Weekend games 2nd to the 4th April

[sbgawa]

Premier Division

Friday 2nd

Longford Town v Sligo 17:45
Shamrock Rovers v Dundalk 19:45

Saturday 3rd (All 18:00)

Bohs v St Pats
Drogheda v Finn Harps
Derry v Waterford

First Division

Friday 2nd (all 19:45)

Shelbourne v Bray
Cabinteely v Cork
Athlone v Galway
Treaty v Wexford

Saturday 3rd

Cobh v UCD 19:00

[D24Saint]

Premier Division

Friday 2nd

Longford Town v Sligo 17:45
Shamrock Rovers v Dundalk 19:45

Saturday 3rd (All 18:00)

Bohs v St Pats
Drogheda v Finn Harps
Derry v Waterford

First Division

Friday 2nd (all 19:45)

Shelbourne v Bray
Cabinteely v Cork
Athlone v Galway
Treaty v Wexford

Saturday 3rd

Cobh v UCD 19:00

Interesting game in Dalymount. I thought we were awful against Drogheda but ground out the win anyway , so progress there. If we are to have any chance of Europe then it’s teams like Bohs that we have to finish ahead of. I wouldn’t expect a huge scoreline in the game. I’ll go for a conservative 1-1.

[sbgawa]

Big game Friday for both Rovers and Dundalk,
With Dundalks next game against Bohs Rovers have a chance to both establish a 3 point gap to DFC with a game in hand as well as pile pressure on the DFC Management team heading into the bohs match......1 point after 4 games a real possibility for DFC.
On the other hand a DFC win and all pressure is off and the world is a better place, Rovers would have to win in Derry to draw level.

Bohs Pats big game for both , a win for Pats and Bohs are really strugling plus Pats might start to believe (4 points from the top two last year would be a great return)
Drogs v Harps is a real 6 pointer this early in the season, i dont expect Harps to struggle but going 9 from 9 would be a hell of a statement. (29 points would have kept you up in the last two completed 10 team leagues 2018 and 2019) although after 18 games last year Shels had 19 points.
20 points would have been enough to avoid auto relegation in 2018 and 2019.

Shels and Galway will be anxious to get wins under their belts after the nil nil last week.

[Nesta99]

I'm glad someone else is as anxious for LoI fix as I am, there were times the last couple of years that matchday threads didnt appear until the day of games. When we are allowed back to games, assuming no restrictions, in due course we could be looking at some very good attendances at games!!

Fixtures could work out in Dundalk's favour in trying to be positive. 4-6 points over the next 2 games will go a long way to lifting things after the 1st 2 games of the season. I think we have tended to put in a performance even when form was poor over the years, in bigger games, and this will be no different. A comprehensive loss on Friday and drop points to Bohs and I think management change is inevitable - when would be the question. Pats can put down a marker but Im still thinking that beating Bohs isnt just as good a result as in recent seasons. Harps can certainly go 9pts from 9 but if things settle down as Ollie would think beating Drogheda will be important - nose bleed territory for Ollie!

[sbgawa]

Setting up this thread is the highlight of my day LOL ;) other than my 4.9k walk.
I almost set it up last night after the Treaty game.
Thought id save it for today to give me something to look forward too.

I do think you are right though, as soon as people are allowed back in we will see a big bump in attendances, particularly if indoor activities are still restricted..

[Jack B]

Good few of our fans seemed to think it was more of the same from us vs Drogheda as we saw for much of last season but I really disagree. First half granted was along those lines as we created next to nothing for all of our control, but second half was a different beast with Bermo coming on and SOD making proactive adjustments that saw us not only score twice but get more players breaking the lines and subsequently making enough chances to mean it should have been more than just two. Nothing too special but grounds for encouragement for sure.

Combine that with Bohs' poor start to the season and I'm already looking forward to the impending disappointment this weekend.

[Dalymountrower]

Setting up this thread is the highlight of my day LOL ;) other than my 4.9k walk.
..
Thought you were old school sb? miles and guineas

[PartySaint]

Need to be beating relegation fodder like Bohs comfortably if we're going to win the league.

[Nesta99]

Setting up this thread is the highlight of my day LOL ;) other than my 4.9k walk.
I almost set it up last night after the Treaty game.
Thought id save it for today to give me something to look forward too.

I do think you are right though, as soon as people are allowed back in we will see a big bump in attendances, particularly if indoor activities are still restricted..

9.8km walk...fit git!!;)

[nigel-harps1954]

I'm more nervous about the games against Drogheda and Waterford than I was about Bohs and Dundalk. They were two free hits. Important our lads don't become complacent after two good victories.

[Nesta99]

Ollie's enthusiasm is infectious!;)

[D24Saint]

Ollie's enthusiasm is infectious!;)

It is ! Ive even sourced a supplier of football special in stoneybatter.

[Bucket]

https://www.irishmirror.ie/sport/soccer/soccer-news/ollie-horgan-hopes-finn-harps-23815835

I hope Harps win the League just to hear Ollies interview afterwards! Plus, it would really highlight their stadium situation.

[Martinho II]

https://www.irishmirror.ie/sport/soccer/soccer-news/ollie-horgan-hopes-finn-harps-23815835

I hope Harps win the League just to hear Ollies interview afterwards! Plus, it would really highlight their stadium situation.

Didnt know that Mark McCadden had left the Star. How long is he writing for the Mirror?

[sidewayspasser]

Cabinteely v Cork

Top of the table clash in the FD!

[TonyD]

Need to be beating relegation fodder like Bohs comfortably if we're going to win the league.

Good man ;)

I think we are showing signs of progress from last year, we probably wouldn’t have won that Drogheda game. Bohs have had a poor start, so their reaction will be interesting. To beat them could do wonders for the teams confidence I feel. I’ve probably jinxed it now and we’ll lose.

[sbgawa]

Thought you were old school sb? miles and guineas


Definitely right there but the Government have me brainwashed

[sbgawa]

https://www.irishmirror.ie/sport/soccer/soccer-news/ollie-horgan-hopes-finn-harps-23815835

I hope Harps win the League just to hear Ollies interview afterwards! Plus, it would really highlight their stadium situation.

"Winning the league is all very well but it wont save us from relegation next year"

[nr637]

Watching Bohs v Longford on Saturday last and there were fans in the "Jodi Stand", I'd guess well over 50+, all well apart but, I've watched games so far with nobody in the stands or anywhere else in the ground
Whats the story there, I thought all fans were not allowed to attend?
Anyone!

[sbgawa]

its a hard one to call , looking on the TV bohs seem to always have a lot of people in the stand but the tv view can be missleading, Bohs have only 2 sides to the ground to put people in and effectivly 1 for bhd matches as no one wants to stand in the des kelly when they can sit in the jodi

[joey B]

Watching Bohs v Longford on Saturday last and there were fans in the "Jodi Stand", I'd guess well over 50+, all well apart but, I've watched games so far with nobody in the stands or anywhere else in the ground
Whats the story there, I thought all fans were not allowed to attend?
Anyone!

Substitutes from both squads, journalists and Club officials from both clubs are what you're seeing I'd say...

[mcgonigle]

Substitutes from both squads, journalists and Club officials from both clubs are what you're seeing I'd say...

Bohs fans will deny it but there were definitely fans in Dalymount for the cup semi last year. The number of "stewards" was hilarious and the noise when Bohs scored or a decision went against them was near deafening. Bit like the Rovers "Steward" near the microphone in the Presidents cup game. It's happening at most clubs I'd say

[nigel-harps1954]

There'll be stewards, club officials, club media, ball retrievers, ground staff, journalists, photographers, scouts, FAI delegates, and a few others in the ground on match night. You're not long raking up about 50 people at that before you go into 9 subs and extra technical staff taking up more space.

[WeAreRovers]

Didnt know that Mark McCadden had left the Star. How long is he writing for the Mirror?

He hasn't. The Mirror (Reach) have bought the Star and now put all the Star's online stuff on irishmirror.ie.

[Dalymountrower]

Bohs fans will deny it but there were definitely fans in Dalymount for the cup semi last year. The number of "stewards" was hilarious and the noise when Bohs scored or a decision went against them was near deafening. Bit like the Rovers "Steward" near the microphone in the Presidents cup game. It's happening at most clubs I'd say

Bohs didn`t play in the cup semi final last year? I do remember many many posts from Dundalk fans on the same subject in the cup quarter final last year, when afew of the Connacht Street side Stewards had taken shelter under the TV gantry, and you could certainly hear them!

The Covid guidelines had been no more than a hundred attending made up of players , journo`s , stewards , club officials etc . I think that changed when the GAA interpreted that as all of the former plus 100 fans. One of the reasons that they did not get a sympathetic hearing to re-open games at senior level for early 2021.
Not sure what the specific restriction is now? Jounalists seem to be the only group who can travel to or attend at any location they choose for their "work", is there a quota for attending press?
I would be rightly p***ed off if any "fans" were gaining entry to Bohs games . Our group of 6/7 who went to games in normal times ,includes 3/4 long time volunteers who have worked for the club, but not as stewards. Not a sniff of a dodgy luminous top for any of us!
I do know that there are quite a few stewards on duty around and in Dalymount on match days. They had to eject a small group of idiots who had climbed into the Tramway end from the Shopping Centre last Saturday. They are the same volunteer club stewards that worked pre- Covid and yes, they cheer for goals , groan at decisions against the team etc.


Lets be honest, If there was a shred of actual evidence that Bohs or any other club were playing fast and loose with the restrictions , the Media and then Government would pile in and the league would be locked down, deservedly.

[Bucket]

I watched Bohs the other day and didn't think there was an excessively big crowd. I'm usually quick to criticise the FAI but the way football has continued in Ireland for the past 12 months has been very well organised.
WeAreRovers and Martinho II, I didn't even know the Star put any of their content online!

[D24Saint]

I didn't even know the Star put any of their content online!

I haven’t read the star since school days , Dolan had a column every Tuesday. I normally read the sun for LOI content, it’s a rag apart from the good LOI coverage.

[WeAreRovers]

The Star put some online content on Buzz.ie but it never really got traction and now the Mirror are using the same content, gets confusing!

Here's Mark McCadden on Buzz.ie - https://www.buzz.ie/football/kenny-deserves-patience-just-as-much-as-irelands-crop-of-youngsters-424933

[Nesta99]

I watched Bohs the other day and didn't think there was an excessively big crowd. I'm usually quick to criticise the FAI but the way football has continued in Ireland for the past 12 months has been very well organised.
WeAreRovers and Martinho II, I didn't even know the Star put any of their content online!

Bohs were audited on compliance of restrictions after last years cup game. They pushed the limits but gave an acceptable rationale for numbers to the compliance oversight group and were politely reminded of their obligations. If they have repeated the numbers that were at the cup game this season it would be more than a polite telling off as things couldnt be explained away a 2nd time - I dont believe people at Bohs are that daft knowing that they they could undergo additional spot check to ensure compliance has been maintained.

[Charlie Darwin]

Should be a good game on Friday in Tallaght. I don't think having no game last weekend will help Rovers this early in the season, but obviously Dundalk probably wish they hadn't played either. Pico Lopes missed the Cape Verde game today so hopefully he hasn't picked up an injury that will keep him out. Dundalk have beaten us our last two meetings so it'll be another tight game.

[placid casual]

Think it's a bit of a stretch to say dundalk beat us in the last game. If not for Burke skying the last peno into the square, Rovers would have deservedly won
Watched enough of both dundalks league games to have less of a fear of them than in recent years.
Well see what happens.

[2 Year Contract]

Think it's a bit of a stretch to say dundalk beat us in the last game. If not for Burke skying the last peno into the square, Rovers would have deservedly won

But he didn’t. Obviously if it was a league game it'd have been a draw but the aim of the fixture was to win the president's cup, Dundalk beat rovers to win it.

On Friday's game, I think rovers will win easy enough, 2-0.

[Nesta99]

Think it's a bit of a stretch to say dundalk beat us in the last game. If not for Burke skying the last peno into the square, Rovers would have deservedly won
Watched enough of both dundalks league games to have less of a fear of them than in recent years.
Well see what happens.

Deary me PC, I think you are stretching with the 1st comment considering the trophies available are sitting in Oriel Park. If Bill had kept his nose out of football affairs Dundalk would have won a back to back double last year....
Latter bits of yer post are unfortunately agreeable!

[sadloserkid]

A two game ban for Dundalk's Faroese butcher I see? ☺

[Bucket]

https://www.extratime.com/articles/26890/suspension-list---week-three/

What did Mike Newell say to get three matches?!

[Charlie Darwin]

Think it's a bit of a stretch to say dundalk beat us in the last game. If not for Burke skying the last peno into the square, Rovers would have deservedly won
Well yes, we would have won if we hadn't lost.

[sbgawa]

I think it was a moral victory, 11 to 10 according to the ref.
Dirty northerners :D

[Sonny]

Deary me PC, I think you are stretching with the 1st comment considering the trophies available are sitting in Oriel Park. If Bill had kept his nose out of football affairs Dundalk would have won a back to back double last year....
Latter bits of yer post are unfortunately agreeable!

;)

The amount of times I have seen Dundalk fans unironically speaking about the President's Cup as a 'trophy' is absolutely ridiculous. The same goes for your annual mini-world cup game against Drogheda! All yous need now is the Leinster Senior Cup and Felippo has won the treble!

[Nesta99]

What will I call it? Is it a cup or a trophy or both? I dont recall too many Dundalk fans losing sleep over being Malone or Presidents CUP holders or not over the years. Interesting though that a Rovers fan claims it as a stretch to say that they were beaten in a fixture they lost that features a 'cup' and another tries to deride the suggesting of the folly in the former. Protesting too much ladies. AND the LSC is a lovely trophy so dont knock it!!!

[Sonny]

What will I call it? Is it a cup or a trophy or both? I dont recall too many Dundalk fans losing sleep over being Malone or Presidents CUP holders or not over the years. Interesting though that a Rovers fan claims it as a stretch to say that they were beaten in a fixture they lost that features a 'cup' and another tries to deride the suggesting of the folly in the former. Protesting too much ladies. AND the LSC is a lovely trophy so dont knock it!!!

You should call it a preseason friendly, and not count it towards trophy hauls because it's embarrassing.

[Nesta99]

You should call it a preseason friendly, and not count it towards trophy hauls because it's embarrassing.

You almost sound upset over it all Sonny. Its nice that you care about Dundalk and its fans embarrassing themselves but frankly with everything that has and is happening at Dundalk whether the Presidents Cup is counted as a trophy or not does not rank too highly on a scale of what is curranty embarrassing or not!!

How about a compromise The Presidents Cup (not a trophy!!) The Preseason friendly that nobody really cares about (except when when someone calls it a trophy).

But is it a cup or a trophy honestly??? I know cup is in the title but it looks more like a trophy. Maybe we should have a poll...

https://img2.thejournal.ie/article/5002884/river?version=5002944&width=1340

[passinginterest]

It's clearly a neither a cup nor a trophy, it's very obviously a bowl (no handles see). Differs from the Belfield bowl in that you'd struggle to play an 11 a side in it.

[pineapple stu]

Can I just point out that ye're arguing about whether it's a trophy or not, and no-one's brought up any Dundalk posters on the notion that they won the last two matches against Rovers when they clearly drew them?

Just an interesting observation is all...

[mcgonigle]

You should call it a preseason friendly, and not count it towards trophy hauls because it's embarrassing.

Awkward...https://www.shamrockrovers.ie/history/#section-srfc-honours

[Yossarian]

Can I just point out that ye're arguing about whether it's a trophy or not, and no-one's brought up any Dundalk posters on the notion that they won the last two matches against Rovers when they clearly drew them?

Just an interesting observation is all...

Just to point out, Dundalk won the cup final in extra time. This is recorded as a win. Obviously the Presidents cup was a draw and won on penalties.

[pineapple stu]

Yep - not much good to you in a league game though, hence why I'm surprised no-one has challenged ye on it.

[Sonny]

Awkward...https://www.shamrockrovers.ie/history/#section-srfc-honours

Yeah as the famous chant goes '18 leagues, 25 cups and 21 LFA President's cups, the boez scum will never catch up!'

By all means please continue to celebrate the remarkable President's Cup and Malone Cup double. I think Felippo deserves a generous contract extension after that haul!

[Nesta99]

Can I just point out that ye're arguing about whether it's a trophy or not, and no-one's brought up any Dundalk posters on the notion that they won the last two matches against Rovers when they clearly drew them?

Just an interesting observation is all...

Whose arguing? Its a calm, reasoned discussion of the upmost importance! Cup, Trophy, or Bowl (there's always some smart ar*e)?! and Its key to the credibility of Dundalk FC and fans.......

[Nesta99]

Yeah as the famous chant goes '18 leagues, 25 cups and 21 LFA President's cups, the boez scum will never catch up!'

By all means please continue to celebrate the remarkable President's Cup and Malone Cup double. I think Felippo deserves a generous contract extension after that haul!

Have you settled on them being called 'cups then? Not a bad haul having 2 cups only 2 games in to the season in fairness!

[mcgonigle]

Yeah as the famous chant goes '18 leagues, 25 cups and 21 LFA President's cups, the boez scum will never catch up!'

By all means please continue to celebrate the remarkable President's Cup and Malone Cup double. I think Felippo deserves a generous contract extension after that haul!

Keegan is the manager, do try and keep up