And Then There Were Three - The First Division

**Magicme** · 12/10/2007, 8:20 AM

Originally Posted by Sam_Heggy

Feckin Mons rolling over and lettin ye win

This Div will go all the way imo.

Ha! We did anything but roll over I can tell ya! Looked like we might break the hoodoo of the plastic pitch last nite.

**Louth4sam** · 12/10/2007, 9:25 AM

You must have been watching a different game then me so. Dundalk had about 90% possession but didn't really use it effectively. Its easy to see how Harps won 4-0 last week. Hey magicme, any update on the player who got injured for you last night. Looked like a serious enough injury with the dundalk physio being rushed to help out in the Monaghan dressing room. I hope it isnt as bad as it looked.

**Magicme** · 12/10/2007, 9:30 AM

Havent heard Louth4Sam but thanks for the concern. Jason McCartney is a fine young player & I would be devestated if he has a major injury.

**monutdfc** · 12/10/2007, 9:35 AM

Originally Posted by Louth4sam

You must have been watching a different game then me so. Dundalk had about 90% possession but didn't really use it effectively. Its easy to see how Harps won 4-0 last week. Hey magicme, any update on the player who got injured for you last night. Looked like a serious enough injury with the dundalk physio being rushed to help out in the Monaghan dressing room. I hope it isnt as bad as it looked.

It was a poor game in truth, but believe me we were much better than on Sunday v Harps. I think 90% is exaggerating, we had a decent share of possession but absolutely no threat upfront; Dundalk looked ok when they knocked it about, but they persisted with long balls up to Trevor and Robbie Doyle which were meat and drink to our defence (although the goal did come as a result of a big belt upfield which we didn't deal with). The substitution created the goal, we didn't adjust to the 3 man forward line: Williamson (left back) had to track Doyle instead of closing down Trevor leaving him space and time to pick his spot.
Don't know about McCartney, it looked pretty bad. It was a late "tackle" by Williams, can't believe the ref, lino and 4th official missed it. Williams is a super player, but I've seen this nasty side to his game before.

**oriel** · 12/10/2007, 9:42 AM

Originally Posted by Mr A

Where the hell did the first division title thread go, can't seem to find it...

MR A - I meant to post a similar comment last week, but I thought i`d search for it first, still haven`t found it - so it must be gone

We can take it that this is now the 'official' first div thread now.

Bad luck v Limerick tonight !!!!!!!!!

**Louth4sam** · 12/10/2007, 9:51 AM

Originally Posted by monutdfc

It was a poor game in truth, but believe me we were much better than on Sunday v Harps. I think 90% is exaggerating, we had a decent share of possession but absolutely no threat upfront; Dundalk looked ok when they knocked it about, but they persisted with long balls up to Trevor and Robbie Doyle which were meat and drink to our defence (although the goal did come as a result of a big belt upfield which we didn't deal with). The substitution created the goal, we didn't adjust to the 3 man forward line: Williamson (left back) had to track Doyle instead of closing down Trevor leaving him space and time to pick his spot.
Don't know about McCartney, it looked pretty bad. It was a late "tackle" by Williams, can't believe the ref, lino and 4th official missed it. Williams is a super player, but I've seen this nasty side to his game before.

Good post, pretty much sums up the game and maybe i did exaggerate about the 90% possession (well just a little bit). Didn't see the tackle myself as it was the other side of the pitch but that ref made a few strange decisions. Thought the young lad who played in goals did well. Dealt with everything bar the goal but he hadn't a clear view of the shot.

**oriel** · 13/10/2007, 1:10 PM

more betting scams then from the kilkenny players last night i see - only joking this time, thats a fantastic win by cobh 7-0, must be a club record ? cobh fans ?

**superfrank** · 13/10/2007, 1:15 PM

Originally Posted by oriel

more betting scams then from the kilkenny players last night i see - only joking this time, thats a fantastic win by cobh 7-0, must be a club record ? cobh fans ?

I know one record they're a part of which mightn't please them......

Bray's biggest win: 8-1 vs. Cobh.

**bellavistaman** · 13/10/2007, 4:24 PM

Originally Posted by superfrank

I know one record they're a part of which mightn't please them......

Bray's biggest win: 8-1 vs. Cobh.

Well done.

**Comic Book Guy** · 14/10/2007, 10:11 AM

Originally Posted by superfrank

I know one record they're a part of which mightn't please them......

Bray's biggest win: 8-1 vs. Cobh.

Superfrank thanks for reminding me and dredging up yet another supressed memory

, you're correct in that you did beat us by 7 but it was 7-0 in 97-98 (I think).
Our own record win is 8-1 v Monaghan a few years ago, Friday night's was our biggest away win.

**Magicme** · 14/10/2007, 12:30 PM

Louth4Sam just to let you know that Jason got out of hospital that evening and looks like ligament damage so will be out for the rest of the season for us. Feck sake.

**dundalksarge** · 15/10/2007, 1:09 AM

Originally Posted by Magicme

Louth4Sam just to let you know that Jason got out of hospital that evening and looks like ligament damage so will be out for the rest of the season for us. Feck sake.

Thats just going to ruin your season now .
Anyways joking aside hope the player has a speedy recovery.

**The Rebel Ram** · 15/10/2007, 9:26 PM

Time to focus on this week..

How do you think you are gonna do Dundalk????

Can't see anything but a Ramblers win myself...........

**dundalksarge** · 16/10/2007, 12:22 AM

i would like to see dundalk actually got to Cobh and actually go and try and win , the last few times we have made the trip down it was to put men behind the ball. We need the win so its make or break time now , the winner been Surely guaranteed second spot.

**Mr A** · 16/10/2007, 7:56 AM

Hoping for the draw- but I think Cobh will win it. Having listened to quite a few of Dundalk's games on the radio their form doesn't seem great even if results have improved, whereas Cobh reacted well to their first defeat and must be favourites. That said, a 0-0 draw has to be a distinct possibility.

**The Rebel Ram** · 16/10/2007, 8:00 PM

There isn't gonna be many goals that's for sure, Dundalk I recon are gonna try to stop us playing and hope to frustrate us then try to nick a goal.
Can't see Rams loosing though, they will win but probably only by a single goal. Don' think it will be stylish but will deff be exciting!!!!!

**Mr A** · 17/10/2007, 7:47 AM

The really interesting thing about the game is that both sides really need the win (so long as we beat Wexford)- if we draw or lose Cobh only need the draw. If Harps are ahead when the match in Cobh kicks off then the pressure will be on both sides to get three points to stay in contention. On the other hand it is entirely possible that Wexford could cause us problems... good run-in this

**The Rebel Ram** · 17/10/2007, 2:13 PM

Originally Posted by Mr A

The really interesting thing about the game is that both sides really need the win (so long as we beat Wexford)- if we draw or lose Cobh only need the draw. If Harps are ahead when the match in Cobh kicks off then the pressure will be on both sides to get three points to stay in contention. On the other hand it is entirely possible that Wexford could cause us problems... good run-in this

Errortel has it wrong, Cobh game kicks off at 2pm so once we destroy Dundalk 3-0 the pressure will be right back on Harps when Wexford put 11 men behind the ball

:

**bigmac** · 17/10/2007, 2:50 PM

Tight at the top alright. As an interested observer (most probably awaiting play-off opponents) I would have to fancy Harps. A point ahead and with the bottom 3 clubs left to play, and a run in that includes 4 of the bottom 5 would be something that most clubs could only dream about. Add to that the fact that the two more difficult games (based on league position) are both home games and they'd have to feel confident.

The Cobh Dundalk game could decide the playoff spot, a win for Cobh and Dundalk are pretty much out of it. All those mid season 0-0 draws could be what costs Cobh in the end though and are certainly why they are in 2nd instead of 1st. Defensively, 3 losses all season is a very tight ship so it's a tall order for Dundalk to win in Cork. Aside from Athlone, Dundalk haven't won on the road since June, while Cobh haven't lost at home since March. I think a draw is the best Dundalk can hope for here.

In summary

Ramblers and Harps win - Dundalk are gone from the race, Harps still favourite to win it, but Ramblers only a point back are in with every chance.
Ramblers win and Harps lose or draw- Dundalk gone, Ramblers should have generated enough momentum to keep ahead of Harps
Dundalk win and Harps win -Title is Harps' to throw away, 4 pts clear with 3 to play. Play-off spot is a coin toss, Dundalk have the psychological boost but Ramblers have the goal difference. Dundalk to be slight favourites with the momentum and 2 home games left versus Ramblers' two away trips
Dundalk win and Harps lose - Neutral's preferred result tightens everything at the top to 1 pt. Harps stuttering favourites with that run in and a 1 pt advantage, Dundalk slight favourites for playoff spot
Ramblers/Dundalk draw and Harps win - Dundalk facing an uphill battle to catch Ramblers, Harps 3 point cuhion should be enough to see them home
Ramblers/Dundalk draw and Harps lose - Dundalk facing an uphill battle to catch either team, while Ramblers will be top with a superior goal difference to Harps. Ramblers' confidence at being top makes them marginal favourites but Harps have the easier run-in, Paddy Power is rich enough already, I'll keep my money in my pocket in this scenario.

**Mr A** · 17/10/2007, 4:28 PM

Errortel has it wrong, Cobh game kicks off at 2pm so once we destroy Dundalk 3-0 the pressure will be right back on Harps when Wexford put 11 men behind the ball:

Interesting. I know ye have a deal with Dundalk or something but wouldn't there have been a bigger crowd at the later time? Seems like a bad idea to play it then to me. It'll make our game all the more interesting knowing the result.