Ucd (a)

[culloty82]

So, the series of 2026 weekly threads begins once more with Friday's trip to Belfield. Always hard to read too much into pre-season, but the overall performances seem to have been promising, being reasonably competitive against both Waterford and Galway, along with the comfortable MSC wins, with only the Cork display giving cause for concern, even if the scoreline was deceptive. With Healy given ample resources and time to build a squad according to his desired mould, and assess a preferred formation and playing style, he'll certainly be expected to achieve a top-half finish this term, building on last season's Cup run which highlights the potential. The major concern would be that the midfield looks much lighter than last year, with Adams, Teahan and Mujaguzi all gone, and only Borden arriving in that department. The Students will have their sights set firmly on a top three finish, so one suspects we'd happily take a draw to begin, and look to the home double-header to come.

[legendz]

Pre-season had gone reasonably ok prior to Cork away, for whatever can be read into pre-season. Would take a draw away to start. After the end of season, would be great to start with a win. Outside of injuries, the starting XI will give a good indication of what time expect for the year ahead. Like everyone, hoping to see a good consistency this year with a strong push for the playoffs.

[listowelceltic]

Pitch must be heavy with all this rain. I think their rugby team used the pitch over the winter in previous seasons. Hopefully if there is an inspection it's done before supporters head off.
If its on I'm going for a 1 1 draw which would be a decent start.

[culloty82]

Pitch must be heavy with all this rain. I think their rugby team used the pitch over the winter in previous seasons. Hopefully if there is an inspection it's done before supporters head off.If its on I'm going for a 1 1 draw which would be a decent start.

Inspected at 9:30 and given the green light, so game on!

[listowelceltic]

That's great. Let's win now.

[Zico]

The sandiest pitch in Ireland to cancel both teams out.0-0

[listowelceltic]

Shocking performance. Players looked dead on their feet. Some of them looked afraid to tackle. First time seeing Borden . Not impressed. Palmer at least offered a bit of energy when he came on.
On the plus side I'm starting to regain feeling in my toes. Beyond cold. And we surely won't be as bad next week.

[Zico]

Well that was underwhelming. Can get over the result but it was such a poor performance. Outclassed in midfield (mcgrath was decent, Borden average and Brookwell didn’t touch the ball). Full Backs offered nothing going forward, a calamity goal to concede, nothing out wide (Birmingham looks limited) and Murphy up top does not look up to the pace (lots ofRamblers fans said this last season too). We looked so inferior technically. We can only hope next week is better!!!