Welcome to the DSAAM (Drogs v City ratings.)

Dublin Society for the Abolition of Andy Myler, that is. Can't believe he did us again.

No need to go into specifics on this game, just follow the generic match report we’ve been producing since day one. Better team on the night. Should have won by a couple. Bad finishing, jittery defending and unfeasibly bad luck cost us. Ref robbed us blind. Lost to last minute goal (penalty, in this instance.) It's not as though we were hanging on either, we were pushing for a winner when a random bounce gave Drogheda their penalty (couldn't see if it was a correct award from my position, but Whelan was always going to give it, such was the form.)

Barry Ryan: 7
For the first time in this turbulent season, City’s goalkeeper is an asset to the team, rather than a liability. Leaving aside several moments of uncertainty (unavoidable with a relatively new goalkeeper playing behind a totally revamped defence), Barry’s aura of confidence and competence was almost visible. Unlucky to be beaten twice, having got a touch to both efforts. Had Myler’s penalty been struck a little less firmly, Barry’s deflection would have forced it wide.

Ronnie Henry: 6
Still doesn’t look entirely comfortable, but shook off his jitters in the second half. Neither he nor (for much of the game) Shaun Byrne ever featured in attack.

Keith Rowland: 6.5
A solid, Wes Byrne-like performance from the Northern Ireland international. Distribution too hurried, however, and seldom ventured into enemy territory.

Carlton Palmer: 7
Despite a shaky start to his City debut, the big man settled in well and won more ball than anyone on the field. Won’t win any marks for artistic impression, but impossible to find fault with his commitment. Never betrayed any lack of fitness.

Grant Cooper: 5.5
The final component of City’s all-British back four (surely some kind of record, if one excludes Derry City), Grant was noticeably quieter and less assured than on his friendly debut against AFC Sudbury. Conceded several needless free-kicks before giving away the fatal last-minute penalty.

Shaun Byrne: 6
Played on the edge of the periphery. Totally anonymous for the most part, and seldom showed for the ball in wide positions. Extra mark for a well-taken (if ultimately irrelevant) goal.

Adam Rundle: 6
Suffered from City’s failure to utilise the flanks and was never able to stretch his legs in open country. Started on the left before shifting to the right and then up front, a victim of Roddy’s lack of options on the bench.

Scott Friel: 6
Got through a lot of work in the engine room, but was too often careless in possession. One total ballsing-up of a threatening free-kick position defied belief. Came close with a couple of efforts from distance.

Marc Kenny: 6.5
Skipper might have picked up a couple of assists had luck not chosen to p*ss all over the Vikings yet again, but the frenetic pace of the game prevented the cultured playmaker from exercising much of an influence on the outcome. On the night, about as far from the lazy shirker of popular legend as we’ve seen during his short City career. Justified his captaincy with several timely defensive interceptions and (gasp!) tackles.

Robbie Farrell: 6.5
He may arguably fall somewhat shy of the required standard at his level, but if the fabled goal-machine of City’s early seasons has cranked to a halt, there has been no corresponding drop in Robbie’s willingness to sweat buckets for the club. Did quite well in the air without ever posing a threat to Gary Rogers’ goal.

Gary O’Neill: 6.5
Gary has gone from being the best player in the eircom League when operating as the focal point of our early season 4-5-1 formation, to drifting on the fringes of games over the past few months, unsure of his role in the dramatically reworked City XI. Still offers up every last drop of sweat for the City cause, but now operates almost exclusively with his back to goal, occasionally spreading the play to the wings. He risks becoming Glen Crowe without the goals unless the old magic begins to course through his veins again very soon, and he’s far too good a player to deserve that fate.

SUBS:

Toccy: 7
There was nary a stationary eyebrow in United Park when, with Drogheda leading 1-0, Roddy threw Toccy into the fray at the expense of striker Robbie Farrell. The puzzling decision was soon vindicated, however, as Toccy slid an inviting ball across the box towards Shaun Byrne, whose oddly-struck shot looped over Gary Rogers for the equaliser.