SPA V City - make or break

Neil · 04/08/2004, 3:36 PM

Originally Posted by razor

I got the impression Cathal was referring to back along.
City are totally renound for getting in the big crowds for the big occasion and ****ting the bed.

That's fair enough and I wouldn't disagree. But that was back when our star players were plumbers and sales reps. For me, the Nijmegen game was very satisfying in so far as it was the first time we entered a huge game where our players looked confident, organised and despite the crowds and pressure, played ball.
I don't want to jinx it but dare I say we've turned a corner? And when we are challenging for the league NEXT year it should stand to us.

**niamh** · 04/08/2004, 3:57 PM

I totally agree.
City have not performed to their abilities so many times in front of big crowds, Nijmegen was great.
The Intertoto Cup adventure will stand to the team once they get through the backlog and the tiredness.

**pete** · 05/08/2004, 9:28 AM

Of the 3 post Inter Toto matches i'd sum it up like this:

UCD - badly missing possibly our 3 best players. Unlucky cup game was first game back.
Waterford - team really upped its game by not allowing be brought down to hacker level & easily could have won 4 or 5 nil in 2nd half. Very impressive footbalk & result.
Drogheda - Tight game on tight pitch, Drogs played very well, we didn't play too bad but struggled to breakdown gome defense when a (dubious offside) goal down.

We have certainly performed better than Pats & Rivers did when they returned from Inter Toto Cup duty in recent seasons.

**Pablo** · 05/08/2004, 1:02 PM

Originally Posted by pete

We have certainly performed better than Pats & Rivers did when they returned from Inter Toto Cup duty in recent seasons.

As i say tomorrow will be the acid test. we need to keep the pressure on knowing that 3 points tomorrow and a win against shels next week at home and we are back in the title hunt

**pete** · 05/08/2004, 1:33 PM

Shels euro exploits are definitely gonna cost them some points although can't know how many yet. Big chance for city to start anrrowing the gap & then big win live on TV to annonce ourselves are serious contenders.

**Pablo** · 05/08/2004, 1:39 PM

Originally Posted by pete

Shels euro exploits are definitely gonna cost them some points although can't know how many yet. Big chance for city to start anrrowing the gap & then big win live on TV to annonce ourselves are serious contenders.

Sounds like a plan alright..........a win tomorrow and we'll have a sell out

**Storysham** · 05/08/2004, 7:47 PM

Osam is doubtful, according to the echo tonight. Made me laugh anyway.

**Peadar** · 06/08/2004, 9:03 AM

Originally Posted by Storysham

Osam is doubtful, according to the echo tonight.

Pat Dolan probably told the echo that

Have we anyone "doubtful"?

**Flynninio** · 06/08/2004, 9:51 AM

we go above bohs if we win tonight - drogheda next

**DolansWaistcoat** · 06/08/2004, 10:31 AM

Then just Shels after that and the league is ours,simple as that.

**Dodge** · 06/08/2004, 10:36 AM

Lads you're closer to us than Shels... calm down on the championship thing

**Peadar** · 06/08/2004, 10:44 AM

Originally Posted by Dodge

Lads you're closer to us than Shels...

Only on points.
In terms of quality and strength of squad we're miles ahead of you and not far off Shels. We'll see where your lot are at the end of the season.
Lucky for you only one team goes down this year.

**Eric** · 06/08/2004, 12:19 PM

Pablo I wasn't joking, I reckon our league challenge for this season is over.

Big gap to overhaul shels, very young team with no championship experience, fatigue at the moment.

Next year will be our best chance to challenge for the league but with Shels getting so much money from Europe it may be impossible to overhaul them for a couple of years.

I'm saving for the inter-toto again anyway!!!

**wws** · 06/08/2004, 12:22 PM

the question i have is what happens when (inevitably) you dont challenge for the league next year???

Everyone knows you wont even trouble Drogs for second place this year but dolan will have to summon all his powers of spin to talk his way out of next season houllieresque 3 year plan bs

it aint happenin lads, face facts, we'll probably finish higher than yee this season and we're fckd financially