You obviously haven't seen Cork play this season so..

[patrickccfc]

Perfect conditions to allow both teams to play the ball on the deck.


You obviously haven't seen Cork play this season so..

This made me laugh.. we have played a lot of hoof ball but it's proved to be effective with o Sullivan winning a ridiculous amount of headers

[Yossarian]

Just watched a report from Dundalk on the RTE news. Unbelievably they interviewed our infamous "supporter". How does he manage to get all this attention. I give up.

[Charlie Darwin]

Just watched a report from Dundalk on the RTE news. Unbelievably they interviewed our infamous "supporter". How does he manage to get all this attention. I give up.
Was in the Sun today too.

[El-Pietro]

hes probably happier with the attention than he would be if Dundalk won the thing

[patrickccfc]

I'd say there's a lot of people just dying for it to backfire on him and we win it

[Charlie Darwin]

I'd say there's a lot of people just dying for it to backfire on him and we win it
Never underestimate schadenfreude as a motivational tool.

[shefellover93]

Rebel Radio's Preview

http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/54291213

[geysir]

in the other great summer league (in Iceland) the team that was second all season long, played the leaders (who had led all season) in the final game and won in the 92nd minute of the game, the first time they headed the league table, in injury time of the final game.That proves beyond doubt that Cork would have been much better off if circumstances had them in 2nd place, ready to pounce and steal the title in the last game.

[Charlie Darwin]

in the other great summer league (in Iceland) the team that was second all season long, played the leaders (who had led all season) in the final game and won in the 92nd minute of the game, the first time they headed the league table, in injury time of the final game.That proves beyond doubt that Cork would have been much better off if circumstances had them in 2nd place, ready to pounce and steal the title in the last game.
Oh, that's not like you, geysir. Surely you mean "the only great summer league"?

[micls]

Amazing atmosphere down here before this game. Never seen this level of support from businesses and the general public for City. The green friday campaign has taken off. The city Hall was turbed green last night, UCC emailed all staff and students asking them to wear green on Friday and are having a photoshoot at the quad. Loads of businesses have said their employees will wear green and the echo and the radio stations are pushing it. Really is unprecedented for us. Loving it.

[Mr A]

Good to see the league promoting the game.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqrlvUi3tIc&feature=youtu.be

[redobit]

Still overcast and wet here, the wind has calmed down a lot since yesterday though. But sure who cares :) wind, rain or shine it'll be a fantastic night.

Funny enough I have seen Dundalk play twice in the wind and heavy rain (the Setanta cup final and Bray away last week). Didn't get good results in either. Bad weather would have to favour Cark.

[davidatrb]

Hope the weather doesn't play a part.

Anyway I think that Dundalk will shade it, home advantage and all. Plus they have most of the stats going in their favour. So I thought I would shamelessly plug my blog! I've had feedback that its too mathsy, so be warned.

http://fog2014.blogspot.ie/2014/10/football-is-excitement.html

http://fog2014.blogspot.ie/2014/10/the-fish-has-spoken-and-title-is.html

http://fog2014.blogspot.ie/2014/10/attack-vs-defense.html

http://fog2014.blogspot.ie/2014/10/cork-city-resilient-and-clinicically.html

[PartySaint]

Can't imagine what's going through the minds of Dundalk and Cork fans at the moment, sleepless night ahead I guess. Even longer day tomorrow. I would say enjoy the game but I know you won't be able to.

I hope it's a good game of football for what will be a capacity crowd and possibly the biggest ever tv audience for a league game in this country.

I really hope that Neil Doyle doesn't ruin the game.

[Charlie Darwin]

I really hope that Neil Doyle doesn't ruin the game.
Surely even he couldn't award a foul against Cork City?

[Pablo Escobar]

Surely even he couldn't award a foul against Cork City?
He has a lot of making up to do, that's for sure. Although the 2 points he stole from us against Bohs actually didn't matter in the end.

[GCdfc]

Can't imagine what's going through the minds of Dundalk and Cork fans at the moment, sleepless night ahead I guess.

I actually had a great sleep. Much better than normal. I was far more concerned before the Bray game. I think it's easier being in second place. The pressure is on the league leaders.

[Longfordian]

I actually had a great sleep. Much better than normal. I was far more concerned before the Bray game. I think it's easier being in second place. The pressure is on the league leaders.

I'm not sure the Cork players are reading this but good effort anyway

[patrickccfc]

I feel like a child at Christmas waking up today but my nerves are shot.. don't know how tonight is gona go it will be a close game I'd say very cagey at the start.. May the best team win

[micls]

Normally I'd agree with you, but for our lads, no matter what happens tonight it's been an amazing, better than expected season. We want to win the league, but bringing it to tonight was an incredible achievement in itself. I think, for your guys losing tonight would be seen as the greatest bottling in a long time so it's a different kind of pressure.

[GCdfc]

Match day information for anyone attending. Both sets of supporters should read it.
http://www.dundalkfc.com/matchday-information-cork/

[White Horse]

Idon't know how tonight is gona go it will be a close game I'd say very cagey at the start.

Dundalk won't be cagey, they will attack at a high tempo from the off, just like the previous game in Oriel Park. It's more difficult for Cork, playing for a draw introduces uncertainity.

[Mr A]

Some quality mind games here folks. Top notch.

[GCdfc]

I'm not playing mind games. Just stating that I was more nervous against Bray due to the weather. At least the match tonight will be played on a surface that will permit football regardless of any wind or rain.

It will always be in the back of the Cork players minds that they only need a draw.

[pineapple stu]

Good to see the league promoting the game.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqrlvUi3tIc&feature=youtu.be
That video annoys me. Start off with a dramatic intro (fair enough) - and then cut to someone sitting talking for a while. Then the first goal you show is a daisy cutter. No sense of how to build a sense of drama. Healy's overhead should be the first clip. Then Dundalk's goal in Dalymount.

Whole thing just seems well-intentioned but amateur. Conforming to every Premiership fan's stereotype unfortunately.

I think that's a (fairly small) opportunity missed.

[White Horse]

The new stand is looking the business.

Cork fans will be squeezed into a smaller area but will have a great view of it (if not the pitch).


http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h311/MarkJM/IMG_0592.jpg

[Real ale Madrid]

Dundalk battered us 4-0 up there earlier in the season, and if we are honest they destroyed us for long periods in the first half in Turners Cross - How it was not 3-0 to the Town at half time I’ll never know. Given that, and the fact that Dundalk once strung 136 passes together before scoring against Pats early in the season - it will be a minor miracle if Dundalk don't win at least 5-0 tonight - anything less than that and Kenny should get the sack.

Another issue is this thing about Cork City going the whole season without conceding a free kick. Now it’s been a hell of an effort so far, but surely with the title on the line tonight someone is going to have to make some sort of an effort at a tackle. Then the obvious anti-cork bias referees / linesmen and 4th official are going to start giving frees and cards against us - and lots. Let’s face it, they have been waiting all season for this.

Lastly, we won't be able to compete on this all-weather hockey pitch that ye play on. Dundalk have also refused to deny that there will be extra watering on the ends the Town will be attacking pre match and at half time - while Fans / Dryers are to be employed at the City end to stunt our attacking play. I’m all for the accentuation of home advantage – surely this is a step too far!

All in all any result will be a minor miracle for us - we are just happy to be still in with a chance.

All the pressure is on Dundalk.

[White Horse]

Dundalk battered us 4-0 up there earlier in the season, and if we are honest they destroyed us for long periods in the first half in Turners Cross - How it was not 3-0 to the Town at half time I’ll never know. Given that, and the fact that Dundalk once strung 136 passes together before scoring against Pats early in the season - it will be a minor miracle if Dundalk don't win at least 5-0 tonight - anything less than that and Kenny should get the sack.

Another issue is this thing about Cork City going the whole season without conceding a free kick. Now it’s been a hell of an effort so far, but surely with the title on the line tonight someone is going to have to make some sort of an effort at a tackle. Then the obvious anti-cork bias referees / linesmen and 4th official are going to start giving frees and cards against us - and lots. Let’s face it, they have been waiting all season for this.

Lastly, we won't be able to compete on this all-weather hockey pitch that ye play on. Dundalk have also refused to deny that there will be extra watering on the ends the Town will be attacking pre match and at half time - while Fans / Dryers are to be employed at the City end to stunt our attacking play. I’m all for the accentuation of home advantage – surely this is a step too far!

All in all any result will be a minor miracle for us - we are just happy to be still in with a chance.

All the pressure is on Dundalk.

Don't worry. We have left sick bags, immodium, and extra toilet rolls in the away changing room.

[DeLorean]

Why did the Dundalk players and management look disappointed after drawing with Bray when, in fact, it put all the pressure on Cork? Trying to choose between going for a win or a draw is clearly going to eat them alive.

If Cork had any sense they would have knocked the ball into their own net late on against Bohs... idiots... talk about putting needless pressure on yourself.

In all seriousness though, Cork needing a win in Dundalk would have been a massive ask. Conceding the first goal would have been almost fatal. Scoring the first goal would now would put them in a seriously strong position. In other words, I totally disagree with the MNS boys on Monday night, having a draw to fall back on is hugely beneficial for Cork City. Still a big ask though.

[eamoss]

I hope I am wrong in saying this but I think Cork will win the title.

Playing 50 odd games combined with the fact there has been a lot of pressure on Dundalk this season to do one better than last year has gotten to the players as even the fans (I've been a nervous wreck for months now because of it) feel it. I would also agree that all the pressure is on Dundalk tonight while Cork are like Dundalk last year and nothing is expected of them.

I can see tonight being a very scrappy affair being very similar to Dundalk V Sham Rovers were Dundalk started playing hoof ball and not playing it on the ground like we normally do.

Think tonight will end in a draw with maybe a red card near the end.

[Dillonman]

Can't imagine what's going through the minds of Dundalk and Cork fans at the moment, sleepless night ahead I guess. Even longer day tomorrow. I would say enjoy the game but I know you won't be able to.

I hope it's a good game of football for what will be a capacity crowd and possibly the biggest ever tv audience for a league game in this country.

I really hope that Neil Doyle doesn't ruin the game.

Basically everything you mentioned there I can tick off, sleepless night, and day is bloody dragging!

[BonnieShels]

I have a phone interview at 8pm and when it was arranged last night to accommodate the interviewer in Saskatchewan I nearly postponed it because of the match tonight. I'm even sick with worry at the prospect of what's about to transpire at Oriel. God knows how ye lot are.

HON DUNDALK!

[colonelwest]

Bit of cloud cover in Dundalk tonight it seems:

http://i.imgur.com/FTosbvm.png

[Nah Nah Nah Nah]

Typical Cork. Kicking anything that moves.

[ger121]

I'm guessing the empty seats in the temp stand are due to people who bought tickets for there,standing in other parts of the ground?

[Real ale Madrid]

Time for a half time vomit.

[Calcio Jack]

Congrats to Dundalk ,fair play to Mr Kenny and great to see O'Donnell come back in such style

[wonder88]

Well done Dundalk and the Galway lads there. Stephen Kenny best manager in the league without doubt.

[DannyInvincible]

I'm guessing the empty seats in the temp stand are due to people who bought tickets for there,standing in other parts of the ground?

Aye, it would have to be the case. The standing areas looked jam-packed.

[Charlie Darwin]

Aye, it would have to be the case. The standing areas looked jam-packed.
A few hundred Cork fans bought tickets for the Dundalk stand but were told to go to the away end, which presumably freed up more room in the stand so the temp stand wasn't full.

Haven't seen the match yet (my recording didn't work) but congratulations to Dundalk on what sounds like a deserved win, and a deserved title overall. I fancied Cork to dig in and get the result on the night, but not surprised Dundalk did the treble over them in the end.

[Dunny]

To PartySaint and all the rest.I guess it's ok to play this now?With Love from Mickey Duffy.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04854XqcfCY

[Charlie Darwin]

To PartySaint and all the rest.I guess it's ok to play this now?With Love from Mickey Duffy.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04854XqcfCY
Not out celebrating? Barstooler!

[Dunny]

Not out celebrating? Barstooler!
Party hard later.Long,long,longggg weekend ahead.
Thats the price you pay for success i suppose!