First blood to Cork

WE MAY BE only four league games into the new campaign, but Cork City have now got the better of Dundalk on two occasions already.

The Leesiders came to Oriel Park with the game plan of containing the champions and nicking a goal playing a brand of football which isn’t exactly free-flowing. That won’t bother John Caulfield one bit, however, as they succeeded in their objective to add to the President’s Cup win thanks to Sean Maguire’s second half penalty.

On the day that Stephen Kenny signed a new two-year extension with the Lilywhites, he was left frustrated by missed opportunities and an injury to new signing Patrick McEleney, who has looked a fine addition.

Both managers suggested it is far too early to be looking at the result in terms of the title race with the clubs level on nine points after four matches but last year’s runners-up will be pleased with themselves.

- Ben Blake

Saints do Hoops in Dublin derby

Friday’s game was strange one for two reasons. First off, Shamrock Rovers bossed the first and second half without getting anything from the game, which could be a recurring theme when they face the big teams this season.

And secondly, St Pat’s showed little in the way of attacking prowess throughout, but came away from Tallaght three points better off on a night when they rarely threatened.

For Rovers it was similar type of game to that of their contest with Wexford Youths seven days earlier.

The five man midfield (two holding and three attacking) seems to be something Pat Fenlon is set on, and maybe when Stephen McPhail returns it will work, but at the moment they look lethargic and slow in their build up play and seem unable to penetrate.

Meanwhile, in Christy Fagan St Pat’s have what they lacked last season. He is one of the best in the league at putting the ball in the back of the net, and if they keep him fit they win the majority of their games.

Their defence also impressed at times against Rovers, with Darren Dennehy and Shane McEleney looking solid and organised, which is something else they lacked last term.

- Simon Walsh

Youths have first point on the board

Wexford Youths will compete with most teams if they can improve defensively.

The men in pink earned their first ever Premier Division point in a thrilling encounter in Dalymount Park on Friday night displaying an attacking brand of football but need to eliminate defensive errors.

While they looked impressive going forward, the Youths also showed naivety at the back.

Despite being in a match-winning position three times they failed to get over the line. If they can adjust to the higher standard soon they will be confident of staving off relegation.

Bohemians showed great character to come from behind three times but Shane Keegan will also be disappointed his side didn’t take all three points after giving away the crucial match deciding penalty with two minutes remaining.

Improving concentration levels will be a key focus for the Wexford manager as they look to establish themselves in the top flight.

- Sean O’Neill

Lights out at the Showgrounds

Floodlight failure was already a hot topic in the SSE Airtricity League after Athlone Town versus Shelbourne in the First Division was postponed last week.

In a similar incident, Saturday night’s game between Sligo Rovers and Finn Harps at the Showgrounds, referee Padraigh Sutton was forced to halt play with just four minutes left on the clock s the floodlights had partially failed.

However, there appeared to be enough light to continue playing, and the FAI has today decided that the result will stand.

- Jessica Farry

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