Ok, personally I want to talk about football instead of all the other nonsense going on elsewhere on here. This competition is really starting to take shape and it looks like an exciting finish in both groups. It could be any two from three qualifying from Linfield, Derry and Shels and whilst Drogheda and Cork are looking good in the other group, Portadown cannot be ruled out. We have seen some cracking games, some great football and some controversial refereeing and I for one am enjoying this competition so let's get talking about the positives again. I agree that we cannot ignore racism or sectarianism but leave that to those in a position to do something to deal with it whilst we get on with talking about a brilliant competition.
TBH its hard to get the enthusiasm going about the Setanta cup. Maybe its cos of the Mondays nights smaller crowds etc. but as grateful as I am for more live football it just doesnt have the same draw the EL does.
It could be the group were in too but I know alot of fans are feeling the same
I think it will be City and Linfield to progress from our group. $hels looked over-rated this year again, many pointed to the abscence of Ndo as a major problem but he played last night and they were still beaten.
Linfield fans noted their teams passion and hunger for the win, IMO Shels with their hyped up primma-donnas don't have this trait.
I really want to win this group because the runner-up will almost certainly face a long trip to Cork for the semi. I have every confidence that we can beat Cork but the journey is a nightmare.
BTW If we judge Paddy Mc COurt this season on reports from last night from both sets of fans then Premier Division defences beware. Many Glenmen saying he should get another cap for Norn Iron.
"The Derry fans were fantastic in both matches. They sang their hearts out all the time and created an even better atmosphere than the Cup Final. They were brilliant. - David Graham, Gretna striker
Well personally i am really enjoying the setanta cup... perhaps it is because we are in the more exciting group plus the fact that it is 34 years since competitive games were played between Derry and Linfield and Glentoran and there are rivilaries to resume. I think the coverage provided by Setanta is good, much better than the ericom league weekly show last night, though having Alan Matthews and felix Healy every time is getting a tad boring. Pat Dolan is not a good anchor. He gets flustered trying to read the autocue and last night he described Shels as the eircom league champions. With this amount of cash on offer for the winners, there is a massive incentive for all the clubs to win it and I for one am really excited about the next 3 matches.
I think it is too close to call at this stage, the Glens may seem out of it but can't be written off just yet. I think there needs to be some Irish league teams in the semis, but preferably not from our group.
They would have been beaten a lot worse without him though.Originally Posted by Speranza
We're not arrogant, we're just better.
To be honest going on each team's game against us Derry are a far superior side to Shelbourne. Surely though Shelbourne are better than they showed last night and I am certainly not ruling them out of this competition, they have too many good players. Personally if offered second place now I would take it, regardless of the trip to Cork. Would make it an overnight trip of course.
Though we threw it away last year, the most City will require from the remaining 3 group games is 3 points.
Could get them tonight. After that, the Portadown-Drogs game tonight will be vital though Swifts are capable of taking points off Portadown.
A bit disappointed with the crowds myself seen as theirs only 3-5 games compared to 17 of the league. I wouldn't miss any SC match but Linfield at the Cross would have been special.
Are the semi-finals over two legs? ed- - - Oh you just answered me there
Last edited by Risteard; 14/03/2006 at 1:12 PM.
City definetly have the best bands playing at half-time.
O'Bama - "Eerah yeah, I'd say we can alright!"
G.O'Mahoney Trapattoni'll sort ém out!!
Brilliant competition me thinks. Standard of football is pretty good and i for one thinks its been a fantastic addition for both leagues and only hope that we get it into it, we were so close last year! Or maybe itll become an open cup for all teams. Whatever about how the cup evolves its exciting stuff at the moment!
We are the U the U the UCDD!!!!
The Daily Mirror has called our preformance last night "samba with a Derry accent"
"The Derry fans were fantastic in both matches. They sang their hearts out all the time and created an even better atmosphere than the Cup Final. They were brilliant. - David Graham, Gretna striker
Has anyone got any highlights links? (for the derry game mostly
I'm enjoying it greatly, but the sooner the IL and the EL can agree to have a few Saturdays free for the SSC the better! Attendances would be higher and be easier to get more fans travelling. 3 p.m KO on saturdays would do just nicely
Who Cares?!
'sombre'?"samba with a Derry accent"
Last edited by sonofstan; 14/03/2006 at 3:38 PM.
A patriot is someone who knows how to hate his country properly.
Ports are struggling to hit the target at the minute but just cant be ruled out. Glens and swifts are gone in my opinion. As for McCourt at Derry, always had the talent if he could just keep the head down and keep working hard there is every chance of place in squad and Id be delighted. The idea about games on saturday would be difficult to fit in with the schedule but i think it would increase the crowds.
Game are on Mondays and Tuesdays because they fill up an empty day for Setanta. They won't move the games to a weekend when they will clash with other stuff they're showing.
We're not arrogant, we're just better.
Derry and Drogheda have been the most impressive teams for me so far. Some of the Cork players have the look of guys who think that because they've won the league they can just turn up and win(Drogheda were well on top in the Cross until the sendings off) and Shels seem to have the usual problem under Nutsy, changing the team constantly to justify having so many players
Derry have to be favourites. But Linfield last night were more impressive than any Drogheda showing so far. They gave Shels a real spanking.
Drogheda are solid but uninspired and as currently set up won't score many goals unless they are handed them on a plate, Bohs-style.
Were you at the game??
While there was not much between the teams before the sending offs City were a goal up and it couldnt be said drogheda were well on top. They barely had a chance on goal.
Derry and Linfield have looked impresssive-city arent playing brialliantly but getting the results so that will do for the moment. They are playing lovely football in patches but need to up the consistency. This will come in time IMO
Not a chance, i dont know where you going with that one but that is complete horseshít, you obviously didn't see the game so.
The SFAI are the governing body for grassroots football in Ireland, not the FAI. Its success or the lack of is all down to them.
just wish the drogs v ports game had have been the live match tonite.Drogs were fantastic to watch.4 0 is not a proper reflection on the game .Fabio missed a peno and had a perfectly good goal ruled out for offside.It really could have been 7 or 8.Cork seemed to struggle against dungannon but got the win nonetheless.This was a performance we have threatened for a while now.Great to see barrett getting his first goal for the club ,he was great tonite really hungry and took his goal well.On this form we should progress in the competition.
yea Drogs didn't have a chance in the game aganst Cork - yeah thats it - keep it up our Cork friends as it is this blinkered vision and consant rewriting of history that will lead to a season of complete failure for our Cork cousins. (its amazing your all sarting to sound like little Ricos).
Well done on you great win (earth shattering performance) against Dublin City - fine display. Also fantatsic 1-0 result against Dungannon last nigth fair play. No doubt the drogs will be lucky not to get another hiding off you on Saturday as you march onto another league title. Viva la Cork.
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