Games weekend Friday 13th to Monday 16th

[sbgawa]

Premier Division (All 19:45)

Friday 13th

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

Saturday 14th

Sligo v Waterford

Monday 16th

St Pats v Shelbourne
Drogheda v Shamrock Rovers

First Division

Friday 13th (All 19:45)

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

Saturday 14th

Longford v Cobh (19:30)

[sbgawa]

With it being another two game weekend for the European qualified clubs there is a real chance to put 6 points on the board and shoot up the table or in Rovers case hopefully go 8 to 10 points clear with two wins depending on other results
Bohs on a mathematical basis are closest chalengers and will fancy getting 3 points in Cork although i feel Cork are due a result against someone.
Id be happy with 4 points for Rovers off two tough away games. Shels really cany afford to lose to us on Friday as they would be 12 points behind and i think that is an unrealistic gap for them to make up.
We could really put a marker down with 6 points.
Derry also in need of the 3 points against Galway.
Sligo need to be beating Waterford to keep them at least theoretically hoping to avoid a playoff and scramble up to 8th place. a win for Waterford puts them 14 points clear and out of reach, a win for Sligo and its 8 points.....not insurmountable if a bit unlikely

[Dalymountrower]

Bohs on a mathematical basis are closest chalengers ....
Is there another basis for league standings?

[sbgawa]

Is there another basis for league standings?

You got me there ;)
Maybe i should have elaborated further about my lack of conviction that all the late winners can go on forever, Dogs that chase cars etc etc.
But you are there and that is a fact

[Dalymountrower]

You got me there ;)
Maybe i should have elaborated further about my lack of conviction that all the late winners can go on forever, Dogs that chase cars etc etc.
But you are there and that is a fact
Ah, I knew what you meant!
I agree can`t really continue without a proven goalscorer. Mind you, other than Rovers, the other teams look pretty crap, to be honest.

[sbgawa]

First game in a while i have been nervous about, could be a season defiining weekend with 6 points or an indication of another slog of a year

[2 Year Contract]

Pats are now 20 competitive games and over a year unbeaten at Richmond Park since losing 3-2 to Dundalk on the 3rd of June last year, winning 15, drawing 5. A stat that should help with the confidence heading into a double weekend of home games, but it absolutely does not. The opposite in fact. Football eh? :)

[BonnieShels]

First game in a while i have been nervous about, could be a season defiining weekend with 6 points or an indication of another slog of a year

There's no danger of you lot out-slogging us tbf. That's said, it's nice to have a full complement to choose from for once.

[Bohtastic]

Half time at Turner's Cross. Bohs two up and culd have been more. Seems to be booing from the Cork faithful at half time. Seems very early for the Ger Nash honeymoon to be over?

[Nesta99]

Come on Treaty! Roll over UCD nows not the time to re-establish as Dundalk's bogey team!!!!!!!!

[Nesta99]

Big goal in Tolka, finishes Shels off. Only a formality in terms of the league though being Derry's to lose!

[Shinkicker]

Cork v Bohs, all Bohs in the first half. Deservedly 0-2 up at halftime. Cork never threatened the Bohs goal. Cork weren't bad Bohs were just too good. In the 72 minute the co com said

[Shinkicker]

That's our first attempt on target, a clumsy backward header from Maguire. Into second roll on europe next year

[ger121]

Ok, we’ll do our best to ensure there is somewhat of a title race this season.

[dundalkfc10]

LOI popularity had been flying this last few years and it's great to see

In my opinion a Bohs Rovers title race could take it to the next level.

Even as a kid, I got my Dad to take me to that game a few times because that's the big game

On the games tonight Dundalk were poor, UCD were as poor and the referee and his assistants were as bad as I've ever seen. Not saying they cost us at all but it's actually scary how bad they were

[2 Year Contract]

Frustrating night in Inchicore. Pats really should’ve won it, missing a peno, hitting the post and forcing some good saves by Dennison. Third 0-0 draw against Drogs this season! This game was similar to the season opener against Drogs, they sat back in a low block and tried to play on the counter but seemed happy with the point

[Inchicore]

Frustrating night in Inchicore. Pats really should’ve won it, missing a peno, hitting the post and forcing some good saves by Dennison. Third 0-0 draw against Drogs this season! This game was similar to the season opener against Drogs, they sat back in a low block and tried to play on the counter but seemed happy with the point

Another snore fest from Kenny's kids

[Another Bohemia]

Cork v Bohs, all Bohs in the first half. Deservedly 0-2 up at halftime. Cork never threatened the Bohs goal. Cork weren't bad Bohs were just too good. In the 72 minute the co com said

Bohs deserved the win for sure and it easily could have been more but for some excellent saves from their keeper.

I will say I thought Cork were bad. They had no urgency about their play. No real bite or fight that I always remember Cork teams having. I think Nash has a tough job ahead of him for the rest of the season.

[Jd2793]

city were an absolute disgrace tonight. bohs didnt have to go into 2nd gear for that win and in truth it could have been 4. we are beyond saving.

[desaintsno.12]

Frustrating night in Inchicore. Pats really should’ve won it, missing a peno, hitting the post and forcing some good saves by Dennison. Third 0-0 draw against Drogs this season! This game was similar to the season opener against Drogs, they sat back in a low block and tried to play on the counter but seemed happy with the point

Drogheda were the better side imo. Moved the ball better , held the ball better , defended better, everything better.
We haven't improved in anyway since week one and even getting Europe is gonna be tough imo. We are really crap.

[placid casual]

A controlled,strong performance from Rovers against inferior opposition.
McGinty had little to do apart from pick the call out of the net from Honohans bullet header.
A tough game on Monday expected against a team who look well managed so Rovers will need to be better.
I think cork look a cert to go down,they were the weakest team I've seen this season, which is a pain as I like the away trip to Turner's Cross.

[D24Saint]

Drogheda were the better side imo. Moved the ball better , held the ball better , defended better, everything better.
We haven't improved in anyway since week one and even getting Europe is gonna be tough imo. We are really crap.

We need a favourable draw on Tuesday. The first half decent side we meet in Europe and its curtains. This season is going to be a write off. We need to get into the European places to get anything out of the campaign. We are a dreadful watch compared to the end of last season.

[Jack B]

Thought if anyone deserved to win it was us on the balance of chances, but at the same time in general play Drogs looked the more drilled of the two. All still quite haphazard from Pats wbich is just odd at this point in the season. We look lost as to how to break a team down who sit deep but against other sides succumb too softly to being pressed - not a great combination.

On the plus side I thought despite the wayward end product at times Simon Power again looked out most in-form winger, so hopefully he can put a run of fitness together. Jay McClelland also played how I was led to believe Barry Baggley would but hasn't of yet.

[Inchicore]

Unfortunately Pats big issue seems to be Kenny.
Half way point of season and doesn't know his 1st choice cen back pairing
His 1st choice right back
His 1st choice striker

Play all too slow, pedestrian and predictable.

Team looks uncoached and plays off the cuff. Great when you have top players in form but we do not.

I'm not sure I'd be happy with Kelleher splashing the cash this window again when Kenny can't seem to get a tune out of the expensive flops he currently has.

[Nesta99]

I know its being discussed in bits but could St Pats fans consolidate what hasnt gone right this season? In the context of last seasons run in where another couple of games and it could have been a title win, a significant turn around when SK was appointed what 2/3 in to the season? A transfer window, keeping Melia for another season. That it takes SK some time to get is system to bed in and players playing his way - getting to believe they are good enough to play in possession patiently and go to the end with late goals. What hasnt worked compared to past teams he has built which was almost a banker that he would have sides in title races sooner than later, picking up wins when poor with resiliance, draws when losing etc. An efficiency that other teams slip up the advantage was taken but now its Pats that are dropping some silly points. Whats missing? Is SK methods getting dated and he isnt evolving or questionable recruitment. That its taking longer to build a squad regardless of the budget so player availability scant. Other sides just better all round. Players just lax, etc. Its a little Derry like from the outside and unexpected here where Higgins was arguably untested as a head coach/manager. Injuries are a bit of a red herring even if in the short term they do disrupt unless its a total injury crisis.

[da bishop]

Well deserved win for Treaty ,surprised by Bray given their recent good form ,didnt raise a gallop tbh.Devitt has been outstanding ,real leader on the pitch.

[oriel]

A most unexpected result, but so glad I tuned into last 20 mins of Longford v Cobh, nothing like a 90+4 equaliser. 1-1 FT

Dundalk were absolutely dreadful last night, still 6 points clear. Half way stage, 18 games to go, but any more blips will obv only reduce that lead.

[LTFC]

A most unexpected result, but so glad I tuned into last 20 mins of Longford v Cobh, nothing like a 90+4 equaliser. 1-1 FT

Dundalk were absolutely dreadful last night, still 6 points clear. Half way stage, 18 games to go, but any more blips will obv only reduce that lead.

Cobh hammered us for first 30 mins, eventually we got into it and had a couple of chances in first half. Cobh put the squeeze on second half and deserved lead, but we kept plugging and got the late equaliser. A hard watch, but we'll take it.

[MoydowMonty]

Cobh hammered us for first 30 mins, eventually we got into it and had a couple of chances in first half. Cobh put the squeeze on second half and deserved lead, but we kept plugging and got the late equaliser. A hard watch, but we'll take it.

I already gave out about the game on the Longford forum. But you're right, so hard to watch. Not helped by the lack of subs either. You'd swear WG thinks it's still only 3 subs allowed in a game like the old days. I walked out of that game feeling sour

[Nah Nah Nah Nah]

Worst performance of the season from us but we somehow snuck a win. We need to get some decent players in in July or we’re in big trouble.

[Nesta99]

I already gave out about the game on the Longford forum. But you're right, so hard to watch. Not helped by the lack of subs either. You'd swear WG thinks it's still only 3 subs allowed in a game like the old days. I walked out of that game feeling sour

The 'old days' were when there were no subs at all!! Way to go 'n make us all feel ancient like....

1st Division is awful, its really hard to see how promoted teams can survive without an awful lot of money appearing.

[Keen2win]

Ltfc draw but poor game. Second rate Dublin manager, coaches and players. Club going backwards . Stadium falling down . Not treated as football club, it social club for people with zero experience in the game. I'll leave the football analysis to the experts I haven't seen a minute myself this season. I genuinely hope the dubs manager and coaches walk away from our club . 🍍 🍍

[Shinkicker]

Ltfc draw but poor game. Second rate Dublin manager, coaches and players. Club going backwards . Stadium falling down . Not treated as football club, it social club for people with zero experience in the game. I'll leave the football analysis to the experts I haven't seen a minute myself this season. I genuinely hope the dubs manager and coaches walk away from our club . 🍍 🍍
You seem to have a problem with the Dubs.
Ask yourself who else can you get?there doesn't seem to be anybody local good enough to play or manage. These guys are part time they travel to training and play several times a week after doing a days work. Maybe you would be happier with a third of fourth rate manager from anywhere other than Dublin. If you want a top rated manager you gotta pay and by the sound of things you guys haven't got a pot to pi33 in. If you got Guardiola in to manage you'd still be in the same place.

[desaintsno.12]

I know its being discussed in bits but could St Pats fans consolidate what hasnt gone right this season? In the context of last seasons run in where another couple of games and it could have been a title win, a significant turn around when SK was appointed what 2/3 in to the season? A transfer window, keeping Melia for another season. That it takes SK some time to get is system to bed in and players playing his way - getting to believe they are good enough to play in possession patiently and go to the end with late goals. What hasnt worked compared to past teams he has built which was almost a banker that he would have sides in title races sooner than later, picking up wins when poor with resiliance, draws when losing etc. An efficiency that other teams slip up the advantage was taken but now its Pats that are dropping some silly points. Whats missing? Is SK methods getting dated and he isnt evolving or questionable recruitment. That its taking longer to build a squad regardless of the budget so player availability scant. Other sides just better all round. Players just lax, etc. Its a little Derry like from the outside and unexpected here where Higgins was arguably untested as a head coach/manager. Injuries are a bit of a red herring even if in the short term they do disrupt unless its a total injury crisis.

Its hard to put my finger on what the issue is. Every week it looks like its the first time the team have played together. There seems to be no game plan or cohesiveness in what we do. We are so easy to play against. For me we havent played well for more than 15 minutes in any game this season and every team we have played bar sligo and cork, have looked better than us.
People have pointed out that he still hasnt got his team, which is fine, but its not a pub team he is working with, there is talent in the squad and he cant get a tune out of them.We have also had the wors run of injuries I can remeber for a pats team (there is something very wrong with our S&C program IMO), but again, he has quality players there regardless of injuires. If there was any sort of progress, but it was there and slowly improving I would be absolutely fine about it, but IMO we are as brutal as we have been since week 1.

[Keen2win]

I have a serious problem with the economic, social and cultural discrimination and the managed lack of opportunities in the midlands. LTFC is just 1 part of this.

Young Longford players and coaches are sold a pup. Academy football then off up to Dublin for the senior team.. joke.. no opportunity for people in irelands most disadvantaged community --- sad!

[Nesta99]

Its hard to put my finger on what the issue is. Every week it looks like its the first time the team have played together. There seems to be no game plan or cohesiveness in what we do. We are so easy to play against. For me we havent played well for more than 15 minutes in any game this season and every team we have played bar sligo and cork, have looked better than us.
People have pointed out that he still hasnt got his team, which is fine, but its not a pub team he is working with, there is talent in the squad and he cant get a tune out of them.We have also had the wors run of injuries I can remeber for a pats team (there is something very wrong with our S&C program IMO), but again, he has quality players there regardless of injuires. If there was any sort of progress, but it was there and slowly improving I would be absolutely fine about it, but IMO we are as brutal as we have been since week 1.

Some of the Ireland players made some interesting comments on Halgrimson, that I think were insightful and a potential comparison toe SK. That Halgrimson keeps the information given to players to a minimum, doesnt complicate things with detailed tactical instructions, simple jobs to do, 442 etc. Maybe SK tries to prepare with too much detail so it either goes over players heads or it takes a long time for them to fully absorb the wall of strategy info. Some squads adapt and get it quicker maybe. If going on the Ireland experience its now more a zonal job to do and get the ball to players who can do a bit more. Under SK it looked at times that they just didnt know what to do, safe ooption taken, but not because there was no instruction but too much? Not seeing games 1st hand I cant make that observation with Pats but it sound it could be part of it? Sometimes just go out and play whats in fron tof you without micromanagement of every players position. I think were in a cycle back toward up and under tactics again but mixed with not bypassing midfield - Alladyce Bolton stuff. Over coaching to nullify that and its a struggle.

[Nesta99]

I have a serious problem with the economic, social and cultural discrimination and the managed lack of opportunities in the midlands. LTFC is just 1 part of this.

Young Longford players and coaches are sold a pup. Academy football then off up to Dublin for the senior team.. joke.. no opportunity for people in irelands most disadvantaged community --- sad!

Be thankful you dont live along the western corridor, or along the border!

Longford is not isolated from the benefits of Dublin, its not likes its a 10 hour trip for kids to get use of elite facilities while a club plans to build an academy closer. But that involves long term significant staffing. FT coach at all age grades plus support staff, PT and colunteers. Its a massive financial committment in relative terms. It could mean letting the 1st go full amatuer, full local, relegation to a third tier one day, and no guarantee of an academy providing players good enough. All clubs need to recruit beyond their own patch. If a better player is available and not from longford well where is the issue. Out of interest the cup winning sides, playing in Europe, PD quality under SK, what was the mak up of that squad, any Dubs? Training in Dublin? Dundalk used to have Dublin based players train in Dublin, locals train in Dundalk and once a week train together rotated between the 2 areas every 2nd week. We won a cup at that time and it made it possible to sign higher calibre players where they were needed.

[Another Bohemia]

Some of the Ireland players made some interesting comments on Halgrimson, that I think were insightful and a potential comparison toe SK. That Halgrimson keeps the information given to players to a minimum, doesnt complicate things with detailed tactical instructions, simple jobs to do, 442 etc. Maybe SK tries to prepare with too much detail so it either goes over players heads or it takes a long time for them to fully absorb the wall of strategy info. Some squads adapt and get it quicker maybe. If going on the Ireland experience its now more a zonal job to do and get the ball to players who can do a bit more. Under SK it looked at times that they just didnt know what to do, safe ooption taken, but not because there was no instruction but too much? Not seeing games 1st hand I cant make that observation with Pats but it sound it could be part of it? Sometimes just go out and play whats in fron tof you without micromanagement of every players position. I think were in a cycle back toward up and under tactics again but mixed with not bypassing midfield - Alladyce Bolton stuff. Over coaching to nullify that and its a struggle.

I would hope that what these lads are saying about needing simple instructions is just trying to be positive about the new manager or perhaps lads just struggling to communicate that Halgimsons tactics are explained more clearly than Kenny's. These are all professional footballers near the top of the game. To get to the top of the game they are going to need to play in complex systems and be adaptable to different tactics. You can't tell me that the top managers in the world don't have complex tactics because those complex tactics and adaptability are what make them top managers. If these lads are saying that they need very clear and simple instructions it makes sense that so few are playing in the premier league or any of the top leagues in the world.

[Longfordian]

Be thankful you dont live along the western corridor, or along the border!

Longford is not isolated from the benefits of Dublin, its not likes its a 10 hour trip for kids to get use of elite facilities while a club plans to build an academy closer. But that involves long term significant staffing. FT coach at all age grades plus support staff, PT and colunteers. Its a massive financial committment in relative terms. It could mean letting the 1st go full amatuer, full local, relegation to a third tier one day, and no guarantee of an academy providing players good enough. All clubs need to recruit beyond their own patch. If a better player is available and not from longford well where is the issue. Out of interest the cup winning sides, playing in Europe, PD quality under SK, what was the mak up of that squad, any Dubs? Training in Dublin? Dundalk used to have Dublin based players train in Dublin, locals train in Dundalk and once a week train together rotated between the 2 areas every 2nd week. We won a cup at that time and it made it possible to sign higher calibre players where they were needed.

All of our successful teams have been 90% non Longford based, and trained in Kildare or Dublin. Let's take the cup winning sides, there were four or five Longford based players in the squad who'd travel to Dublin (Westmanstown at the time I think) for training three nights a week. A bit more than an hour's drive. Nobody was complaining then.

[placid casual]

.We have also had the wors run of injuries I can remeber for a pats team (there is something very wrong with our S&C program IMO), but again, he has quality players there regardless of injuires.

The S&C question was raised at Rovers last year as to the large number of injuries suffered,with the implication being that it caused Rovers to be less effective than what was expected.
The fact that Darren Dillon was brought back in at the start of the season, and the resultant upturn in "injury profile" for the current squad ( every squad player is currently fit atm) has been sighted for a significant reason why Rovers have ascended to the top again this season, so there may be validity in your point- was there a change made at pats in the off season?

[outspoken]

"stadium falling down." It was damaged in a storm. It's by far and away the best ground in the division maintained by volunteers, but then again they are all just losers with no experience in the game

[Another Bohemia]

"stadium falling down." It was damaged in a storm. It's by far and away the best ground in the division maintained by volunteers, but then again they are all just losers with no experience in the game

The volunteers probably come from Dublin as well... SMH

[desaintsno.12]

Some of the Ireland players made some interesting comments on Halgrimson, that I think were insightful and a potential comparison toe SK. That Halgrimson keeps the information given to players to a minimum, doesnt complicate things with detailed tactical instructions, simple jobs to do, 442 etc. Maybe SK tries to prepare with too much detail so it either goes over players heads or it takes a long time for them to fully absorb the wall of strategy info. Some squads adapt and get it quicker maybe. If going on the Ireland experience its now more a zonal job to do and get the ball to players who can do a bit more. Under SK it looked at times that they just didnt know what to do, safe ooption taken, but not because there was no instruction but too much? Not seeing games 1st hand I cant make that observation with Pats but it sound it could be part of it? Sometimes just go out and play whats in fron tof you without micromanagement of every players position. I think were in a cycle back toward up and under tactics again but mixed with not bypassing midfield - Alladyce Bolton stuff. Over coaching to nullify that and its a struggle.

That could be an element for sure, plus this pats team definitely isn't a smart one imo. Smarts definitely lacking in a few of them.

[oriel]

Meant to say earlier, I was very impressed with UCD on Fri, they were one of the best sides to visit OP this season, Treaty were the other one I liked.

For half of the second half UCD looked to be the better side, definitely full value for a share of the spoils. Glad we don't have them for 9 more games !

[ToberonaTornado]

Meant to say earlier, I was very impressed with UCD on Fri, they were one of the best sides to visit OP this season, Treaty were the other one I liked.

For half of the second half UCD looked to be the better side, definitely full value for a share of the spoils. Glad we don't have them for 9 more games !

At least they came and played ball unlike a lot of sides that play against us that sit in for the whole match and hope for one phase of play that might grab them a draw. As dlk fc posted earlier up the page,ref totally ruined the game.he wasn't pulling out cards in fairness but was constant stop/starting the match for fouls that nobody else seen and has obviously never heard of the advantage rule for the soft ones.

Shake up of the squad needed at this stage as we're looking very stale and thankfully killer has moved with the signing of JR Wilson and led to believe a winger and striker signings to be made this week.

[ToberonaTornado]

PS
Even though it passes me off to say, thought Ronan Finn was excellent. Took all the flak he got from Dundalk fans in good spirit

[Louth4sam]

PS
Even though it passes me off to say, thought Ronan Finn was excellent. Took all the flak he got from Dundalk fans in good spirit

Thought the same myself. The kind of player we are badly missing this season.

[joey B]

Some clanger from Dundalks keeper on Friday night….

[joey B]

Shels one up in Inchicore ,Pats very poor in defending it has to be said….

[Another Bohemia]

Shels one up in Inchicore ,Pats very poor in defending it has to be said….

Coyle given far too much time and space on the ball. The pats defenders looked more concerned with not giving away a free than putting a tackle in. Shels the much better team there imo.