Matches weekend 17/18th February 2023

[sbgawa]

Friday 17th

Premier Division (All 19:45)

Shelbourne v Drogheda
St Pats v Derry
Cork City v Bohemians
Dundalk v UCD

Saturday 18th

Sligo v Shamrock Rovers 19:45

Friday 17th

First Division

Kerry v Cobh 19:45
Wexford v Waterford 19:45
Treaty v Bray 19:45
Finn Harps v Galway 20:00

Saturday 18th

Longford v Athlone 19:30

[sbgawa]

Here we go again!!
Rovers havent impressed in Pre season and i hope the hunger is still there, Sligo on Saturday will be a good test of that.
Every match in the Premier division looks interesting with Shels v Drogs and Cork v Bohs being likely teams that will be around each other and Pats v Derry a clash of two teams hoping for Europe/ League honours.
Even Dundalk v UCD will be interesting as its hard to know what to expect from UCD.

Welcome to Kerry and the FAI have given them a gentle start agaisnt Cobh. Sold out signs are up.
Harps will be interesting against Galway , Can Caulfield survive a loss :) ....and repeat next week.
El classico between Longford and Athlone will signal where these clubs are , Dervin coming back to Longford is a huge boost for them.

Good Luck to everyone (except bohs ;) )

[ger121]

Happy LOI Day to everyone (except Rovers) ?

[legendz]

https://twitter.com/C0RKClTYFC/status/1626356685295026182?t=srbVzktOjDPbisw6jgkoRQ&s=19

[Nesta99]

Here we go again!!
Rovers havent impressed in Pre season and i hope the hunger is still there, Sligo on Saturday will be a good test of that.
Every match in the Premier division looks interesting with Shels v Drogs and Cork v Bohs being likely teams that will be around each other and Pats v Derry a clash of two teams hoping for Europe/ League honours.
Even Dundalk v UCD will be interesting as its hard to know what to expect from UCD.

Welcome to Kerry and the FAI have given them a gentle start agaisnt Cobh. Sold out signs are up.
Harps will be interesting against Galway , Can Caulfield survive a loss :) ....and repeat next week.
El classico between Longford and Athlone will signal where these clubs are , Dervin coming back to Longford is a huge boost for them.

Good Luck to everyone (except bohs ;) )

It is great to have football back! I've been well out of the loop preseason so hard to know how Dundalk will be never mind UCD. Should be 3 points, at home 'n all, but UCD were a bogey team last season where points dropped made a significant impact on our squeak of a title tilt and could have derailed the push or Europe. Already some fascinating aspects of the season kicking up - can Rovers keep rolling, will Derry make the big bucks count, Can Ollie maintain the most positive man of the league as an assistant with the 1st Divisions moneybags, will his shadow loom large over JC. Welcome to Kerry too, it's a long time coming and can Legendz keep composure, not shed a tear as his Kerry finally side kicks off in LoI. Good luck to all and let the fun begin!

Did St Pats win preseason again?

[pineapple stu]

Did you just go into hibernation since the end of last season?!

[total hoofball]

Expecting 3 points for Shels tonight

[D24Saint]

Clancy pulls a wildcard selection out for the first night of the season. Hope it works.

[Nesta99]

Did you just go into hibernation since the end of last season?!

Something like that! Now fat as a fool and ready for a new season.

[passinginterest]

Cork keeper won’t want to watch too many replays of Bohs second goal. Absolute shocker.

[sbgawa]

Only two possibilities for second bohs goal in Cork. Keeper has a bet on bohs to win by at least two or cork have signed the worst keeper to ever play in loi which is a pretty low bar

[passinginterest]

The pitch in Turner’s Cross also seems to be in poor shape. Looks very heavy and bobbly.

[ontheotherhand]

Watching Derry and Pats. O'Reilly and Connolly very impressive for Derry. Connolly has some range of passing and a magnet for a head. O'Reilly is everywhere and very tidy on the ball. Lewis and Mulraney doing well for Pats. They look a bit light up top.

Even enough game, quite scrappy. A lot of frees in and around the middle of the park and not many chances. Don't think I've seen a shot on goal yet but I missed most of the first half. One thing that jumps out at me is Maher's distribution. It's really poor. He must have much better games but every time I see him he gives the ball away really cheaply when going long.

[ontheotherhand]

Was just about to post that Pat's corner strategy is gas....they just crowded on the goal line in Maher's way for 3 corners in a row. Then it worked.

[Shinkicker]

Have to say while Bohs were the better team they invited trouble on to themselves. A spirited performance by Cork, it was a well deserved win by Bohs. Not for the faint hearted.

[Dermobohs]

Only two possibilities for second bohs goal in Cork. Keeper has a bet on bohs to win by at least two or cork have signed the worst keeper to ever play in loi which is a pretty low bar
I’ll see your **** up and raise you talbots tiki tala moment

[Bohtastic]

Judging by the Cork performance in the first half UCD and Drogheda might be grateful for their presence in the fight to avoid the automatic relegation. I'd be concerned that we let them back into it.

[culloty82]

Not Kerry's night, as Ramblers prevail 2-0, and overall deserved the win, but certainly some very positive Kerry displays - Gaxha was a livewire threat when introduced, Teahan had a great performance throughout, with O'Reilly was a danger from set plays, and if Kerry took any of their chances when dominant, it would certainly have been a different game. Overall, it was largely inexperience which cost them tonight, and once they've a few matches under their belts, they look fully capable of performing at this level.

[sbgawa]

I’ll see your **** up and raise you talbots tiki tala moment

Talbot was just your typical keeper getting.f caught out, the cork keeper was making a brilliant effort to get out of the way of the ball when it was easier to stand like a traffic kone and save the shot

[Dermobohs]

The bould James, who some of our lot have bestowed sainthood upon, does this at least once every two games. He spreads panic in the back four, and then starts pointing fingers. The lad is a good keeper, who has a lot of room to get better, but he isint. We need, if Devine is serious about a tilt at silverware, two more experienced defenders and a solid keeper.

[D24Saint]

Derry are a dirty and cynical side who had the ref in their sky rocket the whole game. It was an ugly affair that I’m delighted to get a point from and move on.

[pineapple stu]

Just seeing result in Oriel and am pleasantly surprised!

Too early to tell I think if we're able to play or if Dundalk aren't any good. But at least the season mightn't be a complete write-off!

[joey B]

Tough night for the new look Harps,struggled with Galways physicality and probably should have lost by more,early days for us and I'll take some green shoots as comfort.....

[Jd2793]

city absolutely useless, we'll be doing very well to stay clear of relegation. outclassed by a bohs side that didnt have to do all that much in truth. afolabi and flores were impressive. afolabi is a serious handful thought he ran himself into the ground

[pineapple stu]

Just seen the last two goals in City v Bohs

Holy Christ. The Cork keeper in particular. Is that the guy on loan from Celtic?

It's good to be back!

[RealJohn91]

Very encouraged by Bohs play for 70 minutes. Afolabi and Coote were brilliant especially. Flores had probably his best game in a Bohs shirt which isn't a high bar to clear tbf. Never make it easy for ourselves in the end but plenty to be optimistic about.

[Poor Student]

Holy Christ. The Cork keeper in particular. Is that the guy on loan from Celtic?


Yep..

[Jd2793]

Just seen the last two goals in City v Bohs

Holy Christ. The Cork keeper in particular. Is that the guy on loan from Celtic?

It's good to be back!


terrible, his kicking was as bad as that error for the goal. abysmal.

[nigel-harps1954]

Tough night for the new look Harps,struggled with Galways physicality and probably should have lost by more,early days for us and I'll take some green shoots as comfort.....

I wouldn't be just so downbeat. I thought we were okay in spells. An entirely new Harps side, average age of about 21 in our squad. There were plenty of positives on a horrible night for football.
On another note, forgot how bad first division referees are. Holy f*ck there was zero consistency.

[ger121]

The bould James, who some of our lot have bestowed sainthood upon, does this at least once every two games. He spreads panic in the back four, and then starts pointing fingers. The lad is a good keeper, who has a lot of room to get better, but he isint. We need, if Devine is serious about a tilt at silverware, two more experienced defenders and a solid keeper.

I said to a mate of mine, that because Talbot was out for so long, you nearly forget that he does have some games where his goalkeeping is iffy to say the least. Kirk got him out of jail with that clearance off the line. He did do well to get down and keep that one from going over the line at the death.

[joey B]

Just for keeper balance,cracking save from UCD'S keeper for the penalty!

[DCWA]

Derry are a dirty and cynical side who had the ref in their sky rocket the whole game. It was an ugly affair that I’m delighted to get a point from and move on.

The day we become cynical enough is the day we will be champions. This is a general rule of thumb anyway so I embrace us becoming horrible.

Draw fair result. Pats very decent side and Mulraney will be a cracker.

From our perspective were missing arguably a league best midfield of Diallo-Dummigan-P McElenry-Duffy so quite a few positives regardless of late concession. Two very decent teams, good crowd good event and all that.

[total hoofball]

Expecting 3 points for Shels tonight
Oh dear. Disjointed all night had the majority of the ball and wasted it too much against a mobilised but extremely limited Drogheda team, hit woodwork twice and Matty Smith delivered possibly the worst miss in LOI history somehow hitting wide an open goal tap in

If I'm clinging to positives the Tolka pitch has to improve which will help as season goes on and Paddy Barrett was a cut-above just have to hope he lasts another 35 games. Otherwise it will be 7th/8th place this season

[2 Year Contract]

Matty Smith delivered possibly the worst miss in LOI history somehow hitting wide an open goal tap in

Someone check the betting patterns on tonight’s match; specifically in bookies in Scotland :D

https://twitter.com/betweenstripes/status/1626723515192713219?s=46&t=m6L31_a38Kn0I2s0xt_npQ

[Jack B]

Fun game in Richmond. Great crowd and a busy game albeit terribly scrappy at times.

In general play there wasn't much in it but no denying Derry were having almost all of the few chances there were as we struggled to really get at their back line at all. The subs and change of shape for us in the second half changed matters though and I was pleasantly surprised by how much we had them on the ropes by the end of the game.

[Comic Book Guy]

Agree with most of that Kerry will cause problems for teams especially at home this season, some very capable players, pleasant surprise to see Shane Guthrie play the full 90, a player still held in high regard in Cobh from 2007.
The wind ruined the game and the officials certainly were not great. Ref let some things go and seem to card trivial things.
We got a great welcome from Kerry and they look like a great addition to the league.

[ToberonaTornado]

Poor start to the LoI campaign from Dundalk who i thought lacked any decent cohesive play and simply couldn't join the dots v UCD(also poor btw). SO'D waiting until 10mins out to bring in fresh legs and to try to get something started another disappointing aspect of the game.(although great to see Dano Kelly back after a longgggg injury) Very frustrating to watch and a game that is already forgotten ......
Dundalk pen well saved by the gk more than a sloppy one from Hoban imo and UCD goal from a never was free kick about the highlights from an awful match
Anyway- on to Bohs and hope training goes well for Dundalk in the meantime.

[legendz]

Premier Division highlights are already available on FAI TV.
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUSYExIphebYTRuSLI9AQKvBNEGiejfeA

Cobh's first goal was disappointing to concede when Kerry seemed to have dealth with the Cobh threat. Trip showed great turn and speed to nearly get in for an equaliser.
Gaxha nearly had an instant impact immediately after half time. A later effort was cleared off the line by Cobh. The second goal ended the game. Frustrating by Kerry to concede the free.
As mentioned by Culloty, inexperienced cost Kerry on the night. They'll need a few more games at this level to get up to speed but there are encouraging signs. Some of the experienced players who've been away from this level will need a few games as well.

[trevy]

Comfortable win for Waterford in Wexford. Wexford keeper should have saved Wassim Aouachria shot for the first goal. He tapped in for goal number 2 soon after and made it a hat trick with a well taken 3rd goal. Huge crowd at Ferrycarrig Park and kick-off was delayed with traffic and parking issues. A few cars got stuck in the grass at the club car park after the game.

[Nesta99]

Derry are a dirty and cynical side who had the ref in their sky rocket the whole game. It was an ugly affair that I’m delighted to get a point from and move on.

Dundalk influence obviously!


The day we become cynical enough is the day we will be champions. This is a general rule of thumb anyway so I embrace us becoming horrible..

Agreed, 2013 we were too nice a team, by 2014 after playing Hadjuk at home we deployed some of their dark arts away, and won, and then and then on the way to the league. BATE really schooled us 2015 and from then on it was an effective if much-maligned part of our game. SOits not at all a surprise to see Derry have a similar cynical streak as one of the favourites. Rovers were too nice in their European games in contrast last season which didn't help them imo.


The penalty in Oriel was one of those rare top-class save by the keeper rather than a poor penalty. It was heading nicely just inside the right post but the keeper guessed right and did very well to get down to it and reach it at full stretch. It was a key moment as UCD were growing in confidence and that woud have knocked the stuffing out of them, instead, it gave them a lift and were the better side and the Dundalk goal was against the run of play. They kept going and eventually got a silly foul imo, dangerous position for the free to get the ball up over the wall and down on target - maybe 30m and off centre, was well dispatched. 1-1 probably a fair result. But with respect to UCD at home it was points dropped by Dundalk. We looked sloppy and disjointed as can happen early season but with the feeling that we needed a couple more preseason games under the belt. I think there was enough on show to be hopeful for a top 3 or 4 finish again but that really depends on how the rest of the mid-pack have kicked on. I don't think UCD will be cannon fodder for anyone either so wont be saving weaker sides by taking up a relegation berth all season. It was notable also that the UCD players weren't physically much off Dundalk in terms of S&C which traditionally has been a weakness for the Students. Would have been good to get the win, playing UCD in the league opener meant a bigger crowd than would usually be out for a UCD game and momentum with attendance can be just like momentum with results.

[pineapple stu]

UCD goal from a never was free kick
In fairness, you can see it on the highlights and it's about as clear a push in the back as you can get. Deserved yellow card

[legendz]

The Cobh manager admitted that Kerry should have had a penalty for handball. The ref then gave Cobh a free for a handball when the hands were in a natural body position. The ref obviously wanted to give Kerry a welcome to the First Division level standard of refereeing!

In fairness, you can see it on the highlights and it's about as clear a push in the back as you can get. Deserved yellow card
Clear free kick alright. Well taken.

[Nesta99]

In fairness, you can see it on the highlights and it's about as clear a push in the back as you can get. Deserved yellow card

Ah it was a professional foul by Malley, shove in the back after bombing toward goal and was shaping up for a shot or a through ball. I don't think the danger warranted the professional foul as there were plenty of people back and you'd back Sheppard from that distance unless it was a worldy of a strike.

[pineapple stu]

Agree with that. Needless foul and probably the keeper should have done better

But will take it

[gufct]

No loi reports in todays Indo . ????

[joey B]

No loi reports in todays Indo . ????

From Dan McDonnells newsletter:

Just something to be aware of if you’re a reader of the print version of the Irish Independent.

A change in our deadlines means that that some papers that hit the shelves on Saturday morning will not have LOI reports in them. We’ll still have the usual match report service available on independent.ie

[Loifan_76]

Heard on the LOI Central podcast that the indo goes to print before the match reports are done now. So no LOI coverage

[legendz]

Are the First Division highlights to be made available on FAI TV as well?

[D24Saint]

No loi reports in todays Indo . ????

The Saturday edition looked very watered down the last time I seen it.

[outspoken]

In fairness, you can see it on the highlights and it's about as clear a push in the back as you can get. Deserved yellow card

Referee loved a soft free last night, he was very poor. UCD fully deserving of the point.