Weekend 24th to 28th October

[2 Year Contract]

If he could only improve on his decision making, far too often he runs into cul-de-sacs or mistimes his passes.
Yeah I’ve no doubt he’d still be in England if he improved on that and his end product

[legendz]

Derry are the raging hot favourites. Could be a repeat of their big final win a few years back. No guarantee though. Sligo is a potential banana skin for Pat's.
If Derry wind up missing out on Europe through the league, all the pressure will be on them going into the final.

[SwanVsDalton]

Plenty being thrown onto the pitch towards the Pats crowd too, including flares, which, if we want to get into Pearl clutching, could have injured someone. Can’t swear to it but I thought the first items thrown came from the Derry side. Poor stewarding to let the Pats fans down that end of the pitch anyway.

If you're talking about behind the goal, it was all Pats fans. I was standing pretty much at the barrier. It was then the same fans who headed over to the Derry fans corner. Like I said, not a terribly big deal but just surprised. Don't associate it with Pats, at least against us.


Derry kicked lumps out of Cian Levy all night, just couldn’t handle him. I think I counted three yellow cards given for fouls on him.

Was it Leavy on the Idehen and Boyce bookings? Not sure I'd say kicked lumps as Idehen (rightly booked) didn't even catch him since Leavy hurdled it and Boyce got a good chunk of the ball. But aye he left em for dust.

[Nesta99]

Derry are the raging hot favourites. Could be a repeat of their big final win a few years back. No guarantee though. Sligo is a potential banana skin for Pat's.
If Derry wind up missing out on Europe through the league, all the pressure will be on them going into the final.

and If Drogheda qualify for Europe on a fairly tight budget some heads will be turned again and more 'investors' or multi-club efforts will be nosing around. If a new club owner was found a bit short on personal disposable wealth those sniffing around for a bargain ie equity for cash flow injection, might get a hearing, maybe even before fan groups would, hypothetically speaking.

[trevy]

End of season game at the RSC last night with it looking like a 0-0 draw until Clarke headed in from a free kick to put Bohs 1-0 up with 10 minutes to go. Waterford woke up near the end and got an equaliser deep in stoppage time with a great shot from sub Glenfield into the roof of the net so good way to finish off our home games. We will finish 7th so happy with that overall in our first season back in the Premier even though our form in the last few months has been poor with only 8 points picked up from last 12 league games which cost us a challenge for European football.

[TonyD]

If you're talking about behind the goal, it was all Pats fans. I was standing pretty much at the barrier. It was then the same fans who headed over to the Derry fans corner. Like I said, not a terribly big deal but just surprised. Don't associate it with Pats, at least against us.



Was it Leavy on the Idehen and Boyce bookings? Not sure I'd say kicked lumps as Idehen (rightly booked) didn't even catch him since Leavy hurdled it and Boyce got a good chunk of the ball. But aye he left em for dust.

No I wasn’t talking about behind the goal, tbh I didn’t see anything being thrown from either side from behind the goal, but I was looking at the end of the stand where the Derry fans were. I was further up in the stand, just on the far side of the directors box. Definitely missiles coming both ways. As I say, my impression was they came from the Derry fans initially. Not excusing the stupidity of the Pats scrotes who deliberately went down to that end to taunt the Derry fans, when they should have been celebrating our own incredible run in to the season.

[ger121]

So what some people think, is that Dundalk who have nothing to play for will be more of a threat against a Rovers side hitting form and going for a title vs. a Derry side at home who still need to finish Top 3 to guarantee Europe and surely will not want to lose at home to their title rivals all season - Shels. Rovers are going to nick this one at the death either by a point or on GD.

[wonder88]

Would Patrick Hickey not be the most fouled player in the league in recent games? 7/8 given in first half last night. Loads of fouls on him v Dundalk also.

[placid casual]

a Derry side at home who still need to finish Top 3 to guarantee Europe and surely will not want to lose at home to their title rivals all season - Shels. Rovers are going to nick this one at the death either by a point or on GD.

Good man Ger, keep those positive vibes coming.
Shels should win it as derry are a shambles at the moment, clearly not playing to their full potential.
They had 2 games at home to last week to close out the league and they couldn't get it done.
I'd imagine they'll get raided in the off season for their better,fit player's like Whelan, O'Reilly & Maher.
Rovers should beat the relegated dundalk but it won't be straightforward- The noises coming out of Rovers are that all the players are switched on at the moment (bit late says you!!)

[2 Year Contract]

Good man Ger, keep those positive vibes coming.
Shels should win it as derry are a shambles at the moment, clearly not playing to their full potential.
They had 2 games at home to last week to close out the league and they couldn't get it done.
I'd imagine they'll get raided in the off season for their better,fit player's like Whelan, O'Reilly & Maher.
Rovers should beat the relegated dundalk but it won't be straightforward- The noises coming out of Rovers are that all the players are switched on at the moment (bit late says you!!)

On the topic of Colm Whelan, he came on at half time last night and was probably Derry’s most dangerous player. A real handful for defenders to deal with him, could be huge for whoever he’s playing for next year with a full pre-season behind him as long as he’s seen the back of his injury woes

[legendz]

So what some people think, is that Dundalk who have nothing to play for will be more of a threat against a Rovers side hitting form and going for a title vs. a Derry side at home who still need to finish Top 3 to guarantee Europe and surely will not want to lose at home to their title rivals all season - Shels. Rovers are going to nick this one at the death either by a point or on GD.

Is there a kick in Dundalk is the question to be answered tomorrow. Sometimes teams bizarrely respond after an inevitable relegation.
Just as Derry will be under the most pressure if they have to win the cup for Europe, Shels will be under the most pressure if they have to win on the final day to secure the league. The key for Rovers is getting to 61 points and putting the pressure on Shels to have to win in Derry.

[Nesta99]

It can only really be that the pressure is off so they can play with some freedom. People talk about pride and all that and yeah if some of those players were sticking around. Really though they will be going through the motions wanting the season to end and get out of dodge. Id expect to see a professional performance and keep it nice for everyone rather than treat it like a dead rubber. Dont see people busting themselves to make the edge they'll need for a result wev'e not been getting when there was still a fight, unless Rovers dont show up.

[placid casual]

On the topic of Colm Whelan, he came on at half time last night and was probably Derry’s most dangerous player. A real handful for defenders to deal with him, could be huge for whoever he’s playing for next year with a full pre-season behind him as long as he’s seen the back of his injury woes

For my money 2YC he's the hottest property in LOI football, albeit Melia is not far behind.

[2 Year Contract]

For my money 2YC he's the hottest property in LOI football, albeit Melia is not far behind.

Don’t think the two are comparable seen as Whelan is 7 years older than Melia is! Whelan is a top LOI player but Melia is a cert to go on to bigger and better things

[Kiki Balboa]

Seen reports of Rovers fans trying to buy home tickets for today's game.

I would say with all of the emotions swirling around Dundalk recently... There could be some flash points if it were to happen.

[Nesta99]

Ticket restrictions are often set by Gardai, surely it is better to increase allocations than have people potentially in the home section, eg use of part of the area behind the Carrick Rd goal. Easily enough policed, plenty of space and can keep seperation from home sections. Just organise entry and exit before and after properly.The club should tell them the additional income is to pay off the overtime bill!!

That said, a little bit of common sense and people should be able to mix in safely like some away fans not bailing in to the middle of the shed singing about clubs going bust - wishful thinking! There was a few Rovers fans in the Larne section Thursday, only seemed to be ejected after the third goal for whatever reason so were long enough there before anything happened.

[Nah Nah Nah Nah]

Hard to see that Dundalk team doing anything this evening

[Calcio Jack]

Hard to see that Dundalk team doing anything this evening

So far they’ve had the better of it and should be ahead

[Nah Nah Nah Nah]

Yeah they’ve been decent

[Jack B]

Really think it's good for the league that Oriel Park isn't in it next season. That pitch is absolutely treacherous.

[ger121]

Some miss by Kenny

[Calcio Jack]

Really think it's good for the league that Oriel Park isn't in it next season. That pitch is absolutely treacherous.

Agree totally…. Two players tonight gone off tonight with hamstring injuries

[Nesta99]

Really think it's good for the league that Oriel Park isn't in it next season. That pitch is absolutely treacherous.

Can barely be seen under those lights!

[Straightstory]

Really think it's good for the league that Oriel Park isn't in it next season. That pitch is absolutely treacherous.
And the ground is an eyesore.
Anyway - a win for Rovers. Friday should be very exciting.

[sbgawa]

So it comes down to if rovers can beat waterford Shels have to beat derry to win the league. If shels go and win in derry they deserve it 1 win in ten and then win the last 3...... hears hoping derry show up

[ger121]

Advantage Rovers now.

[Guitd]

Really think it's good for the league that Oriel Park isn't in it next season. That pitch is absolutely treacherous.

And simple stuff looks so unprofessional like having black tape on the goals to secure netting live on tv stuff like that gives the league an amateur image

[Nah Nah Nah Nah]

One way traffic in the second half

[Nesta99]

And simple stuff looks so unprofessional like having black tape on the goals to secure netting live on tv stuff like that gives the league an amateur image

Yup that'd be top of my list now on what gives the league an amatuer image!

[legendz]

Advantage Rovers now. Seems to be. Rovers could still miss out on Europe but that would take an unlikely set of results.

[placid casual]

Great win for Rovers. shels must have been hoping and praying we'd hand them the league by not winning in oriel but this Rovers team win leagues.
I wouldn't discount derry conspiring to embarrass themselves at home once more next week, and hand shels the title but I'm far,far more confident of us winning the league now than I was a few hours ago!
Winning on that utter disgrace of a surface,in that lawless atmosphere,and with dundalk raising their game a bit as usual against the Hoops made it a tricky, tricky game to negotiate,and they managed to be come through it.
Bringing it to the last game of the season was the minimum requirement this Rovers team would have expected when they were 12 points behind shels at one stage ,and if shels get it over the line ,then fair play to them.
I doubt there'll be much complaint from anyone at Rovers - The best team wins the league every year, without any exception.

[TonyD]

Hard to call what way next week will go. Rovers will win I’m sure, while the other game may depend on how motivated Derry are. The two lads on Virgin media were talking about Derry needing to win to get Europe, but if Past win in Sligo they can’t catch us for third.

[oriel]

Really think it's good for the league that Oriel Park isn't in it next season. That pitch is absolutely treacherous.

The ground only looks 'acceptable' when over 3k, or 4k at it, hides the gaps, its in a terrible state really, that said the pitch in Brandywell is not much better, I`m not a fan of any of them!

See you all in 2026 or 2027 - its been a blast.....................

[Straightstory]

Bringing it to the last game of the season was the minimum requirement this Rovers team would have expected when they were 12 points behind shels at one stage ,and if shels get it over the line ,then fair play to them.
I doubt there'll be much complaint from anyone at Rovers - The best team wins the league every year, without any exception.
Minimum requirement? High standards indeed!

[oriel]

Hard to call what way next week will go. Rovers will win I’m sure, while the other game may depend on how motivated Derry are. The two lads on Virgin media were talking about Derry needing to win to get Europe, but if Past win in Sligo they can’t catch us for third.

Also if Derry win and Pats only draw, then they go on to win the cup, 4th place gets nothing, but Pats are by far the form team in the last series of games.

Rovers will possibly repeat a 1995 stat if they win it, Dundalk went top for the first time all season, in the final day of that 94/95 campaign.

[Stuttgart88]

Yup that'd be top of my list now on what gives the league an amatuer image!

Training goalposts parked behind the goal line is the worst imho!

[2 Year Contract]

Also if Derry win and Pats only draw, then they go on to win the cup, 4th place gets nothing, but Pats are by far the form team in the last series of games.

Rovers will possibly repeat a 1995 stat if they win it, Dundalk went top for the first time all season, in the final day of that 94/95 campaign.

If Derry better Pats result and then win the cup, 4th place (Pats in that scenario) also gets europe

[Nesta99]

Training goalposts parked behind the goal line is the worst imho!

Thats just laziness!

[legendz]

See you all in 2026 or 2027 - its been a blast.....................
Looking at the gap between Cork and UCD, Dundalk should comfortably return despite the mess to be sorted.

[dundalkfc10]

Looking at the gap between Cork and UCD, Dundalk should comfortably return despite the mess to be sorted.

I'd agree, the team that played last night I'd expect most to still be around next year
Munro (I'd like an upgrade on him but he's improved)
Mountany has told fans he's going nowhere
Mayo should be a top first div defender
Cann (he can leave I'm sure many would agree)
Mullen decent young player
Mahon, can't see him staying
Dervin, very limited player but will be good in first Div
Ostenbrink il pay for his flight home myself
Horgan, says he is staying
Kenny, should be a good 1st Div player
Hakini, if he hangs about surely a top 1st Div player

Add in O Kane, Boyle, Doyle and we should have a good team

[ger121]

I'd agree, the team that played last night I'd expect most to still be around next year
Munro (I'd like an upgrade on him but he's improved)
Mountany has told fans he's going nowhere
Mayo should be a top first div defender
Cann (he can leave I'm sure many would agree)
Mullen decent young player
Mahon, can't see him staying
Dervin, very limited player but will be good in first Div
Ostenbrink il pay for his flight home myself
Horgan, says he is staying
Kenny, should be a good 1st Div player
Hakini, if he hangs about surely a top 1st Div player

Add in O Kane, Boyle, Doyle and we should have a good team

Still think you’ll be the team to beat next season in the 1st Division. Plenty of players under contract and others retained.

[Another Bohemia]

I'd agree, the team that played last night I'd expect most to still be around next year
Munro (I'd like an upgrade on him but he's improved)
Mountany has told fans he's going nowhere
Mayo should be a top first div defender
Cann (he can leave I'm sure many would agree)
Mullen decent young player
Mahon, can't see him staying
Dervin, very limited player but will be good in first Div
Ostenbrink il pay for his flight home myself
Horgan, says he is staying
Kenny, should be a good 1st Div player
Hakini, if he hangs about surely a top 1st Div player

Add in O Kane, Boyle, Doyle and we should have a good team

That's assuming none of those lads have release clauses for relegation. Even if they don't the financials seem as such that a semi decent offer from a club could see any player leave. I wouldn't start counting any squad member in or out until after the winter window closes

[pineapple stu]

Or release clauses for unpaid wages

[legendz]

Athlone and Bray into the playoff final. Both made home advantage count in the first legs. Not a whole lot of reward for 2nd and 3rd.

[brendy_éire]

Athlone and Bray into the playoff final. Both made home advantage count in the first legs. Not a whole lot of reward for 2nd and 3rd.

Thought both games were enjoyable enough, but surprised UCD couldn't make more of their nan advantage.
I suppose ordinarily, there was would be an advantage to finishing second, but the FD top half (Cork aside) was tight this season.

[nigel-harps1954]

I thought the Wexford v Athlone game was a very poor affair, only caught the first half of UCD v Bray which was a much better game, as far as I saw.

Don't see either side troubling Drogheda.

[Martinho II]

From our game in Belfield bowl I wasnt that gone on UCD it was only cos of majority of season we cant keep a lead! Wexford havent been the same since we battered them 3-0 at home.

[oriel]

Still think you’ll be the team to beat next season in the 1st Division. Plenty of players under contract and others retained.

Really don't know about all of this lads, would be still thinking 2-3 years down will prob be more the likely case. The display v Rovers was absolutely one of the better ones this season, and if we could retain guts this squad, yes maybe a chance, but what's the point coming up to go back down?

With the lack of 'smaller clubs' now coming up, no longer UCD / Bray / Longford, just think of 2025 in the PD, someone obv has to finish 10th and auto relegation, runners and riders even now? Drogs / winners play off, Cork City, Bohs maybe, who knows.

I think a few seasons down would suit us in a mad way, and when we do come back, have built in time to have it properly re-organised off the field.

Anyway we'll see, still not out of the woods yet re existing / getting a licence, so god knows how it will pan out over winter, hopefully a club first and foremost is still there, then we'll worry about 2025, a new manager, player contracts, for now, to borrow a line from one my fav UK comedies, Early Doors, if you know it, you know it.

To the REGIMENT !!

[nr637]

Athlone and Bray into the playoff final. Both made home advantage count in the first legs. Not a whole lot of reward for 2nd and 3rd.

What support are teams hoping for at Dalymount, Bray could bring well over 1,000 looking at the away support at UCD, while Athlone will be hoping for a few hundred to travel up.
I suppose 1,500 would be a reasonable attendance and all could be accommodated in the Jodi Stand.

[legendz]

Really don't know about all of this lads, would be still thinking 2-3 years down will prob be more the likely case. The display v Rovers was absolutely one of the better ones this season, and if we could retain guts this squad, yes maybe a chance, but what's the point coming up to go back down?
Anything less than first place will be terrible.

What support are teams hoping for at Dalymount, Bray could bring well over 1,000 looking at the away support at UCD, while Athlone will be hoping for a few hundred to travel up.
I suppose 1,500 would be a reasonable attendance and all could be accommodated in the Jodi Stand.
That should be a reasonable attendance alright. Neutral venues aren't used for Cup semi-finals. For some reason the First Division playoffs persist with neutral venues for the final.