One group is:
Linfield
Glentoran
Shelbourne
Derry
Another is:
Cork
Drogheda
Dungannon
Portadown
That's only strong rumours. Can't confirm as fact.
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One group is:
Linfield
Glentoran
Shelbourne
Derry
Another is:
Cork
Drogheda
Dungannon
Portadown
That's only strong rumours. Can't confirm as fact.
It's on the Setanta website as that, so is confirmed.
Cork genuinely could not have had an easier draw.
City's is feckin hard - Linfield and Shels. Oh dear. Hopefully our unbeaten streak against the Sheliban will continue.....
Ok, apparently nearly certain:
Group 1:
Cork
Drogheda
Dungannon
Portadown
Group 2:
Linfield
Glentoran
Shelbourne
Derry
Feb 20 Linfield v Derry
Mar 27 Derry v Linfield
I'm getting this off the Northern Irish forum.
Ok, well there you go then.:DQuote:
Originally Posted by dcfcsteve
Well the draw was certainly not fixed or seeded. The Group 2 looks very tasty.
3 trips up north so.........fcúking marvellous :cool: :) :cool:
Fair to say that goings on around group 2 this year will decide weather this competition will be a success or failure. Avoid any crap off the field and it's another argument for the all Ireland league, hopefully that's what happens.
I agree, both sets of fans at the recent Derry/Linfield friendly where well behaved. It was the locals outside the ground that sent it tits up.Quote:
Originally Posted by Slash/ED
On the footballing side thats one tough group. Cant see the Glens progressing on recent form but I couldn't call it from the other 3.
I think the Ports will struggle in the other group and Dungannon will be the whipping boys.
The group of death, alright. Would fancy Cork and Drogheda. It's too early to tell at the minute, but recent form would suggest the Glens aren't going too far. Linfield are scoring for fun at the minute, but it's hard to judge how they'd do against eL teams.Quote:
Originally Posted by Fortuna1886
Can't wait for the Windsor match. Security will be mad. I live round the corner from Windsor, but don't fancy me chance walking down Tate's. Busing it in, I guess. :rolleyes:
We'll run a bus from Queens to Windsor............:D
Shortest away trip ever for the QUBSC
Windsor itself is grand, even if fans wanted at each other, which I doubt, they'd have a damn near impossible job. Outside is pretty good too. Away fans will no doubt enter via the boucher road which is a main road through whats best described as a major Retail/industrial area. Come off the motorway at Stockmans lane and you avoid any "contentious" areas at all.Quote:
Originally Posted by brendy_éire
Wee Buns!
Haven't been to Windsor park since George Best(R.I.P) testimonial.Should be a great night.Is the M2 handiest to get to Windsor Park or the M1?Quote:
Originally Posted by Fortuna1886
The M1, it runs paralell with the Boucher Road. Come off the M2 and head up the West Link. You can turn Off at the Broadway Roundabout but i'd suggest keep going to Stockmans Lane. Would only add about 5 minutes.Quote:
Originally Posted by headtheball
Cant wait for this, the group i actually wanted, hopefully the games would be remembered for the right reasons and that the thugs stay away!
Hoefully Shels & Derry will kick the crap out of eachother in their group so will affect their league form.
I love Rico quote today in the paper when commenting on early start to 2006 season "i'll be having my holidays in Dungannon in february..." :D
Obviously this draw is an example of the anti-Shels conspiracy in Irish football today.
IFA balancing the FAI....Quote:
Originally Posted by The Sheliban
Nonsense, this is clearly yet another example of shocking anti-Cork bias. How are Cork meant to prepare for the knock-out stages after coming through such an easy group? The teams in Group 2 clearly have an advantage as they will be better prepared.Quote:
Originally Posted by The Sheliban
It seems like it's one rule for the Dublin (and Belfast and Derry) teams and another for everyone else. :mad:
Did anyone notice the Linfield chairman David Crawford's comments on the draw - he said he was looking forward to the tournament even though the group contained arguably "the 4 best teams in Ireland". I have a feeling he'd have no problem getting an argument on that comment! :D
Will the bus be taking the direct route down Tate's Avenue then? :DQuote:
Originally Posted by Maribor
I think it should be a case of taking each game as it comes and not rubbishing off any team just yet. Cork would do well to remember what the "supposed" weaker side did to them last year in the group stages. What way does it work? top two sides from each group into semis? Final up In NI this year?
Can't wait for the Linfield and Glens matches meself. imo the best draw we could have got.
So glad there are semi's cause i think shels will come 2nd and even if we do get Cork in the semi's (who probably will win their group) i feel we can take them or anyone else in group 1 to get to the final where we'll meet derry or linfield
New manager has settled, stronger side with an appetite for success.Quote:
Originally Posted by Dassa
Plenty European experience in the side.
Not saying its going to happen to Cork again but there is always surprises.
When you give home advantage to a side who are match fit, against a side who are still in pre season training, then of course there can be a surprise.Quote:
Originally Posted by Dassa
The bigger format wont give any further advantage to the nordie boys though, because we'll get stronger with each game.
What kind of standard are Dungannon? I assume they're a good bit behind the top three up there but in EL terms where would they be?
Limerick FC (or whatever they're called)Quote:
Originally Posted by Schumi
Came fourth last year, but 24 points off Glentoran and 22 off Linfield. Closer to eighth than third. Very difficult to put a standard on them - for IL or eL fans - but I'd be surprised if they were much better than us at best. Possibly Harps.Quote:
Originally Posted by Schumi
Dungannon would be one of my teams (loughgall fc) local rivals and the thing about them is that they try as a side to play a bit of football, and are a good side to watch. Have only been in the top division about 5-6 years afaik.
Main players to watch for would be
Rodney McAree- managers son and cm
David Scullion- was at aston villa - CF. Very fast and very skillfull.
I think any ravelling fans will like their ground very compact,closed over and creates a good atmosphere. website below
www.dungannonswiftsfc.co.uk
Compact is right, the pitch is tiny!Quote:
Originally Posted by Dassa
Marvellous draw ! I live practically next to Linfield's ground (well, I live along Lisburn Road, South Belfast), three games coming up that will be heavily emotional on and off pitch.
But when Derry and Glens come, please forgive me for covering my front window :)
We don't hate Shels THAT much.......Quote:
Originally Posted by Gerrit
:D
I live a stonethrow from Windsor Park, and let's say 'events' happened last time Glens and Derry came down to Windsor :eek: But after the last Setanta Cup with no incidents at all, I have good hopes on another tournament bringing fans in North and South closer together.
Good games coming up close to the door, and there's also Norn Iron-Estonia in early spring. Keep those fixtures coming! :D
An apt description alright :pQuote:
Originally Posted by Gerrit