Easter fixtures

[oriel]

Might be only 11 games in, but this genuinely is what Monday is. A lot have had enough with what has gone on so far this season, and another defeat here will really set alarm bells ringing. There seems to be no fight from the players. Have they tired of the tactics deployed from JC? Some tired of being played out of position? Players will always come out and say they are happy to play anywhere as long as they are playing, I'm not so sure about that.

In 2017, we were 18 points clear at the summer break. We now find ourselves 20 points off top spot in 2019 after just 11 games. Although we finished second and runners up in the cup last year, the decline has been ongoing since Maguire left and it has certainly escalated this year.

We were talking about this on Friday night at the game, also think Cork went 21 points clear that season at one point, maybe with a game or two more played, but you definitely went into very poor form from around end of July that season, lost a good few games also.

[HarpoJoyce]

By "accurate", you mean "wrong", yeah?

No. I'm pleased the distribution of the info works. You "heard" the information on @UCDFans twitter, you came to foot.ie and got the same named sourced information in reply. (I want to thank other foot.ie posters again for providing that info to you). Providing changing information through Friday allowed UCD Fans to keep coming forward towards the fixture. It's the beauty of the Supporter Liaison Officer system (SLO, Sleeps with the Light On) that information is shared between clubs and common, specific queries can be answered either generally through shared media or individually. Providing accurate information in a timely manner gives football followers peace of mind.

The information you got from @UCDFANS twitter a/c was accurate throughout Friday.

[HarpoJoyce]

Mon 22nd April UCD AFC v Dundalk, The UCD Bowl ko 15:00
Two fast paced attacking sides, show both the best and the future of Irish Football. All Fans are welcome to this game and enjoy some great football at The UCD Bowl.
The Students put it up to The Lilywhites in February and the same is expected this afternoon.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzAyNrx1_Wo

[RathfarnhamHoop]

The only league in the world that it would be acceptable not to have a game on TV today

[sbgawa]

ucd v dundalk is about 2km from RTE, and would be a good game of footy.
Will be showing a 20 year old movie , the patent trap instead :(

[joey B]

UCD 1-1Dundalk at half time,apparently ref blew the whistle just as a volley from Duffy hit the net,Dundalk not happy!

[pineapple stu]

Clive Thomas reffing in the Bowl it seems. Ruled out a Dundalk goal from a corner as it was half-time. (Probably fair actually; we got a header clear and he blew up as it was gone beyond time, but Dundalk volleyed in from 25 yards)

[Nesta99]

UCD 1-1Dundalk at half time,apparently ref blew the whistle just as a volley from Duffy hit the net,Dundalk not happy!

Keeper made no effort to try and stop it so who knows if it would have gone in. It would have rankled either way with the players. Good enough game, UCD goal against the run of play. Pitch which is in poor condidtion nearly conspired to put UCD behind after 3 or 4 minutes with a serious bobble and an airkick.

[pineapple stu]

Keeper made no effort to try and stop it so who knows if it would have gone in. It would have rankled either way with the players. Good enough game, UCD goal against the run of play. Pitch which is in poor condidtion nearly conspired to put UCD behind after 3 or 4 minutes with a serious bobble and an airkick.
Yeah, agree.

Frustrating to lose again after again taking the lead against Dundalk. That's 0/21 for us now against the clear top 4, and 0/15 from away games (which has included all the top 4). Still think we can get up to maybe sixth if we can get a run of form going, but obviously those two stats have to change.

[RathfarnhamHoop]

Went down to the UCD game. Thought it was a decent enough game but pitch didn't help, though I believe rugby is over now so it should improve. Thought the penalty was very soft but I'd need to see it again to be sure either way. Duffy took his goal well, thought his touch was just too strong for a second but he just got there. Nice to see a good crowd in too. The Dundalk goal that wasn't is one of those things where ref blew up as ball was cleared, UCD players stopped, Dundalk put it in the net, a lose lose situation once the ball hit the net for him, think that rule needs looking at though, similar happened to Rovers on Friday when we had a corner, took it short and the ref blew up and it's very infuriating when it's your team but in fairness its hard for a ref to judge.

[El-Pietro]

That was one of the worst games of football I have ever seen. Two teams who didnt look like they knew how to do even the basic things. It was entertaining in terms of how many basic mistakes and errors both teams made. Have to think confidence is completely shattered for City.

[Nesta99]

Agree on the Duffy goal, I thought he had taken it too wide but managed to wrap the foot around it and put it away. It was a peno imo, clumsy from the fullback but it was one of those when contact is felt the player goes over so arguably soft in that regard. The UCD players did stop playing, the whistle had gone so no argument there at all. Maybe a rule should be introduced that the ball should go dead before the half/game can be ended ended. The only time that it is particularly rankles for me in these incidents is when the ref indicates that there is time to play and then blows the whistle. Ive seen it a few times when a side does take a short corner or free rather than going direct based on the ref saying that there was a bit of time left.

It would have been a good 3 points for Derry away at the RSC. It will be interesting to see the peno that salvaged a point for Waterford. Cork are seriously struggling for goals but for Sligo it was a good point on the road. I really thought Harps would be a handful at home but it a pity to see them cut adrift so early in the season. Pats have now won 3 and drawn 1 of their last 5 games including a win and a draw at 2 clubs that have been dominant over the last 5 season so Im not so sure why there are a few Pats fans so disillusioned, a bit inconsistant I suppose but a new manager and changes to the squad it wouldnt be unusual for early season form to be patchy!?

[pineapple stu]

Yeah, thought it was a definite penalty. Thought Hoban was rightly booked for diving in the second half too (there was air between him and Kearns).

I presume with the corner, the ref said/decided that Dundalk had one go to score from here because the one minute of injury time was up. We cleared - so he blew up for half-time. But we didn't actually clear very well - the header was more up than out - and it landed nicely for whoever it was who blasted home.

But the whistle had gone when we headed up, so as you say, there's no argument at all about the ref's actions in disallowing the goal. I don't think there's a need to introduce a "Ball going dead" rule around half-time - though I think somewhere I saw it mooted. Again, I don't know if the ref said anything to either team at the corner, but if he indicated it was score this or it's immediately half-time, then everything's quite clear and there's no need for rule changes - more than maybe some fans need to understand them better.

[Nesta99]

That was one of the worst games of football I have ever seen. Two teams who didnt look like they knew how to do even the basic things. It was entertaining in terms of how many basic mistakes and errors both teams made. Have to think confidence is completely shattered for City.

You'd have to be concerned if a Cork fan. Bar a late equaliser in the RSC and a gap would have started to appear from the relegation play-off spot. A difficult trip to the Brandywell and Sligo playing Harps Friday and something might have to give at Turner Cross. The drop off from pushing for the title and a cup final to potentially sitting 3rd bottom is quite startling for Cork. If UCD were to surprise Pats too? How could Caulfield hang on with confidence shredded and in a relegaton spot. I think Cork have enough about them not to be in a relegation battle but it is not looking too good for JC and the lift a change of manager can bring is what looks to be needed!

[pineapple stu]

I'm not sure it'd be a surprise if we beat Pat's.

Not saying I expect it to happen, but we've been playing very well lately and just not getting results. But now we've Derry/Bohs/Dundalk in a row out of the way, I would hope to see us start getting a few results against the non-top-four. There's a gap between the top four and the rest from what I've seen (though points-wise it's only three points)

I expected Cork to drop away a bit this year, but not this much. Saw somewhere that they've only got one player who's scored from open play this season? That's mad stuff.

[Nesta99]

Yeah, thought it was a definite penalty. Thought Hoban was rightly booked for diving in the second half too (there was air between him and Kearns).

He has to keep top of the goal scoring charts somehow as he isnt so prolific from open play at the moment lol. Yeah, rule change is probably not necessary if a bit of improvement in communication between ref and players would suffice. Im sure it would all be discussed with a different air among Dundalk fans if points had been dropped;)

I was basing my 'surprise' win for UCD purely on the league table positions. It's certainly well withing UCD to win. From what i've seen from back to the cup semi final and this season UCD are a handy side and with a touch of luck and a less intense fixture list would be higher up the table.

[joey B]

A record breaking evening for Harps,we lost for the 10th league game in a row,Pats turned up were professional,miles better than us and sauntered to 3 points,I honestly only go now out of duty but its wearing thin.......

[placid casual]

logged onto livescore to get the details of tonight's games, and when i saw 3:1 to Dundalk i wondered how many of those dundalk goals were penalties.
sure enough their 1st goal was a peno. I've no idea if it was a soft or fair peno but boy oh boy do dundalk know how to manage the "dark arts" of football.
They seem to be awarded a penalty every single week, without fail .
something for Rovers to work on there methinks.

cork are poison, surely JC has to go?

[pineapple stu]

Fair dues to RTÉ having the goals already

But it does look like Doyle actually got the ball and knocked it out for a corner. Not sure if it was a peno now.

[ToberonaTornado]

logged onto livescore to get the details of tonight's games, and when i saw 3:1 to Dundalk i wondered how many of those dundalk goals were penalties.
sure enough their 1st goal was a peno. I've no idea if it was a soft or fair peno but boy oh boy do dundalk know how to manage the "dark arts" of football.
They seem to be awarded a penalty every single week, without fail .
something for Rovers to work on there methinks.

cork are poison, surely JC has to go?
https://twitter.com/jamesdundalk/status/1120332280424206336


That was Dundalk’s sixth penalty in 11 and a bit matches so far this season … The Lilywhites only got 7 in 36 league games last season, 3 in 2017 and 2 in 2016.

[oriel]

Went down to the UCD game. Thought it was a decent enough game but pitch didn't help, though I believe rugby is over now so it should improve. Thought the penalty was very soft but I'd need to see it again to be sure either way. Duffy took his goal well, thought his touch was just too strong for a second but he just got there. Nice to see a good crowd in too. The Dundalk goal that wasn't is one of those things where ref blew up as ball was cleared, UCD players stopped, Dundalk put it in the net, a lose lose situation once the ball hit the net for him, think that rule needs looking at though, similar happened to Rovers on Friday when we had a corner, took it short and the ref blew up and it's very infuriating when it's your team but in fairness its hard for a ref to judge.

You're getting fond of these trips RH. Didn't you also go the UCD v Cork game last week ?

[oriel]

That was one of the worst games of football I have ever seen. Two teams who didnt look like they knew how to do even the basic things. It was entertaining in terms of how many basic mistakes and errors both teams made. Have to think confidence is completely shattered for City.

Heard this from a few other Cork fans online. I've yet to watch Soccer Rep but Id say the reaction at FT was quite obvious from the fans?

So where do you think it will go from here, plod along and hope for a change of fortunes or just accept its going to be a transition year and stick with JC ?

[RathfarnhamHoop]

You're getting fond of these trips RH. Didn't you also go the UCD v Cork game last week ?
I was there but don't think I said that on here? Following me are we Oriel?;)

What can I say, UCD is just a really pleasant place to watch some good football when Rovers aren't playing and it's not far from my gaff so easy to just hop down there for a game.

[TonyD]

Went down to the UCD game. Thought it was a decent enough game but pitch didn't help, though I believe rugby is over now so it should improve.

The pitch at Belfield looked shocking on Soccer Republic. Dry and bumpy with the grass too long. Worst I've seen in quite a while.

Two decent wins for us In a row, so hopefully we can carry that on against UCD on Friday. I don't expect it to be easy though. We were very poor against Derry last Monday (who are having a fine season it has to be acknowledged) so I take nothing for granted. Need to win these games though.

[HarpoJoyce]

You're getting fond of these trips RH. Didn't you also go the UCD v Cork game last week



What can I say, UCD is just a really pleasant place to watch some good football when Rovers aren't playing and it's not far from my gaff so easy to just hop down there for a game.

Thanks to everyone for coming to The UCD Bowl in recent weeks. Delighted people had a positive experience.
We are an FC ourselves but Bank Holiday Mondays will attract diversity and that's welcome.

Anybody is welcome to The UCD Bowl 'specially with mid-table so tight.

[Nah Nah Nah Nah]

That was one of the worst games of football I have ever seen. Two teams who didnt look like they knew how to do even the basic things. It was entertaining in terms of how many basic mistakes and errors both teams made. Have to think confidence is completely shattered for City.

I've seen a lot worse! First half was awful but thought it picked up somewhat in the second half. We're just toothless up front. Hopefully if we can get Ronan Murray going and Parkes fit that might change. Cork a shadow of the team they were.

Small crowd as well by Cork standards. If crowds keep dipping then it might make the decision on Caulfield.

[nigel-harps1954]

Thought Pats were poor enough to be honest. We had chances, but couldn't score in a whore house at the minute. Caolan McAleer hit the bar after about 15 or 20 minutes, and that's as good as it got for us.

As Joey said above though, Pats done a professional job. They'll surely improve as the season goes on. They've a long way to go yet though. Vulnerable at the back, and seems a lack of communication across the park. Forrester looks a shadow of the player that left the league a couple of years ago. Drennan looks to have added about 2 or 3 stone in weight from even last season.

[Nesta99]

logged onto livescore to get the details of tonight's games, and when i saw 3:1 to Dundalk i wondered how many of those dundalk goals were penalties.
sure enough their 1st goal was a peno. I've no idea if it was a soft or fair peno but boy oh boy do dundalk know how to manage the "dark arts" of football.
They seem to be awarded a penalty every single week, without fail .
something for Rovers to work on there methinks.

cork are poison, surely JC has to go?

Vinny Perth was well schooled at Rovers under Pat Scully(?) and has passed on the dark arts. Tbh I think it is the experience gained from playing in Europe. BATE were one of the most cynical sides Ive ever seen, the difference in us between the first year we played them and the following year we knocked them out was very evident. Penalties awarded this season havent been that contentious until the 'in, at, near' the box decision v Bohs. I thought todays penalty was awarded for the defender clipping the ankles from behind rather than by the player knocking the ball out for a corner. Will have to watch Soccer Republic to see it again. It is a bit mad that Hoban is the leagues top scorer yet has only one from open play. Now that its mentioned PC you can bet that there will be a contentious peno decision Froday night lol

Actually here is an example of where the dark arts could have worked. Ronan Coughlins run in to the box at about 25 seconds in, the way the Cork defender had is arm across, looked like he was pulling the the arm back and then over the should too - another player might have gone to ground and given the ref a decision to make. A penalty could well have been given if Coughlin had been 'cute' about it!
https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2019/0422/1045000-cork-drought-continues-with-sligo-stalemate/

[PartySaint]

Thought Pats were poor enough to be honest. We had chances, but couldn't score in a whore house at the minute. Caolan McAleer hit the bar after about 15 or 20 minutes, and that's as good as it got for us.

As Joey said above though, Pats done a professional job. They'll surely improve as the season goes on. They've a long way to go yet though. Vulnerable at the back, and seems a lack of communication across the park. Forrester looks a shadow of the player that left the league a couple of years ago. Drennan looks to have added about 2 or 3 stone in weight from even last season.


I'm not too sure about us being vulnerable at the back, we've only conceded 10 goals so far this season, our problem is going forward where we just hoof the balls into the corner and hope for the best.

2 wins on the bounce but they were against the 2 worst teams in the league. I fully expect UCD to beat us on Friday.

[sbgawa]

I think the Saints Lads are goig to have to go on a positive thinking course

[Ezeikial]

I think the Saints Lads are goig to have to go on a positive thinking course

Therein lies the problem. They overdosed in preseason optimism.

[Ezeikial]

Best quip I heard yesterday was when a UCD supporter (probably players father) shouted "work Yoyo work" and immediate response came " no, study Yoyo study"

[mcgonigle]

logged onto livescore to get the details of tonight's games, and when i saw 3:1 to Dundalk i wondered how many of those dundalk goals were penalties.
sure enough their 1st goal was a peno. I've no idea if it was a soft or fair peno but boy oh boy do dundalk know how to manage the "dark arts" of football.
They seem to be awarded a penalty every single week, without fail .
something for Rovers to work on there methinks.


And yet the one late on in Tallaght was the most obvious and we didn't get it, the dark arts of the homer ref. Just as marinobohs about those lads!

Let's hope we get the softest peno ever seen to win on Friday, keep this forum busy for the weekend.

[placid casual]

On the flip side, if Rovers win tonight & Friday, this forum will be like a ghost town

[sbgawa]

I am determined to celebrate being top of the league on Friday evening going home even if we have lost to both Bohs and Dundalk.
Compared to where we were a year ago and the potential in the team im in a happy place.

I wish the games were the other way around, can't help feeling that a 100 miles an hour derby tonight (especially if we lose) is brutal preparation for Dundalk on Friday.
Anyway hoping to be able to keep this balanced perspective , will probably last until 8:01 tonight :)

[mcgonigle]

On the flip side, if Rovers win tonight & Friday, this forum will be like a ghost town

Like Tallaght stadium the last few seasons

[Kingswood Rover]

Like Tallaght stadium the last few seasons

Wow i thought the amount of people turning up at Tallaght week on week to watch pretty dire stuff at times tbh oin the last few season was very similar to the amount of people turning up to watch the champagne stuff in Oriel.

[PartySaint]

Therein lies the problem. They overdosed in preseason optimism.

It's nothing to do with that, if we were playing decent football and had a gameplan we'd be happy enough at the moment but it's just hoofball and hope we can somehow get a result. It might work against Harps and Sligo but everyone else are probably better than us.

[RathfarnhamHoop]

Like Tallaght stadium the last few seasons

Rovers had a higher average attendance than Dundalk last season at least

[dundalkfc10]

Rovers had a higher average attendance than Dundalk last season at least

I would hope so considering Tallaght has over twice the population of Dundalk.

[blueblood]

Anybody know how to get a Trackchamp stream for tonight's game

[RathfarnhamHoop]

Go to vipbox, they'll probably have the eir feed. Just use an ad blocker

[blueblood]

Go to vipbox, they'll probably have the eir feed. Just use an ad blocker
Good stuff, thanks

[joey B]

Anybody know how to get a Trackchamp stream for tonight's game

You can watch Eirsport on an app called Mobdro,pretty illegal but hey what the hell!!

[Nesta99]

Rovers had a higher average attendance than Dundalk last season at least


I would hope so considering Tallaght has over twice the population of Dundalk.

I'm all for whipping things up before tonight and Friday but can we not have a p!ssing match on attendances, relative catchment areas et al again!! mcgonigle got that bite far to easily...

[blueblood]

You can watch Eirsport on an app called Mobdro,pretty illegal but hey what the hell!!

Oh OK thanks for that, I have mobdro I didn't realise eir was on it

[Nah Nah Nah Nah]

Great crowd there

[redarmyfaction]

I can watch it on my Kodi

[DFCForever]

I don't for the life of me understand why Rovers persist with playing Clarke at left-back. He's so much more effective on the wing it's untrue.

[CorribsideSteve]

Absolute disaster for rovers, what was grace at, at all. 9 men, 1 nil down. yet another defeat to Bohs on the cards. Mannus injured. Implosion.