After a fairly turbulent week and depressing month in the League, the question must be asked whether we're showing any meaningful progress under Healy, particularly when the squad was beginning to find form under Conor McCarthy immediately before his departure? Either way, with Heimer still out for at least another week, Matt Connor will immediately debut between the sticks, and Ewan Lee has a good chance of starting at the back, though Luke Doolan will presumably have to wait until the second half for his opportunity to shine. As well as their decent showing at Mounthawk Park, Athlone are just beginning to find league momentum, with two straight draws, so we'll need to raise our game considerably if the rot is to be stopped tomorrow night.
Hard to know which way this goes. Athlone are improving under Ryan while we are going the other way. Hopefully some good comes from the two sackings in that we might have signed a keeper who can save and kick the ball.
4 points from weekend games would be a great return. I'm going for a gritty 2 0 win.
The transfer of Matt Connor from Athlone to Kerry gives credence that what was rumoured to have happened at the Wexford - Athlone game may have occurred. At halftime in that game, Matt Connor didn't appear for the second half for Athlone and I didn't spot the change myself. Matt, a former Wexford player, had been doing fine for Athlone but, after the game, the rumour went around that Matt had been hooked at the break after an almighty blow-up with Ryan. His subsequent transfer would suggest that it did in fact occur!
Great evenings work, a win and a clean sheet. Finally a keeper who can do the basics right. The defence were not perfect but much improved. Lee made a solid debut, some good interceptions. Thought Ronan Oran and Carol were outstanding in midfield. Up front Cleary is handful good pace and lovely finish for goal. If Dan could convert his chances he'd play at a higher level.
Saying all that Athlone were dreadful so Treaty will be a different game Monday. On Treaty I see our ex player Steven Healy sent off last night. I presume he's suspended Monday.
You'd expect so, when Luke was similarly suspended for last night.
Seen on general forum here that suspension on Treaty player has being overturned!Originally Posted by listowelceltic
Gary Cronin is he the right man to manage Longford Town?
I have to say that I was not expecting our biggest League win to date walking through the gates. A performance that was badly needed. Regardless of the run of league losses, it was the efforts from the team that was a big let down. Hopefully this can be a sign of more good results to come. The challenge all year has been consistency. Matt O Connor was very solid in goals, even the accuracy of the kickouts off his hands gave the defense problems dealing with it and Dan/Robbie something they can really get after. Ewan was solid at the back and did the basics very well and looks a very good find, but it is early yet. Dropping Mcgrath was brave, his purple patch may be at an end, but great to bring on. Too many times in recent games, he has been run over in the middle and loses possession way too easily in a key area. Joe Adams brings quality and at this time of the year, players must do all they can to impress Healy as I imagine quite a few would be lucky to find a new LOI club next year.
With Healy's debutants having very solid outings, I am quite optimistic heading into Mondays game vs Treaty. Treaty will have put a lot of energy with 10 men to be pipped at the end on the road.
All in All, a satisfactory and relived end of the week for the club.
A surprising but very satisfying result and performance. Fully agree on Matt Connor - looks very solid and definitely what we need, a keeper that commands his box.
Thought the balance of the team looked good throughout. You can see Cleary has got something about him, which you would expect given level he’s at. Dan needs a goal badly..
Incredibly a victory over treaty on Monday and we are only 7 points off the playoffs with 2 winnable home league games after that. That could definitely bring a bit more interest ahead of final round of fixtures!!
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