Games 31 August

[patrickccfc]

On a side note - Cork passed up on their second successive opportunity to secure 2019 European qualification last night.

A win over St Pats last week would have done the trick or even a draw last night would have secured it. It could be finally achieved by getting a point or more away to Bohs in the next league match or by other results that weekend getting them across the line.

You're making European qualification sound like when we were trying to wrap up the title last year

[sbgawa]

It must be difficult for Rovers supporters younger than 35 years old - having to get their kicks from the sepia tinted history books

3 league titles in three decades and no FAI Cups in over 30 years paints a picture of a massively under performing club.

The obsession with rovers as usual. If we had just won
The league I wouldn't be on here banging on about dundalk. Insecurity ....this is what it must feel like being a man u fan with all the ABU heads.
Roll on next season. This season is done.
Limerick in the playoff match is about the height of it for excitemwnt

[CorribsideSteve]

We just kept lumping balls up the pitch we just had no plan b.



Cork in a nutshell under Caulfield.

[sidewayspasser]

On a side note - Cork passed up on their second successive opportunity to secure 2019 European qualification last night.

A win over St Pats last week would have done the trick or even a draw last night would have secured it. It could be finally achieved by getting a point or more away to Bohs in the next league match or by other results that weekend getting them across the line.
City have actually secured Europe for next year, as Waterford have lost. But that doesn't really make me feel better about the result last night.

[nigel-harps1954]

What's the feeling up in Ballybofey? Any of you feel you still have a fighting chance?

The league is as good as UCDs now. A win for Harps in Belfield will make things very interesting going into the final week, but it'd take a monumental f*ck up from UCD to lose it now.

[Poor Student]

The league is as good as UCDs now. A win for Harps in Belfield will make things very interesting going into the final week, but it'd take a monumental f*ck up from UCD to lose it now.

Reckon many are coming up for the game in Belfield?

[legendz]

The signs were there very early in the season that Dundalk were going to win the league. Well done and fully deserved.

[Ezeikial]

You're making European qualification sound like when we were trying to wrap up the title last year

Well I suppose now that you mention it, there are some similarities. Both were a given from an early stage, but Cork were unable to take several opportunities to wrap it up.

I can't imagine anyone doubting that Cork will qualify for Europe - although it is not impossible for Cork to lose the next two league games (away to Bohs and home to Dundalk) and maybe have to wait for the October visit to Rovers to seek the necessary point. More likely is that Rovers will show their customary inconsistency and drops points before that.

Clearly it's a given, is only a question of when

[sidewayspasser]

I can't imagine anyone doubting that Cork will qualify for Europe
You didn't read my post, did you? City have secured Europe because Waterford, who are now in fourth place, can't catch us any more.

[Ezeikial]

The obsession with rovers as usual. If we had just won
The league I wouldn't be on here banging on about dundalk. Insecurity ....this is what it must feel like being a man u fan with all the ABU heads.
Roll on next season. This season is done.
Limerick in the playoff match is about the height of it for excitemwnt

Lift your head there sbgawa, I was mocking a Hoops supporter who was bragging about league wins over 30 years ago, possibly even before his lifetime. Living in the past is a difficult place

The league is not yet won and the season is far from over for those in the hunt for a major trophy - even if that does not apply to Shamrock Rovers it does apply to nearly half the senior clubs: Dundalk, Cork, Derry, Cobh, UCD, Waterford, Limerick, Longford and Bohs.

If the Shamrock Rovers team also follow you lead and regard the season as done, they could get a reality check as European qualification is not yet secured

[Ezeikial]

City have actually secured Europe for next year, as Waterford have lost. But that doesn't really make me feel better about the result last night.


You didn't read my post, did you? City have secured Europe because Waterford, who are now in fourth place, can't catch us any more.

Apologies. My bad - you are correct. St Pats beating Waterford last night have propelled Cork into Europe.

I suppose that takes the pressure off, and Cork can play "have a go" football for the remaining 6 league games?

[nigel-harps1954]

Reckon many are coming up for the game in Belfield?

If UCD had lost last night, I'd say you'd have had 200 or 300 going down easy, but with that result, I'm not so sure. Still likely to be about 100 or so anyway I'd imagine.

[TonyD]

Good win for Pats last night. First half was fairly even and Waterford forced Brendan Clarke into a couple of good saves. We deserved the win on the second half performance though. Lee Desmond imperious again, player of the Season for me. He dealt with Akinade superbly last night.

We've been a mixed bag this year. Good enough to stay out of trouble, but not good enough to bother the top end. Lots of Pats fans want Bucko out, but I'm not sure. Sometimes you have to be careful what you wish for. Pity we went out of the cup last week. That could have put a gloss on the season.

[RathfarnhamHoop]

Lift your head there sbgawa, I was mocking a Hoops supporter who was bragging about league wins over 30 years ago, possibly even before his lifetime. Living in the past is a difficult place

The league is not yet won and the season is far from over for those in the hunt for a major trophy - even if that does not apply to Shamrock Rovers it does apply to nearly half the senior clubs: Dundalk, Cork, Derry, Cobh, UCD, Waterford, Limerick, Longford and Bohs.

If the Shamrock Rovers team also follow you lead and regard the season as done, they could get a reality check as European qualification is not yet secured

Would love to know who you were mocking and who was bragging as your reply was to me and I was simply pointing out that boastful statements about the 4 in a row have in fact aged quite well considering its still a record over 30 years later, as you quite rightly pointed out that is quite a while ago so it's impressive that it still stands.

Who's living in the past? Are you not allowed to acknowledge history if you weren't there to see it?

You point out the lack of trophies the last 30 years, and yes that's a point, but what's also a point is in that time Rovers have had everything taken from them and had to rebuild through legal and financial battles and have gone from nothing to the best ground and training ground in the league and continued to make history both in Europe and domestically by being the first club in the group stages and extending their lead in the rankings of most league titles.

And we've done all that without our fans giving a flying **** about what Dundalk are doing, that's something you certainly can't say. Get a new hobby mate, majority of your posts here are about Rovers, that's pretty sad.

[Ezeikial]

Would love to know who you were mocking and who was bragging as your reply was to me and I was simply pointing out that boastful statements about the 4 in a row have in fact aged quite well considering its still a record over 30 years later, as you quite rightly pointed out that is quite a while ago so it's impressive that it still stands.


Can you not figure out that I was mocking you and Placid Casual because of the boastful statements about achievements that happened before your time?

I understand that there has been precious little to celebrate or boast about in the last 30 years, so maybe I should cut you guys some slack




Who's living in the past? Are you not allowed to acknowledge history if you weren't there to see it?



If you really want to, you could also acquaint yourself with the Rovers teams of the 1920's and 1930's who won 12 league and cups in that period - there's plenty of scope there for living in the past





You point out the lack of trophies the last 30 years, and yes that's a point, but what's also a point is in that time Rovers have had everything taken from them and had to rebuild through legal and financial battles and have gone from nothing to the best ground and training ground in the league and continued to make history both in Europe and domestically by being the first club in the group stages and extending their lead in the rankings of most league titles.


If you actually believe that Rovers "had everything taken from them" you may a wonderfully well-developed victim mentality - really, it's hard to know whether to laugh or cry.

[sbgawa]

Your on going obsession with all things rovers says more about you than anyone on this site ever could.
Sad

[Ezeikial]

Your on going obsession with all things rovers says more about you than anyone on this site ever could.
Sad

You guys are like a tag team.

You post. I respond to your comments and the next Rovers guy jumps in with the "obsession" line. Then the cycle starts all over again.

[Calcio Jack]

You guys are like a tag team.

You post. I respond to your comments and the next Rovers guy jumps in with the "obsession" line. Then the cycle starts all over again.

A bit like when a bell rings and a dog comes running and then it rings again and the dog comes running and so on and on and the beauty of it is that the dog doesn’t know it’s being manipulated by its master....

[mcgonigle]

A bit like when a bell rings and a dog comes running and then it rings again and the dog comes running and so on and on and the beauty of it is that the dog doesn’t know it’s being manipulated by its master....

Spot on and there's no better at it than Stephen Bradley. Wins a few games, you boys flock to this forum full of bravado and hope. Then he does his thing and you disappear with the realisation that once again your once big club is an also ran. Only to win away to the best team in the country giving you your highlight of the season and low and behold here ya's all are. Next year is your year 😂

[sbgawa]

When we are back on top I hope we aren't as condescending and bitter as you boys. I guess we will see

[mcgonigle]

When we are back on top I hope we aren't as condescending and bitter as you boys. I guess we will see

See that's the hilarious thing you and your kin are exactly like that right now and you've nothing to shout about. Just look at the thread after Tuesday's game and twitter was even worse. One good result and you all come crawling out of the woodwork being as condescending and obnoxious as ever despite the 24 point gap. I think that's your answer

[Longfordian]

McGlade for Ireland lads. Reminds me of Paddy McCourt in his pomp.

[Ezeikial]

When we are back on top I hope we aren't as condescending and bitter as you boys. I guess we will see

Bitterness over Rovers smash and grab win on Tuesday? Not a bit of it from me - you may remember I gave Rovers credit for the achievement

While I see no bitterness towards Rovers in the recent posts exchanged here, there maybe a bit of pity and plenty of mocking for the delusions that seem to be a perpetual feature among Rovers fans over the last number of years

Of course Rovers will come good again at some point in the future - maybe the cup specialists will win another cup before another 30 years have passed. Who knows when it will happen.

Heres a reminder of the consistent under-performing of your team over recent seasons showing average points per league match and win percentage -



2012
1.73
46.7%


2013
1.58
39.4%


2014
1.88
54.5%


2015
1.97
54.5%


2016
1.67
48.5%


2017
1.64
51.5%


2018*
1.63
46.7%



To put this into perspective the league winner in those years have typically got 2.2 - 2.3 points per match an a win rate of 67% to 75%. Currently in 2018 Dundalk are on 2.43 points per match and a win rate of 76.7%

This gives a glimpse of the improvement needed - do you really think that a Stephen Bradley led Rovers is going to deliver this next season?

[sbgawa]

Thanks for the time and effort taken producing such a long post proving your ridiculous obsession. When I go to the same trouble 're dundalk I'll realise I've turned into an obsessive nutter

[Ezeikial]

Thanks for the time and effort taken producing such a long post proving your ridiculous obsession. When I go to the same trouble 're dundalk I'll realise I've turned into an obsessive nutter

Your needle is stuck - You're obsessed with obsession and as usual won't engage in discussing any of the issues raised

If you have anything to back up your optimism about being "back on top" in the near future under Bradley, other than delusion and blind hope, I'd love to hear it.

[sbgawa]

The league is cyclical 10 years ago you were shaking buckets as have plenty of us. It's just a question of time or do you think dfc will be on top forever...
We were 44 points behind bohs in 2008 and only 4 in 2009 a far bigger gap. You should try to keep a bit of perspective and stop being so endlessly negative about your favourite subject ..It's beyond boring .

[Charlie Darwin]

Good win in Bray which makes the non-performance against Bohs all the more baffling. Consistency has been awful since Kenny came in six years ago and nobody seems to heva figured out why as we've had good and bad squads since.

Anyway, I know neither division is wrapped up yet, but the two best sides look to be wrapping up their titles. If Dundalk hadn't had such a mixed start they'd have pulled away sooner I think, and UCD are just a Premier side in the wrong division. Well done to both coaches - the Premier will be better with UCD in it instead of Bray.

[redarmyfaction]

My word Zeke would fight with his own toes, while much of what he says is true, no man it's a prophet in his own country and while his message is true it might not bear such constant repetition, even if Shamrock are guilty of drinking their own bathwater betimes. I see a claim further up the page apropos Shamrocks facilities, that they clawed themselves from nothing to having the best in the league. As far as I am aware Shamrock are tenants of SDCC and RSC and while nobody can deny the success of Shamrock 1.0, Shamrock 2.0 have not reproduced that and they rely on the kindness of strangers for both ground and training facilities.

[Ezeikial]

My word Zeke would fight with his own toes, while much of what he says is true, no man it's a prophet in his own country and while his message is true it might not bear such constant repetition, even if Shamrock are guilty of drinking their own bathwater betimes.

Fair comment

I resolve to argue less in the future (I might even ignore some/most of Bradsers delusional comments)

[placid casual]

Jesus, what did I start there 😗.
Couple of things, zukini.
I was alive and well to witness the 4 in a row team, I even remember the Giles team before who were a bit $hit.
My point was that if dalk had not given Maguire to cork then it is Dundalk who would have win 4 in a row and thus rightly seen as one of the greatest league of Ireland teams if all time.
Simples.

[Philosophizer]

McGlade for Ireland lads. Reminds me of Paddy McCourt in his pomp.
He's a lovely player to watch all right. I saw him a few years ago absolutely running a muck for Shels against Cobh in Tolka. It was my first time seeing him and couldn't believe how such a talent was stuck in the 1st Division. He was snapped up by Pats the following season and I thought it was a great move for him with the way Buckley plays. I genuinely thought he'd be a star in the premier division but he never really could get a game. Maybe the step up to the premier is too big for him.

[Longfordian]

I’d say he’d do better now. He’s added an end product in terms of goals and assists, I think he’s scored 15+ now, and he isn’t trying to beat players twice (well not all the time). He’s improved so much this year under Fenn, he’s almost unstoppable at the moment. I genuinely don’t remember the last player we had that was just so entertaining to watch.

[Martinho II]

I’d say he’d do better now. He’s added an end product in terms of goals and assists, I think he’s scored 15+ now, and he isn’t trying to beat players twice (well not all the time). He’s improved so much this year under Fenn, he’s almost unstoppable at the moment. I genuinely don’t remember the last player we had that was just so entertaining to watch.

Eric Lavine for me !

[seand]

*adds McGlade to the teamsheet for Dundalk's 2019 Leinster Senior Cup matches*

[sbgawa]

I’d say he’d do better now. He’s added an end product in terms of goals and assists, I think he’s scored 15+ now, and he isn’t trying to beat players twice (well not all the time). He’s improved so much this year under Fenn, he’s almost unstoppable at the moment. I genuinely don’t remember the last player we had that was just so entertaining to watch.

saw him playing against Cabo looked excellent on what was a difficult night and poor pitch, you need to get into the play offs and get promotion this year if you are going to keep him.

[nigel-harps1954]

McGlade has been in serious form for Longford over the second half of the season. He was superb in Finn Park when they beat us 4-2. Only McGlade and Georgie Kelly have really done damage to a Harps defence that have kept 14 clean sheets this season in the league. I don't think Longford would be in the playoff mix at all without him.

[total hoofball]

I think McGlade was around 19 when he was at Shels, bucketloads of natural skill but very frustrating at that time, regularly over did the tricks and flicks and while getting pushed off the ball too easily.

That move to Pats was always far too soon for him and set him back but it looks like Fenn's style and system has enabled him to mature and flourish this season. I'll be surprised if he's not back playing in the Premier Division next season

[Longfordian]

Agree with you lads above, he should be in the Premier next year with or without us.

[outspoken]

Agree with you lads above, he should be in the Premier next year with or without us.

Fenn was on Between the Stripes LOI podcast last night and admitted the only way Longford keep Dylan is through promotion and even then hel have to decide if he wants to go to another prem club and not play every week or stay and develop with us where he is clearly enjoying his football. Great chats with Collie O’Neill, Stephen O’Donnell and Waterford fan Paul Elliott on last nights show for anyone who might like to catch it. SOUNDCLOUD:* https://goo.gl/YbwLg8
ITUNES: https://goo.gl/bisHo7
AUDIOBOOM:*https://goo.gl/fS4Gwv