Dundalk is 5.30 so thats good.
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Dundalk is 5.30 so thats good.
You'd hope for a win and a draw again I guess. Dudelange should be stronger than last week as pre-season kicks in, but home advantage will hopefully offset that for Bohs. Dundalk - it's impossible to tell with them really, but needing extra-time to beat Treaty isn't ideal prep.
Its is impossible to know which Dundalk will turn up! The extra half hour v Treaty is less an issue in terms of prep/energy levels than the average performance and needing ET to win. In previous years when games were coming thick and fast the players have said they preferred to be playing than training if it builds momentum. As long as there were no injuries to players that VP was forced to bring on to beat Treaty I think we will be ok on the prep side of things - just need to add more consistent good performances. We've learned that Levadia are very attacking orientated, keeper is a bit ropey, cough up chances so nothing like Dundalk at all!! That they dont sit in deep suits us and I dont think we will be caught just as cold again but have to be patient. There is no need to force the game or play high risk high reward stuff with the rule change and that they are at home. It wont be just as warm as it was here the last couple of weeks but will be quite humid - Measured and composed isnt too much to hope for!? Hoped Duffy would be back whatever 'personal health reason' is, isolating with covid is the general assumption but I dont think anything more official has been said. If true hopefully not a long covid issue.
Bohs are in a great position and the bigger pitch will suit them, if they play anywhere near the previous performance at the Aviva they're through.
I see that Inter coughed up their lead against the Albanians in the end. Shows that Teuta have a little bit of fight in them. Rovers still big favourites to make the PO round, joking aside the draw has been kind after playing/losing one tie, to be in that round from being unseeded even if via the champions pathway - it emphasises how badly P6 messed up their own investment in Dundalk, league champions and seeded is such an opportunity especially considering what they've payed players. Rovers will need to guard against being sucker punched though I doubt they will be that complacent, it would be a big shock not to go through comfortably!
I'm not sure a LOI team not going through could ever be a big shock LOL but yes we should be looking to get past these if we can perform to the levels we hit against Slovan. Getting through (1 if) and winning the league (2 ifs) would/Should see us seeded in the first round of the Champions league next year which should give us a great chance of getting a winnable first round.
Its a double whammy if we lose, gutted AND probably unseeded next year
I agree totally, too much focus locally is on the extra half hour game time and less on the performance - getting excuses in early maybe. I think Treaty would have been a tricky cup game for any side and its a credit to them in their 1st season. I think this season especially we have struggled most against teams that let us have the ball and sit in. I dont think Levadia can play that way especially at home and it suits us better. A big jump in performance is needed but there were some good spells in the 1st leg, didnt make sustained pressure count, but there was enough to suggest that we have a good chance of going through if we put a decent shift. I'm more hopeful than having expectation, which seems to be the general consensus rather than just my usual expect the worst and be happily surprised. Any last minute shenanigans that puts us out and I may retire as a fan for the rest of the season.....
Heard from a bohs fan that if bohs get thro tonight they will play against PAOK on tuesday in the aviva as shamrock rovers have first call on venue. Think thats a tad unfair imo.
Very true, lost the run of myself there;). Nah I think Rovers are professional enough, never mind being the much better side, to see it through over two legs. If it were the one off games like last year anything could happen ala any cup tie. Again maybe its been said before but the sort of intangible value to getting seeded is being undervalued by our owners and Rovers experience this season shows it. One win as a seeded side in UCL and still parachute twice more (Dundalk possibly seeded in EL QR2 also) in to a PO round if ye lose - criminal waste and mismanagement for 'investors' when a budget should have you in the title race - talk about shooting yerself in the foot. At this stage its possible to consider about $1mil minimum most seasons and with a decent chance of significantly more. How hard can it be to get the domestic house in order with resources available and the incentive. You are being a bit like myself though sbgawa in fearing the disappointment especially considering the significance of one very very winnable tie!!
I think thats a UEFA ruling. If 2 sides from the one country/city are drawn at home same night then the highest ranked side or higher competition get first dibs on date and venue. Open to correction on that though though of course the FAI is just an extension of SRFC so would get 1st option anyway.
Early assessment - two very evenly matched sides, whomever doesnt make an error is the key, not to get caught to far forward at the back. Saving energy for later in the game.
*and spoke too soon. Still have to score anyway. Good finish but 2 men free at the back post. Pace at the back not there for a high line. Open game would have been perfect for Duffy, ho hum!!!
Dreadful goalkeeping
Would have to see it again but badly exposed, 2 options never mind shooting. Nattestad pulled in toward the ball too easily. Need to just stay in the game for now, take the sting out of it. Patience lads!
Sun is annoying me watching, Keeper should be wearing a cap, did he lose the flight of the ball as he looked to be shielding his eyes....excuses excuses....:confused::mad:
They mustnt know about playing the whistle. A player sits on his arse and they lose it when Dundalk dont put the ball out when attacking? Was it near around about or in the box, looked on the line to me. Better spell from Dundalk, Levadia now sitting in on the lead, letting us have the ball, and hit on the break which we werent dealing with very well. Game is still there if nothing soft conceded. Quite a good game bar the goal. Clipping the crossbar too. Still dont think we need to force things yet. Weve been able to get in behind them with some decent passing moves at better pace than in the cup game. Keep them moving about and hopefully fatigue will be an issue later. Did I mention how this game is made for Michael Duffy? Interesting chitchat about Drogheda penos in the background :D
*Ok so maybe the winner will be the keeper who fluffs it least!!! (Im nervously rambling just a bit i think .....)
Dodgy keepers on both sides. Fair play to McMillan, he's a proper goalscorer
14 goals now for McMillan in Europe - level with Roy Keane and one behind Robbie Keane
Larne 1 up on Aarhus who are down to 10 men,3-1 on aggregate now,would that be one of the best results a Irish league side has ever had in Europe if they finish off the tie?
Very last gasp winner looks like it's sent Dundalk through - Patching again
What was he doing on loan in the first half of the season?
Huge goal for Dundalk…
What a way to win the game, into the third round now, hopefully Bohs to follow next which would mean 3 clubs into the third round, that'll do.