Goalkeeper
Gerard Doherty (Derry City)
The 33-year-old showed exactly why he’s been Derry City’s number one goalkeeper for so long. Saved superbly from point-blank range from David McMillan after four minutes, and again on the half-hour mark when he came off his line to intercept. Also tipped Ronan Finn’s strike over the bar but could do nothing for Massey’s close-range winner for Dundalk.
Defenders
Ian Bermingham (St Patrick’s Athletic)
Having suffered defeat last week in Tallaght, the Inchicore crowd were looking for a strong performance from their team and the captain set the tone from the off. From his full-back position, Bermingham drove the Saints on in the early stages and had a hand in the second goal in their 3-0 home win over Bray Wanderers.
Anto Murphy (Bohemians)
Not only did the centre-back pop up with both Bohs goals in a game lacking in quality, but he bullied the Galway United frontline at the other end, ensuring that the visitors didn’t get an inch of space to punish Keith Long’s side.
Darren Dennehy (Cork City)
Got the nod ahead of Dan Murray and justified John Caulfield’s decision by chipping in with another solid defensive display and a couple of goals too.
Dane Massey (Dundalk)
Massey netted the game’s only goal against Derry but his defensive work was vital also. He made a last-ditch sliding tackle to deny Mark Timlin a shot on target from close range, moments before he won the game for the Lilywhites.
Midfielders
Sean Thornton (Drogheda United)
Making his first home league appearance for his boyhood club, Thornton was an imposing and physical presence in the midfield battle. His free-kick has headed in by Neil Yadolahi for the winning goal in Friday’s 3-2 victory at home to Sligo Rovers.
Keith Buckley (Bohemians)
Buckley was the one player to get a stranglehold of proceedings and dictate the tempo in the engine room. The promising 22-year-old sat deep for much of Bohs’ win over Galway United at Dalymount Park, enjoyed much of the possession and pulled the strings from midfield.
Greg Bolger (St Patrick’s Athletic)
Anchored the Pat’s midfield well alongside Killian Brennan and continuously broke up the play whenever Bray got on the front-foot. Also won the penalty in the fourth minute.
Kieran Waters (Shamrock Rovers)
Another lively display from ‘Marty’ Waters in Saturday’s 2-0 win in Longford was rewarded with an excellent first-half goal that sealed a second successive win for the Hoops.
Forwards
Karl Sheppard (Cork City)
He didn’t get the goal his hard-working performance deserved but the 24-year-old striker had to settle for the man-of-the-match award on his home debut instead. An impressive feat in a game where your team scored five.
Daryl Kavanagh (Drogheda United)
The striker scored his second goal in two games for his new club but his hold-up play and willingness to go toe-to-toe with the Sligo defence really stood out.
Originally published at 13.06
Two very average sides at the moment, the premier league has been in steady decline for a number of years now.
Both teams not in great form but Utd have the knack of winning games this season when they could be drawing or losing them which could be the difference on Sunday but in saying that it is Man Utd v Liverpool and form tends to go out the window in these games and I’m sure both teams will be fired up for it.
Dont care what gary neville thinks.. lvg is a winner
I watched a good bit of this game, it’s the first time I have seen UTD since the beginning of the season. They haven’t improved much. How are they 3rd.
Because the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool, Spurs, Everton etc, their main rivals from last year are playing worse than Utd this season.
No it’s not. It’s because they’ve got 28 points from 15 games and would be top 4 with that tally any other season too.
I wish ye’d actually upload the video of van Gaal’s response. He is so outraged, it’s brilliant!
Sorry, wasn’t up when I first posted.
In fairness he is right to say he has to pay attention to his words. They needed three points from St. Marys and they got them. There is no point in a past player wading in and being critical when they are 3rd in the league. At least wait until after the New Year to bash the team.
Gway they wouldn’t beat Eggs..
It was a dire performance by Utd. However for the 3 clear chances Utd they converted two which has to be seen as good. On a rugby pitch that would be an excellent return, especially if the other side were dominating possession like Southampton were last night.
3rd in the league and facing Liverpool on Sunday with a number of straight wins…its shaping up to be a cracker for both sides!!