Games weekend 19th to 21st August

[ger121]

Think the Top 4 spots are fairly nailed on at this stage. What remains to be see is if 4th will get Europe or go to the cup winner if they are outside of the European places.

[oriel]

With Derry dropping points last night rovers are now 7 clear of then with a game in hand. Massive chance with a win over Dundalk to go 10 clear of them and 7 clear of dundalk with a game in hand. With the fixture congestion ahead of Rovers I think we have to go for the win and try and establish a big cushion. A win tommorow and we should be able to have a couple of stumbles and still do it. Lose and the gap is 1 point (and a game in hand) the classic 6 pointer. The crowd will be interesting, europe such a distraction...any of the dundalk people on here have any idea of the traveling support?

I'd say a decent crew will travel but a mix of holiday season and 7pm ko and not on a Friday night, it will certainly be reduced on previous numbers that's for sure. I think we took 400+ to Bohs.

There is the obvious chance to cut the deficit to 1 point albeit a game more played, but I`ll keep playing the conservative card, I think re-qualifying for europe is still the target and a top 3 finish, but we are currently 2nd, lets see how it goes from here.

Personally speaking I don't see us winning tomorrow night but the unusual time and Rovers coming off a heavy euro defeat and a modest travel back, we might cause a surprise, odds of 3/1 for an away win means the bookies also don't see a DFC win either, then again I didn't see us winning away to Derry and that ended up a comfortable win, so we'll see.

[sbgawa]

I'd say a decent crew will travel but a mix of holiday season and 7pm ko and not on a Friday night, it will certainly be reduced on previous numbers that's for sure. I think we took 400+ to Bohs.

There is the obvious chance to cut the deficit to 1 point albeit a game more played, but I`ll keep playing the conservative card, I think re-qualifying for europe is still the target and a top 3 finish, but we are currently 2nd, lets see how it goes from here.

Personally speaking I don't see us winning tomorrow night but the unusual time and Rovers coming off a heavy euro defeat and a modest travel back, we might cause a surprise, odds of 3/1 for an away win means the bookies also don't see a DFC win either, then again I didn't see us winning away to Derry and that ended up a comfortable win, so we'll see.

The crowd will be interesting tomorrow , if it was a Friday night id expect 1k from Dundalk and a full house.
A good crowd tomorrow might be 5.5k
Any word on Hoooooban , wouldnt wish an injury on any player but a slight strain that causes him to miss tommorow but back straight away after would be fine and doesnt make me to bad a person

[oriel]

Club seem to be quiet on update about Pat, he has surprised us before with a quick return, but I would think he will sit this one out.

Have to say really looking forward to this match, I'd def have gone if it was a Fri, good few others I go with same boat, but we got plenty of games moved in 2016 and 2020 so we can't complain.

Should be a different Sunday in any case, late Sunday Dinner nice glass of red then get stuck into LOITV at 7!

[The Bowler]

The Wexford gallop stopped in its tracks, but they can still catch Treaty with 6 games to go. Treaty are limited enough from what ive seen

[ontheotherhand]

I'd say a decent crew will travel but a mix of holiday season and 7pm ko and not on a Friday night, it will certainly be reduced on previous numbers that's for sure. I think we took 400+ to Bohs.

There is the obvious chance to cut the deficit to 1 point albeit a game more played, but I`ll keep playing the conservative card, I think re-qualifying for europe is still the target and a top 3 finish, but we are currently 2nd, lets see how it goes from here.

Personally speaking I don't see us winning tomorrow night but the unusual time and Rovers coming off a heavy euro defeat and a modest travel back, we might cause a surprise, odds of 3/1 for an away win means the bookies also don't see a DFC win either, then again I didn't see us winning away to Derry and that ended up a comfortable win, so we'll see.

Surprised by that...European hangover coupled with our injury list would make Dundalk favourites for me. We've looked haggard since the second half against Derry and you should be very fresh. I'm not saying I'd take a draw but if it's a draw at the final whistle I won't be too unhappy.

Sunday football reminds me of the Morton stadium. Ah, the glory days.

[culloty82]

The Wexford gallop stopped in its tracks, but they can still catch Treaty with 6 games to go. Treaty are limited enough from what ive seen

Wexford appear to be running out of steam at just the wrong point of the season, so looking like Galway v Treaty and Waterford v Longford, but you certainly wouldn't rule Waterford out of taking second yet.

[Yossarian]

Surprised by that...European hangover coupled with our injury list would make Dundalk favourites for me. We've looked haggard since the second half against Derry and you should be very fresh. I'm not saying I'd take a draw but if it's a draw at the final whistle I won't be too unhappy.

Sunday football reminds me of the Morton stadium. Ah, the glory days.

We have a good few injuries of our own to contend with. Hoban, Doyle and Kelly are out with injuries, Boyle is suspended. Will still be kissing Gartland and Mountney.
I think it will be a tight game and could go either way, with a draw the likeliest outcome, which I’d imagine Rovers will be happy enough with. If we have any serious notions of winning the league then we have to win tomorrow. In a way it’s a free hit of sorts for Dundalk, no one really expects Rovers not to win the league and we should have Europe fairly sown up now, so hopefully Dundalk play with a bit of freedom and lack of pressure tomorrow.
I’m looking forward to going up but as mentioned by previous posters I don’t think the crowd will be as good as if it was on a Friday.

[Olander]

Will still be kissing Gartland and Mountney..
You’ll be what?

[sbgawa]

Mountney while he had the ponytail u could say you were confused but Gartland is hard to be confused about

[oriel]

Surprised by that...European hangover coupled with our injury list would make Dundalk favourites for me. We've looked haggard since the second half against Derry and you should be very fresh. I'm not saying I'd take a draw but if it's a draw at the final whistle I won't be too unhappy.

Sunday football reminds me of the Morton stadium. Ah, the glory days.

I`m not, Dundalk will start with Sam Bone and Robbie McCourt in central defence, first choice earlier in season was Boyle and Connolly, not saying the two guys tomorrow won't be up to it, and to be fair they were excellent last 30 mins away to Bohs in the 1-0 win, but we are light, Gartland continuing to be injured and Boyle suspended, options are looking limited.

On the plus side, the attitude and determination of this years squad is first rate and they will keep going right to the death, experience coming in the shape of Benson & Sloggett, youth in local boy O'Kane and the flair of Bradley are are positives. Add this to the GK of the year in my view in Sheppard, pure quality by Macari and solid by Leahy the other wing, backed by SOD on the line offers hope, we might have a chance but I'm still not sure that will be enough to win the game, Boyle and most probably Hoban, added to Daniel Kelly out are big losses.

[Yossarian]

You’ll be what?

Eh yeh, we’ll confuse Rovers into defeat.

[Nesta99]

Eh yeh, we’ll confuse Rovers into defeat.

Yeah but do Garts and Mounts know about it?

[Yossarian]

Yeah but do Garts and Mounts know about it?

They’ll do whatever it takes to win.

[Nesta99]

Yup when ye have a home football club under the skin id be afraid to consider what limits there are. Id even wear a 6 poppy 3 lion British Shamrock Rovers shirt watching Yossarian kissing Brian Gartland and John Mountney if it meant a win:eek:

[outspoken]

The Wexford gallop stopped in its tracks, but they can still catch Treaty with 6 games to go. Treaty are limited enough from what ive seen

Wexford played well tonight, very unlucky to lose. They've every chance of catching Treaty

[Martinho II]

The Wexford gallop stopped in its tracks, but they can still catch Treaty with 6 games to go. Treaty are limited enough from what ive seen

Wexford actually made a game of it last night and it was GCs subs that changed things for us as we were more composed and played futher up the pitch.

[ontheotherhand]

I`m not, Dundalk will start with Sam Bone and Robbie McCourt in central defence, first choice earlier in season was Boyle and Connolly, not saying the two guys tomorrow won't be up to it, and to be fair they were excellent last 30 mins away to Bohs in the 1-0 win, but we are light, Gartland continuing to be injured and Boyle suspended, options are looking limited.

On the plus side, the attitude and determination of this years squad is first rate and they will keep going right to the death, experience coming in the shape of Benson & Sloggett, youth in local boy O'Kane and the flair of Bradley are are positives. Add this to the GK of the year in my view in Sheppard, pure quality by Macari and solid by Leahy the other wing, backed by SOD on the line offers hope, we might have a chance but I'm still not sure that will be enough to win the game, Boyle and most probably Hoban, added to Daniel Kelly out are big losses.

Ok I like the sound of Robbie McCourt in defense. You've given me hope. Still think you have the slight edge given we got the run around in the heat on Thursday and were already looking banjaxed.

GK of the year would be a decent debate. It's Mannus for me but Sheppard looks really good. With McGinty gone it's between those two but for me, Mannus is back to his best after a somewhat shaky season last year by his standards. I don't think anyone offers his combination of experience, stability, distribution and shot stopping. He's become a complete keeper...at age 40.

Cue howler.

[sbgawa]

No hooooban no jack......I want my entrance fee back :)

[kksaints]

Good counter by Gaffney there but McCourt's attempt at a hack down was hilarious.

[joey B]

The Robbie McCourt fears were well founded anyway....

[joey B]

One straight ball down the middle and its 2 nil,horrendous defending from Dundalk....

[Calcio Jack]

One straight ball down the middle and its 2 nil,horrendous defending from Dundalk....

Towell enjoyed that but what a gob****e getting booked for celebrations in front of the Dundalk fans

[D24Saint]

That’s a right spanking for Dundalk.

[Dermobohs]

League done and dusted. I’d say that’ll be the pattern for the next few too unless Derry get their **** together

[ger121]

That’s looks like the Premier and First Divisions wrapped up.

[placid casual]

Very, very satisfying result for the Champions of Ireland.

[sbgawa]

You would have to question O Donnell playing a high line against Greene and Gaffney. Lunacy unless you have plenty of speed at the back which Dundalk dont.
Fantastic to get a cushion with the schedule ahead of us.
No excuses from here, didnt expect it to be so easy tonight

[Skruf]

That was a strange night, after the first ten minutes it looked like Dundalk were very strong and only a matter of time before they’d score. However, they ended up with 67% possession and to create as little as they did over 90 minutes with that amount of possession is very poor.

Rovers weren’t great, but the extra quality of Gaffney particularly meant that we didn’t need to be. Nice to wrap the title up now.

[sbgawa]

Rovers definitely changed it up tonight. instead of the normal patient play from the back and dominating possession they targeted the wings with balls over the top.
It meant giving away a lot of possession and letting Dundalk have it and play around but with their lack of pace at the back it was the right call.
How SOD didnt tell his defenders to drop off after the first goal i dont know, they had already been cut open a couple of times before the goal.
After the second it was unforgiveable.

Nice to see Jack get some minutes buthe was way off the pace, almost scored having said that to make it 4 nil

[ontheotherhand]

Ok I like the sound of Robbie McCourt in defense. You've given me hope. Still think you have the slight edge given we got the run around in the heat on Thursday and were already looking banjaxed.

GK of the year would be a decent debate. It's Mannus for me but Sheppard looks really good. With McGinty gone it's between those two but for me, Mannus is back to his best after a somewhat shaky season last year by his standards. I don't think anyone offers his combination of experience, stability, distribution and shot stopping. He's become a complete keeper...at age 40.

Cue howler.

Debate over.

[placid casual]

Enjoy the silence in here today🤫

[2 Year Contract]

Just reading from a match report that Dundalk were so short on defenders that they had to shift Leahy into centre back and Benson to left back during the game. If they’re that short defensively why on earth did they send Mayowa Animashun out on loan about a week ago?

[Nesta99]

Ended up only seeing the first 10 minutes so was a tad surprised when I got a chance to check in on scores and were 2-0. Bright opening but seems after that its was Rovers picking their punches. Connolly was always the big loss for us but to have Boyle out also and you have very little to work with. It could well be why S[OD did try to push so high as he knew we were sitting ducks at the back no matter so at least try to be effective in attack. We could have tried shutting up shop and hitting on the break but again after Rovers schedule I can see why it was tempting to try and out press rovers and any flatness in energy. Value of hindsight - should have played like a team away from home, keep it compact, keep the ball whenever possible. and then use the last 10-15 minutes to up the tempo hoping for some tired legs. Goals give teams a 2nd (or 3rd) wind. Not unexpected not to get 3 points so it was as much as a free hit as you get - the only people that can beat rovers to the title are themselves and would be a hell of an implosion now. Dundalk cannot let it get to them in any way or lose sight that it is a work in progress that is further along the curve than anyone could have hoped, keep the head and secure Europe and its still job done. Bit if a cup run would be nice just to add some interest to the season with the league all but secured by rovers.

[SPXcyan]

When we officially get there, I will very much look forward to the more attractive away trips such as Dalymount 

Pleaseee please take us with yiz!

[oriel]

I never liked that ball possession % stat rubbish, we had over 60% last night and failed to do the only two stats worth talking about in football, putting the ball in the net and keeping it out the other end!

Can have no argument over the defeat, Rovers were just ruthless on the counter, 3 goals scored by that method and game over well before HT.

I didn't buy into the league winning chances nonsense, we are probably a year ahead of redevelopment on the pitch, the goal at the start of the year was to get back into europe, this summer was the first non qualification after 8 consecutive campaigns, and its badly missed, we are on track to finish top 3, that will be a great turnaround.

On the match itself, I knew we would be in trouble with lack of central defensive cover and it showed, Boyle was a huge miss, frustrating Gartland still injured, but 'thems' the breaks, onwards and upwards.

[joey B]

Just looking at the highlights and 2 shocking decisions from Neil Doyle in the Shels/Bohs game,never a red card for Shels and never a pen for Shels either,
we got a penalty in our game that never was either in a generally all round poor performance from Rob Hennessy aswell......

[Shinkicker]

I never liked that ball possession % stat rubbish, we had over 60% last night and failed to do the only two stats worth talking about in football, putting the ball in the net and keeping it out the other end!

Can have no argument over the defeat, Rovers were just ruthless on the counter, 3 goals scored by that method and game over well before HT.

I didn't buy into the league winning chances nonsense, we are probably a year ahead of redevelopment on the pitch, the goal at the start of the year was to get back into europe, this summer was the first non qualification after 8 consecutive campaigns, and its badly missed, we are on track to finish top 3, that will be a great turnaround.

On the match itself, I knew we would be in trouble with lack of central defensive cover and it showed, Boyle was a huge miss, frustrating Gartland still injured, but 'thems' the breaks, onwards and upwards.
Regarding stats you are 100% correct. LOL. I played for a team in Belfast and drew higher opposition in a cup game and won 1-0. The papers were interviewing our manager when a supporter from the other side shouted "the best team lost, you only had the ball for 2 minutes and scored" our manager replied "just imagine if we had it for 6 or 8 minutes" the other guy dropped his head and took the walk of shame. POINT.
The only stay that counts is who put the ball in the net most times.

[sbgawa]

I never liked that ball possession % stat rubbish, we had over 60% last night and failed to do the only two stats worth talking about in football, putting the ball in the net and keeping it out the other end!

Can have no argument over the defeat, Rovers were just ruthless on the counter, 3 goals scored by that method and game over well before HT.

I didn't buy into the league winning chances nonsense, we are probably a year ahead of redevelopment on the pitch, the goal at the start of the year was to get back into europe, this summer was the first non qualification after 8 consecutive campaigns, and its badly missed, we are on track to finish top 3, that will be a great turnaround.

On the match itself, I knew we would be in trouble with lack of central defensive cover and it showed, Boyle was a huge miss, frustrating Gartland still injured, but 'thems' the breaks, onwards and upwards.


Rovers normally dominate possession at home the reason Dundalk dominated it in this match was Bradley had targeted the Dundalk highline.
We were giving the ball away regularly hoofing it down the wings knowing that the pace we had and Dundalk didn't would result in chances.
All 3 goals came from us turning the ball over and hoofing it down the wing.
I couldn't believe the way SOD had Dundalk set up and kept waiting for him to change.
When did Dundalk start playing like this or was this a one off?

[Nesta99]

I dont think there is a set tactic of sitting very high the earlier rounds. Against Derry Sheppard had to a bit of sweeping and getting the head on a couple of long balls by Derry that were dropping just outside the box. So tbh it will only become clear over coming games if there is a notable shift in defensive setup. Its possible with the forced changed at the back but S'OD doesnt seem like a coach that stubbornly sticks to a set formula - its one of the few criticisms of Kenny was that he was like clockwork with changing things that werent working only making changes 70+ minute mark.

[ToberonaTornado]

Sunday night was not Dundalk's night and it doesn't take an expert to figure out what happened.
Considering what happened with us last year i think its safe to assume that we'll be back challenging at the top of league next year and we prob have a good FAI Cup run left in us.
Fair play to Sham Rvrs,they done us,picked us apart, focussed on our weakness but we'll be back and we're looking good for the future.
If we get Europe it'll be the start of a HUGE revival.

[sbgawa]

Don't disagree with any of that.
Sunday was not SOD finest hour but that was one match in what has been a super first season. If u can hang on to some of the loan signings it would make bringing the squad forward easier. I can't see you not making Europe as while Pats and derry could make it past you even 4th will almost certainly be enough.

[ontheotherhand]

It was an interesting game. Bradley showed that he's still a ways ahead of SOD in terms of game mgmt. Holding Towell back from the free hit in Europe so he was fully fresh for Sunday shows exactly why Rovers supporters rate him even if others don't. He gets it and the team were fully ready and prepared to focus on the game that mattered most.

Dundalk looked like they were missing 3-4 players, which they were. They'll only need a few additions to mount a proper challenge. Definitely a pacy centre half and a bit more threat out wide. A cup run wouldn't shock me for them.

[Philosophizer]

Just looking at the highlights and 2 shocking decisions from Neil Doyle in the Shels/Bohs game,never a red card for Shels and never a pen for Shels either,
we got a penalty in our game that never was either in a generally all round poor performance from Rob Hennessy aswell......
Yep, and everyone was saying the same thing in the stands too. Even from a distance away you could see both decisions were terrible. And the highlights prove it.
Maybe he even knew itself and felt he had to even things up with the pen.

[Nesta99]

It was an interesting game. Bradley showed that he's still a ways ahead of SOD in terms of game mgmt. Holding Towell back from the free hit in Europe so he was fully fresh for Sunday shows exactly why Rovers supporters rate him even if others don't. He gets it and the team were fully ready and prepared to focus on the game that mattered most.

Dundalk looked like they were missing 3-4 players, which they were. They'll only need a few additions to mount a proper challenge. Definitely a pacy centre half and a bit more threat out wide. A cup run wouldn't shock me for them.

I think thats been an issue that needs fixing for a while now. I'm struggling to think of the last central defender that you could really consider to have had pace. What we were good at, going back a good few years, was the full-backs drifting across and ready to cover, Gannon was exceptionally good at anticipating those moments and to be such an attacking threat also, well I can see why he struggled to adapt to a wing back when a back 3 was played but then found his feet at Rovers again on the right side of the central 3. Hoare had decent pace now that I think of it, but maybe that was beside Garts lol. Massey also read the game very well so a lack of pace in the centre wasnt killing us.
Tactics aside, when you do lack pace at the back like on Sunday, you just cant have full backs bombing on, even with a keeper like Sheppard who is mobile and confident enough to so some sweeping (and not look like he was going to clatter someone ala Gary Rogers), Leahy looked decent the few times he slotted in at centreback covering injuries/suspensions under Perth x2. Had wondered if he was an option if stuck(?).
On the Derry game in Oriel, the ball over the top did cause problems, turning defenders on a high line, little pace, and the keeper having to take control outside of the box a number of times - where Derry were disjointed was neither pressing those balls or even the keeper and they rarely got to a 2nd ball, flatfooted - maybe why their season has drifted?. Rovers by comparison knew what they were at, wasnt pretty, very effective, sit back, pounce on a bad ball, punish, rinse and repeat and then take it handy. It was textbook stuff couple of days after a European away leg and I'm not the first to call Bradley precise on his tactics but credit where its due. Why we didnt change it up quicker is a bit baffling bar that there just wasnt much of a choice other than stick and hope for a way back in which would have been luck or calamity moment and there wasnt enough pressure on for that to happen.

Anyways, cup weekend which I think is a good time for Dundalk to get a break from looking over the shoulders in the league, unless of course Wexford upset the bookies.