Games weekend 2nd to 5th May

[sbgawa]

Premier Division

Friday 2nd May (All 19:45)

Bohemians v Waterford
Cork v Shamrock Rovers
Sligo v Drogheda
St Pats v Galway
Derry v Shelbourne

Monday 5th MAy

Shelbourne v Waterford (17:00)
Drogheda v Cork (17:00)
Galway v Bohemians (17:00)
Shamrock Rovers v Sligo (19:00)
Derry v St Pats (19:45)

First Division

Friday 2nd (all 19:45)

UCD v Kerry
Finn Harps v Treaty
Cobh v Bray
Athlone v Dundalk

Saturday 3rd

Longford v Wexford (19:30)

[sbgawa]

With everything being so close any team with two wins this weekend could find themselves top of the league come Monday evening.
Drogs could be well clear with two winable matches but very little has been predictable in this league so far.
Rovers need to start winning games again 2 points from 9 where we were winning 1 nil , 1 nil and 2 nil is an awful return but hopefully 6 points this weekend.
UCD need to beat Kerry and try and stay in touch with the top teams and its a big game for Harps too who wont want to drop to far off the PO places.

[outspoken]

Hard to be confident about anything other than a defeat for us atm ):

[Jack B]

Not particularly encouraged ahead of this weekend for us. The manner of the defeat last week was frankly weird and caused some uneasiness, and we're going to be missing all of Keena (or are we?*), Forrester (*x2), Palmer (*x3)Breslin and maybe one or two others. We're still unbeaten at home though so rather than expecting we put in some statement performance that kicks the season into gear I'm more so hopeful we can grind out a win and take it from there.

[2 Year Contract]

Not particularly encouraged ahead of this weekend for us. The manner of the defeat last week was frankly weird and caused some uneasiness, and we're going to be missing all of Keena (or are we?*), Forrester (*x2), Palmer (*x3)Breslin and maybe one or two others. We're still unbeaten at home though so rather than expecting we put in some statement performance that kicks the season into gear I'm more so hopeful we can grind out a win and take it from there.

In the last 3 games Keena and Palmer have been out doing their own warmup with a ball etc before the rest of the team are even out for their warmup. Not saying they'll be back starting games this week but that doesn’t give the impression of lads that are still a few months away from a return, so fingers crossed they’re back sooner rather than later.

With Forrester in the protective boot after full time last week hopefully it was just a precaution putting him in it, his injury was caused when taking a shot and connecting half with the ball and half with a Bohs players boot so I’d say it’s either a twisted ankle or a bruised foot if he connected with studs. As long as he’s not fractured a metatarsal then either of those would be short term injuries touch wood

[Jack B]

In the last 3 games Keena and Palmer have been out doing their own warmup with a ball etc before the rest of the team are even out for their warmup. Not saying they'll be back starting games this week but that doesn’t give the impression of lads that are still a few months away from a return, so fingers crossed they’re back sooner rather than later.

With Forrester in the protective boot after full time last week hopefully it was just a precaution putting him in it, his injury was caused when taking a shot and connecting half with the ball and half with a Bohs players boot so I’d say it’s either a twisted ankle or a bruised foot if he connected with studs. As long as he’s not fractured a metatarsal then either of those would be short term injuries touch wood

Yeah there's been some chat about Keena being back in training and potentially on the bench but best case scenario for both would be that it's very early days into a return.

Hard to know with Forrester, the preview put out by the club though says that all of the squad (minus Breslin) from last week are available but I suppose we'll see how true that is.

[brendy_éire]

Not particularly encouraged ahead of this weekend for us. The manner of the defeat last week was frankly weird and caused some uneasiness.

Snap.

Shels up first for us tonight in the Brandy. We'll almost certainly concede, so it'll be a tough ask to get anything out of this.
Lynch said after Waterford away that the performance was "unacceptable", second time this year. Let's see if he changes things up.
If we kept two clean sheets at home to Shels and Pat's this weekend, it would be a great stating point. Can't say I'm hopeful, as I just can't trust us defensively ATM.
Also, Rob Hennessy is the ref tonight. That doesn't bode well for us.

[pineapple stu]

Surely the biggest talking point in the First Division tonight is will the UCD Bowl actually resemble a football pitch tonight?

Be interesting to find out.

Kerry seem in chaos at the moment - that infamous triple sub last week the most obvious example - so hopefully can get our first home win of the season tonight and keep tracking back towards respectability.

[osarusan]

Harps pitch looks really bobbly.

[DCSIL]

Harps pitch looks really bobbly.

Are you allowed to say that on here?

Great start for Derry hope we hold on!

[sbgawa]

If rovers don't win tonight for the fourth match in a row where we were in front questions need to be asked. Shocking stuff and we are so underperforming it's pitiful. Change is needed and quickly .

[sbgawa]

Bradley needs to consider his position.we we're a disgrace not winning yhe league last year and this is even worse

[culloty82]

Tim Heimer saves two penalties, and probably Kerry's season in the bargain, as a Seánie McGrath spot-kick secures victory at UCD, lifting the club up to 8th, pending the Longford result tomorrow!

[legendz]

Hiemer saved 2 penalties!! Sean McGrath scored his for Kerry. Kerry beat UCD in a much needed win for a manager under pressure after recent poor results and performances.

[pineapple stu]

****ing hell. When you miss two penalties, smack the underside of the bar, force a great save, fire over from two yards and then nearly save about the only shot on target faced all night only for the spin to tell - and when the pitch is still bobbly (though not as bad as before), you know it's God's way of suggesting adding an extra pint to the evening.

Have to say, there's something of a minnow mindset about Kerry that just shouldn't be there in their fourth season in the league (and with backing too?). Maybe the manager is holding them back; I don't know. I'd like to see them do well but they're such a hard side to like

[Buckett]

I don't know how Galway didn't score at least three tonight.
Pat's were much better in the first half, but their second goal was very lucky.
Roll on Monday

[ger121]

Losing to Waterford at home is such a Bohs thing to do.

Teams love to throw away winning positions in this league.

[ger121]

****ing hell. When you miss two penalties, smack the underside of the bar, force a great save, fire over from two yards and nearly save about the only shot on target faced all night only for the spin to tell - and when the pitch is still bobbly (though not as bad as before), you know it's God's way of suggesting adding an extra pint to the evening.

UCD should play all their matches away PS. They are jinxed at the Bowl.

[Calcio Jack]

Bradley needs to consider his position.we we're a disgrace not winning yhe league last year and this is even worse

I know it’s hair pulling frustrating at times but get a grip ; we’ll be fine

[sbgawa]

Don't agree , when u are headband shoulders above the opposition for resources there has to be accountability. We are a disgrace

[kingdomkerry]

****ing hell. When you miss two penalties, smack the underside of the bar, force a great save, fire over from two yards and then nearly save about the only shot on target faced all night only for the spin to tell - and when the pitch is still bobbly (though not as bad as before), you know it's God's way of suggesting adding an extra pint to the evening.

Have to say, there's something of a minnow mindset about Kerry that just shouldn't be there in their fourth season in the league (and with backing too?). Maybe the manager is holding them back; I don't know. I'd like to see them do well but they're such a hard side to like

Yerra UCD created very little also. The 2 penalties were a joke by the way. The pitch was a disgrace as was the attendance. Kerry set up to not loose and hopefully nick one and that's what happened. Fully deserved I might add.

[pineapple stu]

We had three glorious chances to Kerry's none outside of the penalties.

I don't think it's reasonable to suggest both sides created equal chances

[Zico]

We had three glorious chances to Kerry's none outside of the penalties.

I don't think it's reasonable to suggest both sides created equal chances

UCD had 1 glorious chance, 1-2 half chances, 2 soft penalties well saved and a ref that only wanted to book Kerry players. Got what they deserved in the end. Kerry full value for a good away win.

[culloty82]

Whatever about the merits or otherwise of the result, not sure what expectations pineapple stu had of Kerry when he speaks of a "minnow mentality" - before the season began, the primary goal was not to finish bottom, with 8th a realistic target, and that's precisely where the club is at present. Of course, in an ideal world, the squad would be pushing for the playoffs, but oddly enough, it's the home form holding us back in that regard!

[Another Bohemia]

Good game in Dalymount. Ref was a disaster as is tradition for the league but he's not an excuse for that loss. Kamikaze defending from Bohs for both goals and the keeper looked very suspect. Dare I say a keeper needs to be signed in July to help shore up the defence because both Talbot and Chorazka have been at fault for goals this season. I also hope this game puts to bed any notion that Bucko should be starting games for us in midfield. Honestly the most awkward footballer I've ever seen iny life, and that was before his injury. Now he has to take 2 or 3 little steps before he can pass the ball. Honestly it's like watching a toddler try to kick the thing. Bohs best midfield is some combination of McManus, Devoy, Tierney and Morahan. If Morahan is going to keep being played at RB until Smith returns that solves that problem. Still good chances created and on another day we would have gone on to win that one. On to Galway and honestly probably a blessing that the next games Monday so the lads can't hang around too long feeling sorry for themselves.Up the Bohs.

[pineapple stu]

UCD had 1 glorious chance, 1-2 half chances, 2 soft penalties well saved and a ref that only wanted to book Kerry players. Got what they deserved in the end. Kerry full value for a good away win.
Missing from three yards, hitting the underside of the bar, and forcing a great save in the first half - those aren't half-chances.


Whatever about the merits or otherwise of the result, not sure what expectations pineapple stu had of Kerry when he speaks of a "minnow mentality" - before the season began, the primary goal was not to finish bottom, with 8th a realistic target, and that's precisely where the club is at present. Of course, in an ideal world, the squad would be pushing for the playoffs, but oddly enough, it's the home form holding us back in that regard!
I think given it's the fourth season in the league, there has at some stage be a belief that ye can rise beyond eighth. The First Division is not a strong league. But Kerry still seem to approach games with ten men behind the ball, spoiling tactics (hence all the yellows - five tonight, 11 in the two games in the Bowl last season), clinging on for rare wins and no real belief that they can challenge in games more regularly.

For a club that reportedly had €1.5m invested (https://www.thesun.ie/sport/14391917/kerry-fc-new-owner-name-john-wall/) in the pre-season, to consider 8th a "realistic target" neatly encapsulates my view of the minnow mentality tbh.

[Nesta99]

I think tonights PL results were the 1st this season that had a sense of normality, well where you could could have picked 3 or 4 results in a preseason 'should be the form way', bar Rovers. Nobody has won or lot the league tonight but there is some interesting results, Derry winning by 2 v Shels, Pats getting a good win on the board in a horrible fixture, Rovers dropping points again from winning position. Drogs and Sligo showing an ability to get results in their own ways even if Drogs threw a lead. Bohs and Waterford midtable fare. Points on the boaard aside, Shels are less resilient this season. Derry inconsistent but new manager excuse, Rovers well like Derry last season, there's no excuse.

Dundalk blessed with results elsewhere. Cobh right back in the mix. Glad its not Bray Monday, dull their want to bouce back quickly.

Soft or not, missing 2 penalties and losing.....makes no difference if UCD had 98% possession and 50 sitters or Kerry instead, you would feel cursed. Biased ref? Against Kerry? That makes so much sense?? How about just a sh1te ref!

[nigel-harps1954]

Harps pitch looks really bobbly.

It's in awful condition and being massively overused again.

Harps were shockingly bad tonight.

[Jack B]

Pats in the first half were as good as I've seen us this season, albeit largely aided by Galway really not trying to play at all. Keena being back was huge.

Second half a different story as Galway came out aggressively, and we just don't look a team that is comfortable with trying to see out a game we're leading in as we can be got at physically, especially by that kind of opposition. Not seen it back properly but what looked like a ridiculously harsh second yellow for Sjoberg didn't help out cause. Looked like he just eased Burns off the ball, who went down holding his face and the ref bought it. Still and all though we managed to grind it out which was nice to see, as is the feeling of being top of the league even if that doesn't seem to mean much this season.

Also I'm not normally one to adorn any Pats player as the best xyz when I don't see enough of other players and teams by comparison, but I'd be shocked if there were a better keeper in the league than Anang. The doubts he's had previously just look ridiculous now, operating at a very high level.

[joey B]

So Keith Long was holding Waterford back yeah ! Brays run finally comes to an end,Dundalk drop points again but does it really matter,didn’t see our game but another defeat and another game our keeper apparently can’t catch a cold !

[Zico]

For a club that reportedly had €1.5m invested (https://www.thesun.ie/sport/14391917/kerry-fc-new-owner-name-john-wall/) in the pre-season, to consider 8th a "realistic target" neatly encapsulates my view of the minnow mentality tbh.[/QUOTE]

The clubs mantra is to build for the future with plans around academy, women’s football, facilities etc. some of the investment will no doubt go into the men’s first team, but ultimately the approach is around giving local players a higher platform and building the club up over the next few years. The budget, while bigger this year would still not be top half of the table and Kerry also has the geographic disadvantage away from the main base of players in this country i.e. Dublin (Bray, midlands clubs etc can get these players easier and still based at home). Cobh have advantage for Cork based players not good enough for city and treaty obviously pick up limerick based players of first division level. This explains the large number of Uk/ non Irish players with Kerry this year - results from the recruitment policy have been mixed so far.

Also, it’s worth noting no fewer than 5 local lads have started every game this season to date.

[Nesta99]

Pats in the first half were as good as I've seen us this season, albeit largely aided by Galway really not trying to play at all. Keena being back was huge.

Second half a different story as Galway came out aggressively, and we just don't look a team that is comfortable with trying to see out a game we're leading in as we can be got at physically, especially by that kind of opposition. Not seen it back properly but what looked like a ridiculously harsh second yellow for Sjoberg didn't help out cause. Looked like he just eased Burns off the ball, who went down holding his face and the ref bought it. Still and all though we managed to grind it out which was nice to see, as is the feeling of being top of the league even if that doesn't seem to mean much this season.

Also I'm not normally one to adorn any Pats player as the best xyz when I don't see enough of other players and teams by comparison, but I'd be shocked if there were a better keeper in the league than Anang. The doubts he's had previously just look ridiculous now, operating at a very high level.

How many additional leagues might Caulfield have if he was brave!! To play on a front foot plan B when gone behind, is not playing averages, its throing away opportunities to dictate the state of a leaue table. Over a season those dropped points matter. Long may he continue but its a shame for fans and teams that were and are capable of going away from home fearlessly!

[Nesta99]

For a club that reportedly had €1.5m invested (https://www.thesun.ie/sport/14391917/kerry-fc-new-owner-name-john-wall/) in the pre-season, to consider 8th a "realistic target" neatly encapsulates my view of the minnow mentality tbh.

The clubs mantra is to build for the future with plans around academy, women’s football, facilities etc. some of the investment will no doubt go into the men’s first team, but ultimately the approach is around giving local players a higher platform and building the club up over the next few years. The budget, while bigger this year would still not be top half of the table and Kerry also has the geographic disadvantage away from the main base of players in this country i.e. Dublin (Bray, midlands clubs etc can get these players easier and still based at home). Cobh have advantage for Cork based players not good enough for city and treaty obviously pick up limerick based players of first division level. This explains the large number of Uk/ non Irish players with Kerry this year - results from the recruitment policy have been mixed so far.

Also, it’s worth noting no fewer than 5 local lads have started every game this season to date.[/QUOTE]

If you ever become bored with Kerry or they fall by the wayside, you have a ready made home as a Sligo fan!

[TonyD]

How many additional leagues might Caulfield have if he was brave!! To play on a front foot plan B when gone behind, is not playing averages, its throing away opportunities to dictate the state of a leaue table. Over a season those dropped points matter. Long may he continue but its a shame for fans and teams that were and are capable of going away from home fearlessly!

Not sure it was a lack of bravery in the first half. We were genuinely very good and moved the ball really well. Having said that, Galway missed an absolute sitter to go one up before we scored. Galway did get after us more in the second half, and were on top even before the sending off. Backs to the wall stuff from then until the end, but we coped pretty well. Mind you, I thought we were coping well in Dalymount last week, until we weren’t !

Also have to echo Jacks praise of Anang, and I was just thinking tonight he is probably the best in the league. His handling of crosses all season has been exceptional, and he doesn’t cause as many heart attacks with the ball at his feet these days.

[Nesta99]

Well ok, on this occasion maybe circumstances differed but since Caulfield has built multiple sides upper end of the league there have been lots of times startong on the front foot away would have added to points tally improvong league position. Plan B has often been tougher than plan A. At least he isnt signing Jack Byrne and Chris Forrester kinds to be bench warmers these days.

[listowelceltic]

****ing hell. When you miss two penalties, smack the underside of the bar, force a great save, fire over from two yards and then nearly save about the only shot on target faced all night only for the spin to tell - and when the pitch is still bobbly (though not as bad as before), you know it's God's way of suggesting adding an extra pint to the evening.

Have to say, there's something of a minnow mindset about Kerry that just shouldn't be there in their fourth season in the league (and with backing too?). Maybe the manager is holding them back; I don't know. I'd like to see them do well but they're such a hard side to like

As usual you don't miss an opportunity to have a pop at Kerry..You then usually say you'd like us to do well and you're from Kerry. Just say you can't stand us and cut to the chase.
It's also our 3rd not 4th season.

[Shinkicker]

Good game in Dalymount. Ref was a disaster as is tradition for the league but he's not an excuse for that loss. Kamikaze defending from Bohs for both goals and the keeper looked very suspect. Dare I say a keeper needs to be signed in July to help shore up the defence because both Talbot and Chorazka have been at fault for goals this season. I also hope this game puts to bed any notion that Bucko should be starting games for us in midfield. Honestly the most awkward footballer I've ever seen iny life, and that was before his injury. Now he has to take 2 or 3 little steps before he can pass the ball. Honestly it's like watching a toddler try to kick the thing. Bohs best midfield is some combination of McManus, Devoy, Tierney and Morahan. If Morahan is going to keep being played at RB until Smith returns that solves that problem. Still good chances created and on another day we would have gone on to win that one. On to Galway and honestly probably a blessing that the next games Monday so the lads can't hang around too long feeling sorry for themselves.Up the Bohs.

Unfortunately I didn't see the first 70 minutes and what I did see was a very one sided affair, Bohs played some really good football , created plenty of chances, didn't take them and paid the price. Watched the highlight this morning and they were similar. The league is probably the most open for years so good football isn't always the complete answer and last night prooved that. A team not playing well but but scoring from very few opportunities has as much chance of winning the league as anybody. I do think the league will settle down during this second round of games The Waterford goals, keeper at fault for the first one , defence for the second the ball should have been cleared. Roll on Monday.

[legendz]

Have to say, there's something of a minnow mindset about Kerry that just shouldn't be there in their fourth season in the league (and with backing too?). Maybe the manager is holding them back; I don't know. I'd like to see them do well but they're such a hard side to like
Firstly it is Kerry's third season.
They should be kicking on this season. The manager was under pressure coming into this game. The criticism of the manager since the 4-2 loss to Bray shows any extended honeymoon period is over. There is an expectation of better.
The signs last night were that the players were playing for the manager. During an injury in the final quarter, the players were gathered around the manager. Their body language looked focused and respectful of the manager. No indication of anyone really who is disinterested in playing for the manager.
Kerry got out of jail with the two penalty saves. Giving the referee a decision to make is asking for trouble. Kerry conceded a reckless free kick at the edge of the box as well. On another night these incidents would have cost them and their shift put in counting for nothing.
With two tough home games to come, they need to look at back to back wins and build positive momentum.
I think Kerry need an experienced manager. It is up to the current management team to find solutions or an inevitable decision will have to be made. They can enjoy last night's win but there are lessons to be learned as well. Discipline has to improve.

[pineapple stu]

As usual you don't miss an opportunity to have a pop at Kerry..You then usually say you'd like us to do well and you're from Kerry. Just say you can't stand us and cut to the chase.
It's also our 3rd not 4th season.
Fine, third season.

If that's the only thing you can correct in the post then it can't be far wrong.

Also from other posts - one of the smaller budgets in the league (doesn't everyone claim that?) yet bringing in half a team from abroad?

The highlights show the first penalty is soft at best - ball definitely hit an arm, and question then if whether the arm was in an unnatural position - but the second was a clear barge in the back. So much for two jokes of penalty calls. We'll chalk that down alongside the "biased ref only booking Kerry players" level of analysis.

Ultimately though, there's something wrong about a side with €1.5m in investment thinking 8th in the First is an achievable target. I'm not the only one to have said it here either btw

[Shearer]

The burger place in Finn Park is outrageously good.

[Nesta99]

Wexford Youth could b a good barometer for a newly formed county club for local players parachuted in to the league. Apart from a League Cup Final, some cup scalps, there was year on year imrovement on league position iirc until promotion - certainly they didnt remain in the bottom 2 extensivey. Maybe they cant be compared being just shy of 20 years since they joined the senior ranks. Legendz summing up sounds like fair cop, Zico its 'how dare you', there was only 1 clear cut chance with 2 soft penalties and a biased ref only boking our lads *yawn*. The difference between the impression of minnowism or not from fans perspectives.

[2 Year Contract]

It’s been a while since I’ve seen a player as clearly way off Premier Division standard as Sean Kerrigan for Galway tonight. Offered Galway nothing and was very poor on the ball, he’s a very un-Caulfield like player, small, weak, not particularly hard working and very poor defensively. Thought it was strange that Caulfield said he was only 18 years of age in his post match interview, considering he turns 23 next month!

[CorribsideSteve]

Not sure it was a lack of bravery in the first half. We were genuinely very good and moved the ball really well. Having said that, Galway missed an absolute sitter to go one up before we scored. Galway did get after us more in the second half, and were on top even before the sending off. Backs to the wall stuff from then until the end, but we coped pretty well. Mind you, I thought we were coping well in Dalymount last week, until we weren’t !

Also have to echo Jacks praise of Anang, and I was just thinking tonight he is probably the best in the league. His handling of crosses all season has been exceptional, and he doesn’t cause as many heart attacks with the ball at his feet these days.

We could have been out there for 3 weeks and not scored. Toothless. And to play the first 20 minutes defending our own box, deep as possible. Well, it didn't work. Even though the goals both had deflections, it was only a matter of time before Pats eventually opened the scoring.

[Olander]

It’s been a while since I’ve seen a player as clearly way off Premier Division standard as Sean Kerrigan for Galway tonight. Offered Galway nothing and was very poor on the ball, he’s a very un-Caulfield like player, small, weak, not particularly hard working and very poor defensively. Thought it was strange that Caulfield said he was only 18 years of age in his post match interview, considering he turns 23 next month!
A little bit harsh. He's been used mainly as a sub and hasn't got much minutes. When he has, he's given a decent impact off the bench.

In his defence last night, he was used in the centre, and that's not his position. He's a winger. We were missing a few options in the middle yesterday with both Borden and Keohane injured.

We really should've come away with something with the sheer amount of chances we created in the second half, our finishing was poor and Pats rode their luck at times. We've played a lot worse this season and won games.

[sbgawa]

New day and I suppose we are two points off the top so it's not completely doom and gloom but my concern is that someone is going to go on a run at some point and we have thrown away Leeds in the last 4 matches costing us 9 points, we could and should be well clear. I just can't shake the feeling it's going to be another year of what ifs. We need to start wining. Sligo next. Fingers crossed

[legendz]

Ultimately though, there's something wrong about a side with €1.5m in investment thinking 8th in the First is an achievable target. I'm not the only one to have said it here either btw
That €1.5m in investment isn't for this season alone. It was mentioned that long term they are guaranteeing that the club is sustainable. The low target is probably 8th. The higher target is probably 5th but all clubs above Kerry have experience. The challenge for Kerry really is to be in the playoff mix and learn from the experience. Being cut adrift of the playoffs has put the manager under pressure and rightly so. There have been a lot of poor performances and poor results. Consistency has to improve or else... .

[Zico]

Krrry supporters have been very critical of team performance and some individuals this season, and in particular the style of play which has been very bad to watch especially at home. I fully agree that more experience is needed on the sideline, but the club are sticking with it for now.

Reading some of the comments above I had to remind myself that Kerry actually won last night.

As for the club itself, attendances are up, sponsorship is up, obviously more investment and results are better (slightly and yes fans are frustrated we don’t have more points and higher up the table, but also realistic that probably 5th/6th would be height of ambitions this season with 8th been minimal expectation). And we all would expect further improvements in results again next season etc.and also improvements off the pitch.

[2 Year Contract]

A little bit harsh. He's been used mainly as a sub and hasn't got much minutes. When he has, he's given a decent impact off the bench.

In his defence last night, he was used in the centre, and that's not his position. He's a winger. We were missing a few options in the middle yesterday with both Borden and Keohane injured.

He did go wide at times and was even worse out there in my opinion, Luke Turner came on in the 79th minute at left back and despite being a slow centre half that has no agility at all, Kerrigan gave him absolutely no issues at all and lost the ball every time he tried to take him on until Caulfield subbed him off. Might seem harsh but he negatively stood out more than any player I’ve seen this season and it’d be a pretty safe bet to assume he’ll be playing in the first division next year

[pineapple stu]

New day and I suppose we are two points off the top so it's not completely doom and gloom but my concern is that someone is going to go on a run at some point and we have thrown away Leeds in the last 4 matches costing us 9 points, we could and should be well clear. I just can't shake the feeling it's going to be another year of what ifs. We need to start wining. Sligo next. Fingers crossed
It just seems to be same old with Bradley. How much money was earned in the Euro run last year (and indeed into this year), yet ye're behind Drogheda?

Ye tend to finish strongly I think, so at least in that regard it's still an ok position to be in, but really ye should be Celtic levels of clear. And with no Champions League this year, ye'll really need to either win the league or reach the Conference League groups to avoid a bit of a hole in the budget again.

I can understand the concern alright.

[brendy_éire]

Excellent performance from ourselves at the Brandy last night.
Our first goal was the best we've scored this season. Such a well worked corner that came off perfectly. Training ground work paying off.
Second was a Shels horror show, Sam Bone in particular. Solid finish from Liam Boyce, mind.

Really professional job done in the second half. Completely shut Shels out, with a perfectly boring last quarter.
Clean sheet, no bookings the whole match. Delighted with it all.

For Shels part, thought there were quite poor, laboured maybe? A lack of bite to them, despite having the majority of possession. Very different to how they played against us on the first day of the season.