League of Ireland in Europe 2015

[Charlie Darwin]

I think we probably just had easier draws last year. Only Rovers had an easy draw this year - Dundalk, Cork and Pats all had the misfortune of getting strong teams in the middle of a summer season. This year was basically last year's second rounds brought forward.

[TheBoss]

Here are some more stats!

Dundalk
First ever appearance in the UEFA Champions League.
3 consecutive AWAY games in which the team has scored.
When playing the AWAY leg first, Dundalk have progressed 4 times (DOS [NED] 1968, Fram [ISL] 1981, Grevenmacher [LUX] 2010, Jeunesse Esch [LUX] 2014) and eliminated 9 times. They have only progressed once after losing the first leg (HOME or AWAY) that was to Fram [ISL] in 1981.
Dundalk have conceded at HOME in 12 consecutive European games (28 goals total) starting in 1981 against Tottenham Hotspur [ENG], before that they had conceded 3 goals in 8 matches including a run of 4 clean sheets (19-Sep-1979 -> 30-Sep-1981) in a row.
Its only the 2nd time that Dundalk have lost 2-1, the other time was also an away game against Fram [ISL] in 1981. Its the 27th that Dundalk have conceded at least 2 goals, the 15th time AWAY.

LOI v Belarus	P	W	D	L	F	A
Total	7	1	2	4	6	10
Home	3	1	1	1	4	2

Shamrock Rovers
The last time that Shamrock Rovers won 2 consecutive European matches was June 2003 against Odra Wodzisław [POL] twice.
In their last 4 matches at HOME, they have failed to score on 3 occasions.
It is the 11th time that they have lost 2-0, the 6th time at HOME. Also the 36th time they conceded at least 2 goals in match, 16th time at HOME.
When playing the first at HOME, Shamrock Rovers have progressed 5 times (Spora Luxembourg [LUX] 1966, APOEL [CYP] 1978, Bnei Yehuda [ISR] 2010, Flora [EST] 2011, Partizan [SRB] 2011) and eliminated 13 times. They have never progessed when losing the first leg (HOME or AWAY).

LOI v Norway	P	W	D	L	F	A
Total	16	3	2	11	12	30
Away	8	1	2	5	5	16

UCD
2nd time that UCD have lost 1-0, the other occasion was against Everton [ENG] in 1984, also an AWAY game.
Its the 1st time that UCD played an AWAY leg first, so no previous information on if they qualified for the next round. Also, the 1st time they lost the first leg.
I seem to be repeating this fact every week, but they still remain the best defence from an LOI side in Europe conceding on average 1.00 goals (7 goals in 7 games) per game. For comparsion, Finn Harps have the worst at 4.63 goals (37 goals in 8 games) per game.

LOI v Slovakia	P	W	D	L	F	A
Total	5	0	1	4	5	10
Home	2	0	1	1	4	5

Other
LOI sides have now lost 6 consecutive games in a single season, the last time that occurred was in 2013, also happen in 2011, 2003 and a good few other times before that.
LOI sides have never lost 7 consecutive games in a single season but the last time LOI sides lost 7 consecutive games in a row was between 1994/95 and 1995/96 seasons, which was a total run of 8 consecutive games. The overall record is 10 consecutive matches between 1972/73 -> 1974/75.

LOI last 19 matches

	P	W	D	L	F	A
TOTAL	19	4	3	12	16	33
Home	9	2	1	6	6	16
Away	10	2	2	6	10	17

[Dunny]

I may have been a bit unfair in my smart a*sed comment. I could though have envisaged gang of lads quite beered crossing in to Belarus after the trip from Vilnius, cans of harp and flares in every pocket. Its a pity for Danny as one thing is for sure is that he is a passionate and dedicated Dundalk fan if maybe a bit naive at times. There are probably a few not so likable chaps who will be at the game with no bother at all. If they tore a page out of his passport its likely that he did have a visa and they took the page that was stamped. Either the passport was falling apart or it is that it is old enough he was about Ten in the photo and it wasnt accepted. Either way I probably shouldnt have been so presumptious!

Yeah.OK

[bennocelt]

I think we probably just had easier draws last year. Only Rovers had an easy draw this year - Dundalk, Cork and Pats all had the misfortune of getting strong teams in the middle of a summer season. This year was basically last year's second rounds brought forward.

I would argue that they didnt, Cork should have got through, and it looks like Pats couldnt be bothered.

The reality is, barring Dundalk, our league is pretty pish

[DannyInvincible]

If they tore a page out of his passport its likely that he did have a visa and they took the page that was stamped. Either the passport was falling apart or it is that it is old enough he was about Ten in the photo and it wasnt accepted.

In attaining his visa for travel into Belarus, the Belarusian embassy in London were more than happy to accept the same passport as perfectly valid, along with a nice €100.

[paul_oshea]

fenlon always sets up wrong for Europe and it always comes and a backfires on him. He needs to have more belief and confidence and it always seems his lack of belief filters through the team with a stupid mistake costing after a decent defensive display
If he set his teams up more like Kenny and oneill did he would have a lot better performances and probably a few better results. He is very frustrating.

[DannyInvincible]

Well if it's any comfort,we may not hear from Geysir tonight. Both Icelandic sides currently losing at home.

Ah, here now. Geysir is the sage of truth POS only wishes he could be.

[White Horse]

I would argue that they didnt, Cork should have got through, and it looks like Pats couldnt be bothered.

The reality is, barring Dundalk, our league is pretty pish

It doesn't need to be though.

Do Dundalk have much better players than Cork or Pats? I don't think so.

If Stephen O'Donnell can control the midfield against BATE Borisov, why can't Liam Miller do it against an Icelandic team?

If Dundalk can refuse to be intimidated and knocked off their game, why can't Pats show the same temperament.

In my opinion, the big weakness in this league is management/coaching and the willingness of fans to accept the poor football that it produces.

[DannyInvincible]

fenlon always sets up wrong for Europe and it always comes and a backfires on him. He needs to have more belief and confidence and it always seems his lack of belief filters through the team with a stupid mistake costing after a decent defensive display
If he set his teams up more like Kenny and oneill did he would have a lot better performances and probably a few better results. He is very frustrating.

He was, it should be remembered, the first manager to take an Irish club into the third qualifying round of the Champions League in 2004 - he managed Shels past KR Reykjavík and Hajduk Split before not being remotely over-run by Deportivo la Coruña - but I do think there is some truth in what you say, despite my above comment! Fenlon has never truly convinced me as a manager who can do it without reliance on significant financial backing. His time at Derry was very much forgettable and I feel exposed a weakness.

[Azrob Spooh]

What is the possibility of UCD needing to move the home tie away from Belfield? I reckon the interest from the LOI family will exceed the capacity.

[El-Pietro]

I would argue that they didnt, Cork should have got through, and it looks like Pats couldnt be bothered.

The reality is, barring Dundalk, our league is pretty pish

While we definitely threw away a great chance there can be no argument that KR aren't a better side than Cork City right now.

[seand]

Viedoton or TNS, away first. Great draw (for BATE)

[Couch Potato]

Huge incentive for Dundalk (if it wasn't before) great draw and I'd fancy them to beat either of those sides a case of first round draw being more difficult than second on paper anyway.

[paykanti]

It's basically a bye for one of BATE or Dundalk. Videoton are brutal.

[seand]

It's basically a bye for one of BATE or Dundalk. Videoton are brutal.

Yes, Irish clubs' record in Europe would certainly suggest that it's in the bag.

[D24Saint]

It's basically a bye for one of BATE or Dundalk. Videoton are brutal.

TNS only knocked Bohs out of europe a few seasons ago, Irish clubs cant approach any European tie with any amount of arrogance.

[pineapple stu]

Dont care in a way that we lost. That was one of the most fun games Ive ever been at. The lads absolutely themselves proud, and the game isnt even over yet. Probably is, but we still have a chance. This European stuff is great craic

Vittek silenced. Still in with a chance. A trip to Krasnodar up next. Bring it on

Now has anzone seen my voice_ Or the question mark button on this Slovak keyboard_

[paykanti]

Yes, Irish clubs' record in Europe would certainly suggest that it's in the bag.

TNS only knocked Bohs out of europe a few seasons ago, Irish clubs cant approach any European tie with any amount of arrogance.

This Dundalk side aren't just any old Irish side though, bit unfair to group them in with that lot. They're in a class of their own and they've backed it up with their European performances the past two seasons.

[El-Pietro]

Tough draws for UCD and Rovers should the progress. As mentioned above UCD would be off to Russia to face Krasnodar. Rovers meanwhile will face either Elfsborg of Sweden or Randers of Denmark if they can win by 3 clear goals in Norway next week. Elfsborg were the team I wanted City to avoid most in the first round, their recent record in Europe is incredible.

[Azrob Spooh]

Tough draws for UCD and Rovers should the progress. As mentioned above UCD would be off to Russia to face Krasnodar. Rovers meanwhile will face either Elfsborg of Sweden or Randers of Denmark if they can win by 3 clear goals in Norway next week. Elfsborg were the team I wanted City to avoid most in the first round, their recent record in Europe is incredible.

Rovers could always win 5 3 and get through to Round 3; or alternatively win 2 nil away after ET and go through in penalty shoot out...............just saying!!