Games weekend 16th to 18th March 2023

[wexfordned]

UCD are the 2nd worst team in the league. Pats (given their budget)are sh*t and by far the worst team in the league.

At least UCD have a plan and were competitive and their budget is a fraction of what Pats are spending

[Bohtastic]

UCD are the 2nd worst team in the league. Pats (given their budget)are sh*t and by far the worst team in the league.

At least UCD have a plan and were competitive and their budget is a fraction of what Pats are spending

Thought UCD were decent. Their first goal was really tidy, and they were full of running. Mind you, they were poxed to keep it to 2-1.

[DCWA]

Thought it looked absolutely shocking, and had same opinion last week for the Dundalk game, especially the box Sligo defending second half. I`m no fan of these pitches and DFC considering going bac k to grass, but at least the one in Oriel Park is green, and for some reason seems to be playing better this season, that said grass all day for me, but Derry's is almost at the point of looking unplayable.

It is at the point of being unplayable. They have been told it’s at the end of it’s lifespan now and frankly it is a disgrace and needs to be constantly monitored now in terms of match worthiness.

Even as a Derry fan it would satisfy me greatly to see one of these stupid pitches deemed not fit for purpose.

[Nah Nah Nah Nah]

That pitch in Derry is an absolute disgrace. Totally holding them back.

[kksaints]

Not sure what to make of our performance this evening. Decent if very open for the first 55 minutes until Byrne scored his screamer. Then a mess for the next 25 minutes or so. We'd come back into it somewhat before Mulraney equalised with an excellent strike. Rovers had chances to win it at the end but thankfully didn't take any of them. Ref missed a few Rovers handballs at the end scramble which could have been disastrous. 3 excellent goals even if the shooter had more space they you'd like each time.

Still think we're a mess tactically but there was better effort and more quality at least.

[da bishop]

Poor decisions on and off the pitch cost Treaty in Athlone who tbf deserved their point.Town dominated the match bar first twenty mins of second half ,but even with ten men controlled last twenty plus injury time .Treaty should have had stonewall pen with ref Patching making bizzare decisions all game.Good crowd 800 maybe 900 id say.No win in five for Treaty now.

[dong]

That pitch in Derry is an absolute disgrace. Totally holding them back.

It looks dangerous alright and an awful amount of injuries.
Probably should have won it. Still a great night's work. This team is full of potential and work ethic is magnificent.

Squad is actually decent and it seems we can withstand a couple of injuries. Nando and Mata going on international duty will test us. Particularly Nando as Mahon still looks off the pace.

Jaysus the commentary was so bad though. Getting players' names wrong and then they thought Derry had used all their subs.
"Pinnicker', 'Jarlath Barlow' and the best one, 'Luke Fitzgerald'. Followed by a shout out to 'Paul in Connollys' and quoting Homer Simpson by the end.

[RealJohn91]

Thought Ali Coote was great tonight even with his terrible penalty miss, fair play to him not letting his head drop after it. James McManus is such a good player too. He's always finding space for himself and is so composed on the ball for someone so young.

Five wins from six is a phenomenal start. Not getting too carried away so far but you have to enjoy moments like this.

[ger121]

Bohs title to lose now

Well, you’ve probably lost yours.

[Dermobohs]

Decent game of ball in D7, despite the fai’s officials , ucd were very tidy and scored a lovely goal, delicate through ball worldie finish, beautiful. We then missed a pen spectacularly(thanks Ali ) but second half should have scored six, got two. U CD
keeper is a real deal lad, great game tonight. I think we’ll finish top 3, the mood is very positive, defeats don’t get to us like last season, and the connect between fan and player is back, they are working like dogs. Good times are a comin

[Jd2793]

city were cat again. shels deserved winners

[sbgawa]

Well, you’ve probably lost yours.

I did say that earlier in the thread.

[total hoofball]

Very happy with that Shels three points, started both halves brilliantly, we grounded out the game smartly with our lead, team learned from the 2nd half of the Dundalk game at Oriel

Cork certainly looked like a newly promoted side, they were clueless in the final third for a team who were top goalscrorers after 5 games in the league before kick-off

[Jd2793]

Very happy with that Shels three points, started both halves brilliantly, we grounded out the game smartly with our lead, team learned from the 2nd half of the Dundalk game at Oriel

Cork certainly looked like a newly promoted side, they were clueless in the final third for a team who were top goalscrorers after 5 games in the league before kick-off


totally outcoached. duff managed that game perfectly , intense in the first 15/20 of both halves, get the goal(s) then let us have the ball for the rest of the game because he knows we cant do anything with it. people dont like duff but hes unquestionably one of the better coaches in the league.

ye could probably do with an out and out no.9.

[Neish]

totally outcoached. duff managed that game perfectly , intense in the first 15/20 of both halves, get the goal(s) then let us have the ball for the rest of the game because he knows we cant do anything with it. people dont like duff but hes unquestionably one of the better coaches in the league.

Still relatively early days of his Managerial career, but Duff looking like a quality coach/manager

[Nesta99]

Embarrassing from Rovers. Taking off gaffney and Kenny for grace and Gannon . Pats were crap and we were nearly as bad. League is gone, team has lost its way completely. Or is this a other hard luck story.

Uusally silverware is a litmus test of a managers ability and Bradley is a good manager but not a great one, Rovers could and possibly should be charging toward another title or 2 bagged, even the odd double in that, considering their squad and resources.
Not unlike Doolin back in the day at Drogheda where it took him far too long (4yrs?) to get that only title over the line - broke Drogheda doing so and nearly broke the league trying to match the money he was throwing at his title building efforts.Ok this is more like a Bradley on steroids but I do think he has hit a ceiling a while back, that team could nearly coach themselves also. He has this super cautious streak, fear even, and time and again he has set up negatively obly to have to go at a side and realise that they were more than beatable from the getgo, mainly in Europe. Last night he was shoring up with subs against a side that defends as bads as anything I have seen in LoI (and I watched a 1st Division Dundalk with Baba Isaka in the side). It's hard to know hat is hapening at St Pats in that regard, lie preseasonn was all about attacking phases thinking that defending was sorted or will take care of itself. Player selection baffles where it feels like favourites are picked rather than a blend of players that compliment eachother....then do it again next game?! The league still has to settle so no alarm bells need sounding yet but it doesnt look like a Derry Rovers charge for the title will be that straight forward with plenty of sides that can pinch points off anyone- makes it a very interesting season. I hope Devines Bohs side follow the usual trend of his sides and they just run out of steam around july

Maybe Im being harsh on Bradles subs last night and just have never gotten over McCarthy's RoI going to a 5 man midfield when were were already in control and inevitably ceed midfield cause of the disruption and lose.

[Calcio Jack]

Uusally silverware is a litmus test of a managers ability and Bradley is a good manager but not a great one, Rovers could and possibly should be charging toward another title or 2 bagged, even the odd double in that, considering their squad and resources.
Not unlike Doolin back in the day at Drogheda where it took him far too long (4yrs?) to get that only title over the line - broke Drogheda doing so and nearly broke the league trying to match the money he was throwing at his title building efforts.Ok this is more like a Bradley on steroids but I do think he has hit a ceiling a while back, that team could nearly coach themselves also. He has this super cautious streak, fear even, and time and again he has set up negatively obly to have to go at a side and realise that they were more than beatable from the getgo, mainly in Europe. Last night he was shoring up with subs against a side that defends as bads as anything I have seen in LoI (and I watched a 1st Division Dundalk with Baba Isaka in the side). It's hard to know hat is hapening at St Pats in that regard, lie preseasonn was all about attacking phases thinking that defending was sorted or will take care of itself. Player selection baffles where it feels like favourites are picked rather than a blend of players that compliment eachother....then do it again next game?! The league still has to settle so no alarm bells need sounding yet but it doesnt look like a Derry Rovers charge for the title will be that straight forward with plenty of sides that can pinch points off anyone- makes it a very interesting season. I hope Devines Bohs side follow the usual trend of his sides and they just run out of steam around july

Maybe Im being harsh on Bradles subs last night and just have never gotten over McCarthy's RoI going to a 5 man midfield when were were already in control and inevitably ceed midfield cause of the disruption and lose.

Have to disagree completely that Bradley is as a rule negative with his substitutions - over the last few seasons I’ve always been very impressed as to how often he was prepared to put on attacking players -and that’s why last night I think everyone in Tallaght was stunned when he replaced Kenny/Gaffney with Grace/Gannon ( ironically we still managed at least 3 clear chances and hit post twice). So wishful thinking to speak about fear in the manner he manages in the league - as for Europe I’d no issue with him playing ‘weakened’ teams last year to ensure we retained the title.

Whether he’s now coming towards the end of his time with us - personally I believe he’s only getting started , however if over the coming months we don’t get back into the title race then of course all bets will be off ( perhaps) right now however I think he’s the right person for the job and I expect we’ll be fine , even if we don’t win the league we’re now in a great place thanks to him and his colleagues with finances in great shape, a sustainable business model etc. so we’ll as we always have , will endure and prevail ….. as aside apart from the result last night was a cracking game and fair play to both sides

[sbgawa]

Uusally silverware is a litmus test of a managers ability and Bradley is a good manager but not a great one, Rovers could and possibly should be charging toward another title or 2 bagged, even the odd double in that, considering their squad and resources.
Not unlike Doolin back in the day at Drogheda where it took him far too long (4yrs?) to get that only title over the line - broke Drogheda doing so and nearly broke the league trying to match the money he was throwing at his title building efforts.Ok this is more like a Bradley on steroids but I do think he has hit a ceiling a while back, that team could nearly coach themselves also. He has this super cautious streak, fear even, and time and again he has set up negatively obly to have to go at a side and realise that they were more than beatable from the getgo, mainly in Europe. Last night he was shoring up with subs against a side that defends as bads as anything I have seen in LoI (and I watched a 1st Division Dundalk with Baba Isaka in the side). It's hard to know hat is hapening at St Pats in that regard, lie preseasonn was all about attacking phases thinking that defending was sorted or will take care of itself. Player selection baffles where it feels like favourites are picked rather than a blend of players that compliment eachother....then do it again next game?! The league still has to settle so no alarm bells need sounding yet but it doesnt look like a Derry Rovers charge for the title will be that straight forward with plenty of sides that can pinch points off anyone- makes it a very interesting season. I hope Devines Bohs side follow the usual trend of his sides and they just run out of steam around july

Maybe Im being harsh on Bradles subs last night and just have never gotten over McCarthy's RoI going to a 5 man midfield when were were already in control and inevitably ceed midfield cause of the disruption and lose.


Not as hard as the reaction in the West stand last night "What the **** are we doing " was the general vibe, Burke was on the bench and is in great form PLUS can hold the ball, Ditto Ferizaj and Noonan. Why we thought bringing Gannon and Grace and Kavanagh on for Gaffney, Kenny and Clarke was going to result in anything other tahn changing the game completly....a game we were well on top in is anyones guess.
If we had just played the game out with the 11 on the pitch we would have won.
More of the same to come in Dundalk and Bohs next unless we decide to change things as its prety clear even a bad Pats and Shels team know how to deal with us.

[RealJohn91]

What's the story with Liam Burt? Has he even started a league game yet?

[Nesta99]

Have to disagree completely that Bradley is as a rule negative with his substitutions - over the last few seasons I’ve always been very impressed as to how often he was prepared to put on attacking players -and that’s why last night I think everyone in Tallaght was stunned when he replaced Kenny/Gaffney with Grace/Gannon ( ironically we still managed at least 3 clear chances and hit post twice). So wishful thinking to speak about fear in the manner he manages in the league - as for Europe I’d no issue with him playing ‘weakened’ teams last year to ensure we retained the title.

Whether he’s now coming towards the end of his time with us - personally I believe he’s only getting started , however if over the coming months we don’t get back into the title race then of course all bets will be off ( perhaps) right now however I think he’s the right person for the job and I expect we’ll be fine , even if we don’t win the league we’re now in a great place thanks to him and his colleagues with finances in great shape, a sustainable business model etc. so we’ll as we always have , will endure and prevail ….. as aside apart from the result last night was a cracking game and fair play to both sides

Prioritising the league over Europe last season was fine, especially in group games. But in seasons before I dont think there is too much disagreement that the setup was conservative, it back fired more then once and when there was no option but to take the shackles off Rovers showed that they were well able to hurt the opposition and nearly turned ties around. I wouldnt count making positive substitutions when chasing a result as an indication of Bradleys inclination for taking risks. His default is safety first rather than showing a deeprooted belief that his side can compete with anyone. League aside of course as the sheer quality of the squad can carry the club to league titles. I have found many of his tactical choices over the years more negative than astute and effective and turn a game. I am really thinking more of European knockout games, as domestically Rovers have been on the front foot and winning with the quality of the squad. Sometimes its a simple as if its not broken dont fix it.

I dont know how you can say he is only getting started tbh, though I would agree that the squad is entering a phase of evolving, with some older players likely to be moved on and the need to a plan for a Mannus MkII etc. I would not at all criticise the role he has had in overall club development which is in rude health. But I dont think the 1st team would drop off under a new manager and a shrewd appointment raise the bar again. I wouldnt ether be calling for him to go due to a blip if I were a rovers fan, indeed Id be more scared if he left and how things could go under a new management team. Think Brighton after losing their popular and highly rated manager and how Potters replacement has brought the club from stable in the EPL (ther accepted ceiling) to being genuine contenders for Euroean qualification under DeZerbi. It wouldnnt surprise me at all if something similar happened with Rovers post Bradley.

[dundalkfc10]

Prioritising the league over Europe last season was fine, especially in group games. But in seasons before I dont think there is too much disagreement that the setup was conservative, it back fired more then once and when there was no option but to take the shackles off Rovers showed that they were well able to hurt the opposition and nearly turned ties around. I wouldnt count making positive substitutions when chasing a result as an indication of Bradleys inclination for taking risks. His default is safety first rather than showing a deeprooted belief that his side can compete with anyone. League aside of course as the sheer quality of the squad can carry the club to league titles. I have found many of his tactical choices over the years more negative than astute and effective and turn a game. I am really thinking more of European knockout games, as domestically Rovers have been on the front foot and winning with the quality of the squad. Sometimes its a simple as if its not broken dont fix it.

I dont know how you can say he is only getting started tbh, though I would agree that the squad is entering a phase of evolving, with some older players likely to be moved on and the need to a plan for a Mannus MkII etc. I would not at all criticise the role he has had in overall club development which is in rude health. But I dont think the 1st team would drop off under a new manager and a shrewd appointment raise the bar again. I wouldnt ether be calling for him to go due to a blip if I were a rovers fan, indeed Id be more scared if he left and how things could go under a new management team. Think Brighton after losing their popular and highly rated manager and how Potters replacement has brought the club from stable in the EPL (ther accepted ceiling) to being genuine contenders for Euroean qualification under DeZerbi. It wouldnnt surprise me at all if something similar happened with Rovers post Bradley.

Stephen Kenny may be free soon enough of Ireland start off qualifiers bad

[Calcio Jack]

Stephen Kenny may be free soon enough of Ireland start off qualifiers bad

We don’t give second chances to failures ?

[DCWA]

We don’t give second chances to failures ?

You give Bradley plenty of chances after plenty of failures early on so that’s a load of balls anyway.

[placid casual]

Rovers had plenty of chances to win every game this season but Kenny is proving to be a real novice up front, and combined with the league-wide unrestrained malevolence of LOI officials, Rovers have not started as hoped.
The only positive from yesterday is we didn't lose any ground to any of our credible league opponents.

[Nesta99]

Rovers had plenty of chances to win every game this season but Kenny is proving to be a real novice up front, and combined with the league-wide unrestrained malevolence of LOI officials, Rovers have not started as hoped.
The only positive from yesterday is we didn't lose any ground to any of our credible league opponents.

Ansolutely, UCD were breathing down yer necks for a while!

[joey B]

Waterford score twice and get a red card in the space of 8 minutes,Ronan Coughlan scoring both….

[Calcio Jack]

You give Bradley plenty of chances after plenty of failures early on so that’s a load of balls anyway.

Dear god it was meant as a joke

[dundalkfc10]

Rovers had plenty of chances to win every game this season but Kenny is proving to be a real novice up front, and combined with the league-wide unrestrained malevolence of LOI officials, Rovers have not started as hoped.
The only positive from yesterday is we didn't lose any ground to any of our credible league opponents.

Who are you counting as credible league opponents, just Derry?

[dundalkfc10]

https://twitter.com/DroghedaUnited/status/1637122547102670848?t=uOADaIcyFgDavyniAyyQ7Q&s=19

Seems a young lad had few too many Paddys Day. His tweets are available view on the quote to the post Drogheda have put up

[joey B]

Poor start to the season from Waterford,Danny Searle under pressure a bit already,no wins from 3 home games is a big surprise….

[SPXcyan]

I'd say Searle is close to being released at this point, not his fault I'd wager, the lads from Fleetwood have been shockingly poor! Conn-Clarke in particular has been laughably poor! clearly not interested in playing here.. I hope Ian Bircham is waiting in the shadows for another chance ;-)

[ger121]

Rovers had plenty of chances to win every game this season but Kenny is proving to be a real novice up front, and combined with the league-wide unrestrained malevolence of LOI officials, Rovers have not started as hoped.
The only positive from yesterday is we didn't lose any ground to any of our credible league opponents.

Yeah, Kenny and Refs are the main reasons you have not started as hoped. Your Manager, defence and discipline are the reason you are 10 points behind your not credible league opponent.

[joey B]

I envy everyone not watching Longford/Harps,grim!

[ontheotherhand]

Yeah, Kenny and Refs are the main reasons you have not started as hoped. Your Manager, defence and discipline are the reason you are 10 points behind your not credible league opponent.

Do you think you're going to win the league?

[ger121]

Do you think you're going to win the league?

Well we are 10 points ahead of the League Champions and pre-season favourites so who knows if that makes us credible league opponents come the end of the season, but right now we are more credible than some.

[dundalkfc10]

Well we are 10 points ahead of the League Champions and pre-season favourites so who knows if that makes us credible league opponents come the end of the season, but right now we are more credible than some.

We have 11 points sitting 3rd after already playing the top 2 and we have been poor in every game (the 5 níl V Pats was just them being terrible)
I feel this year will be very open with teams winning and losing games they wernt expected too each week

I still expect Derry when they get Duffy back to push on and win it slowing up tbh

[ontheotherhand]

Well we are 10 points ahead of the League Champions and pre-season favourites so who knows if that makes us credible league opponents come the end of the season, but right now we are more credible than some.

Not even the first series of games gone and bohs think they are contenders. Love it. Would be gas and obviously infuriating if you were the ones to stop our 4 in a row attempt but I wouldn't have you anywhere near the top 2 come seasons end to be honest ger. You can bookmark this one and I'll send you the cost of a pint of I'm wrong.

I think we are in for a bit of a mad season which is great considering the crowds are up. They'll be entertained anyway.

[joey B]

1st league win in 14 games for Harps,fitting a penalty was where it came from,awful awful game but we'll take the win and run!

[oriel]

Good win that, Rogers seems a decent bloke and has thrown his heart and soul into Harps, good for him.

[Town Legend]

Brutal match and even worse performance from the 'referee' this evening. Stone Wall pen for us in first half and possibly a second one not given. He was an absolute disgrace.

[outspoken]

Brutal match and even worse performance from the 'referee' this evening. Stone Wall pen for us in first half and possibly a second one not given. He was an absolute disgrace.

If we're blaming refs for that tonight we may throw our hat at it.

[thebronze14]

It was chronic but we'll take the win! Yeah you should have had a peno in the first half. Would like to see ours again. Pretty far away from where we were standing. Seemed the defender caught Okwute in the back. No goals from open play yet but we look defensively solid. I'd be surprised if either side are near the playoff shake-up but early days yet

[pineapple stu]

https://twitter.com/DroghedaUnited/status/1637122547102670848?t=uOADaIcyFgDavyniAyyQ7Q&s=19

Seems a young lad had few too many Paddys Day. His tweets are available view on the quote to the post Drogheda have put up
Is that Drogheda apologising for some tweets sent by a fan? And then the response is to re-post the tweets, bringing them to more people's attention?! (Though not on the thread now, so removed I guess)

Has twitter lost the run of itself altogether? Nobody cares what some numpty posts on twitter surely?

[Town Legend]

If we're blaming refs for that tonight we may throw our hat at it.

Are you really saying the ref got the call right in the first half??? As I said, brutal match. 0-0 would of been a fair result. We don't have a goal poacher. If we concede, a draw looks to be the best we can hope for as we ain't getting more than 1 goal in a game!

[nigel-harps1954]

Really poor game in Longford and 0-0 would have been fair.

We'll take the three points though and monkey off the back for our young side, Cowan off early in the game left us with a backline of a 17 year old, two 19 year olds and a 21 year old, and to be fair, they looked comfortable.

Total rebuild for us continues and two clean sheets in a row in a bonus.

[dundalkfc10]

Is that Drogheda apologising for some tweets sent by a fan? And then the response is to re-post the tweets, bringing them to more people's attention?! (Though not on the thread now, so removed I guess)

Has twitter lost the run of itself altogether? Nobody cares what some numpty posts on twitter surely?

The person who slput the pic up of the tweets is a dundalk game

https://twitter.com/aaronn1223/status/1637127500806381569?t=8mIVTMiyfv1HFiQ830Gslg&s=19

Pretty disgusting stuff to say in fairness. I'd imagine Drogheda will be banning him considering they changed the name of their stadium last yr to head in a game park (the head in the game group was set up after Harry sadly passed)

[nigel-harps1954]

The person who slput the pic up of the tweets is a dundalk game

https://twitter.com/aaronn1223/status/1637127500806381569?t=8mIVTMiyfv1HFiQ830Gslg&s=19

Pretty disgusting stuff to say in fairness. I'd imagine Drogheda will be banning him considering they changed the name of their stadium last yr to head in a game park (the head in the game group was set up after Harry sadly passed)

That's absolutely disgusting stuff. Lad should get a permanent ban.

[Nesta99]

That's absolutely disgusting stuff. Lad should get a permanent ban.

A ban is too easy on him, If the Taaffe family are willing, he should have to face them and hear them talk about the tragedy that he is belitting!

[dundalkfc10]

That's absolutely disgusting stuff. Lad should get a permanent ban.


A ban is too easy on him, If the Taaffe family are willing, he should have to face them and hear them talk about the tragedy that he is belitting!

Seems he plays or is a member of the gaelic club aswell right beside United Park so I'd imagine his gaelic career will be over too as the club have been contacted regarding it.
Little lowlife

[trevy]

Mad game at the RSC yesterday. 2 goals from Ronan Coughlan in 2 minutes had us looking comfortable but then Conn Clarke gets sent off for 2 yellows which changes the game. Bray get one back just on half time and equalise with a brilliant strike from outside the box in last 15 minutes. Danny Searle got a red card but apparently it was because of one of his backroom staff acting up. Referee lost the plot in the 2nd half and made some bizarre decisions and both sets of players were complaining to him at final whistle.
Shane Griffin hit the post in injury time for Waterford. No wins from 3 home games now and already 7 behind Galway.