League of Ireland in Europe 2015

**Charlie Darwin** · 06/07/2015, 4:03 PM

No, they were shut down years ago.

**ForzaHoop** · 06/07/2015, 4:28 PM

LIVESCORE it is then

**Nesta99** · 06/07/2015, 4:48 PM

Originally Posted by Charlie Darwin

No, they were shut down years ago.

Had to pay for the 'A' side somehow!

**nigel-harps1954** · 06/07/2015, 4:52 PM

Originally Posted by ForzaHoop

LIVESCORE it is then

You should try the First Division for a while..outside of attending games, getting any information on match nights is like drawing blood from a stone in most places.

**Nesta99** · 06/07/2015, 9:13 PM

Again with thanks to Conroy on Orielweb for posting up the following link of the most recent BATE match - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aZTvMy1p40

I'm stuck in a hospital ward overlooking United park so I took to watching this match in entirety (almost) and also hence the manic posting in all threads as i'm bored stupid.

Watching this though along with other clips of next weeks opposition a few observations Ive made:

Unsurprisingly the BATE players are technically decent - first touch, comfortable on the ball, man on for the simple ball etc. But for a regular CL group stage qualifier they are a negative side (maybe thats a bit of savvy from playing in Europe and getting a job done). They nearly always have have the 2 centre midfielders sitting in front of the back four when not in possession, when possession is regained the wide midfielders hug the touchline but the ball is often launched forward with mixed results. They play a lot of keepball at the back with some probing runs. All fairly basic stuff really just executed reasonably efficiently.

In general terms the grounds have been a mixed batch and there are LoI grounds that are by far superior. Generalised I know. Crowds have been mediocre including the home league games. Looks no more than 5-6k at a push at the game posted previous. This has me thinking that maybe we are not as far off what is needed by the league to progress as we would think. Thats is not to say we have a long way to go before significant progression in European competition but are we too self deprecating? Obviously support from the national association would help bridge the divide. Indeed if on the face of things if Belarus champions can go from being knocked out of Europe by an Irish side to CL groups in 10 years how did they go about it? From the FAI's perspective, the LoI's progression to group stages of European completions would generate much needed revenue (even if its just increased participation fees from European qualifiers) and should warrant support and investment - maybe by using their influence with some of their friendly sugar daddies.

Now maybe i'm looking at this through lilywhite tinted specs in some sort of hope that there is the slightest chance of Dundalk's progression through this round and that the money associated would help develop Oriel and Dundalk FC and with continued qualification for European competition the bar gets raised and we continue to improve and progress in a sustainable manner to the holy grail of group stages.

Any opinions? On the footage of BATE themselves or the rest of the waffle (the goal by the way is 50mins on the vid or on half time in the match...free header). Spudulika would you know how the Belarussians developed their league? Anyways boredom has possibly led to some wild thinking...or dreaming!

**Yossarian** · 06/07/2015, 10:05 PM

I actually think that if we play to our strengths and cut out the individual errors then we have a good chance. BATE aren't prolific goalscorers at all but they are also quite strong defensively. As long as we keep it tight for the first leg over there and play to our strengths and try and get a goal it would set it up nicely for the second leg.

**El-Pietro** · 06/07/2015, 11:08 PM

I think Dundalks defense is quite shaky but they cover it up with their incredible midfield. If they don't dominate possession against BATE it could be very tough for them.

**Nesta99** · 07/07/2015, 1:16 AM

Originally Posted by El-Pietro

I think Dundalks defense is quite shaky but they cover it up with their incredible midfield. If they don't dominate possession against BATE it could be very tough for them.

I agree! Last season with Cherrie in goal and not being the vocal type Gartland or Boyle gave a shout and were solid. This season with Rogers who is far more vocal and confident it seems a bit 'to me to you'.. ball back of the net. It's like they have to gel as a defensive trio yet. Too many leaders (cooks and all that). We still dont concede too many and maybe that is due to having possession but there is a nerviness this season that there wasnt last season. Last season Cherrie caused the nerves to spike when having to claim a ball or dealing with a backpass under any pressure. Pace at centre-half was an issue v Drogheda. Neither defender dealt with the long punt and Rogers didnt know whether to stick or not, when he then tried to close the angles he was slow off the mark for the goal and pulled out of the save for fear of conceding a peno and walking. Issues that can be sorted really.

**ForzaHoop** · 07/07/2015, 8:44 AM

I attend nearly all Harps home games now, away games i follow on the phone thru Livescore, sure all going well Harps will be in Premier next season

**ger121** · 07/07/2015, 9:11 AM

After the Limerick game, I thought the defence was a bit dodgy but while watching the Drogheda match, I kept thinking Bate could run amok against that back four. Hope I'm wrong.

**Yossarian** · 07/07/2015, 9:33 AM

Originally Posted by ger121

After the Limerick game, I thought the defence was a bit dodgy but while watching the Drogheda match, I kept thinking Bate could run amok against that back four. Hope I'm wrong.

I think if BATE hit long balls over the top then we could be caught as that is where our defence has struggled this season.

**White Horse** · 07/07/2015, 9:59 AM

Originally Posted by ger121

After the Limerick game, I thought the defence was a bit dodgy but while watching the Drogheda match, I kept thinking Bate could run amok against that back four. Hope I'm wrong.

The back four was exposed against Limerick and Drogheda as Chris Shields did not start those games. His role is critical as he is the only midfielder who sits deep. Everyone else, including the full backs bomb forward. Gartland, in particular, is vulnerable if exposed to one on one situations with pacey forwards.

If Dundalk played like they did against Limerick and Drogheda, I share your fears. However, I think Kenny will set the team up differently to protect the weaknesses you identified.