Positives to take but Bit O’Red still without a win
SLIGO ROVERS MAY still be searching for their first win of the season but they appear to be heading in the right direction with a promising showing on the road.
They will be disappointed not to have followed up the encouraging draw against Cork City with a win as they had numerous chances to grab all three points with Pat’s having goalkeeper Brendan Clarke to thank for the point as he denied Rovers time and again.
Dave Robertson will be frustrated his charges couldn’t find a second as Jimmy Keohane and Kieran Sadlier particularly had great opportunities to seal maximum points but the Sligo boss will be satisfied that his side are creating chances as they attempt to address their poor record in front of goal this season.
St Pat’s certainly looked off the pace after their lay-off though and they will be keen to improve at home as they now only have one win in four at Richmond Park this term.
- Sean O’Neill
Candystripes riding high
Ex- Hibernian midfielder Harry Monaghan was out to prove a point to his former boss Pat Fenlon when Derry City entertained Shamrock Rovers at the Brandywell on Friday night.
And the midfielder provided his new club with a comfortable 2-0 cushion on the night with a powerful header in the first half before Rory Patterson’s penalty made sure of the result.
Advertisement
Many expected Derry to struggle this term but they sit joint top of the table with Dundalk on 16 points after seven matches played.
- Simon Collins
Tribesmen learn to win ugly
Galway United sit just three points off top spot after learning how to win games ugly.
It was far from enthralling against Finn Harps at Eamonn Deacy Park on Friday, as neither side managed to take a foothold. But Galway had their opportunity in the second half and Vinny Faherty made no mistake.
It was the only real chance of the game, and it was the sign of a team on form. They took it and were then able to shut up shop at the back.
The lazy assumption before a ball was kicked might have been that Wexford Youths would be heading straight back to the First Division at the end of this season, but they showed here that they won’t go without a fight.
Shane Keegan’s men were by far the better side in the first half at Turner’s Cross and Cork City’s difficulty in finding an equaliser was as much down to their visitors as anything else.
- Denis Hurley
Akinade struggling for form
Ismahil Akinade was a revelation last season for Bohemians but he is yet to find the net in 2016. He has had to sit out a suspension and Keith Long revealed on Saturday that he’s carrying a niggle but is he suffering from a lack of confidence at the moment?
Akinade is no stranger to the Carlisle Grounds having spent almost three years there but – although a handful – he never looked like terrorising a Bray defence that has leaked 15 goals in seven games.
Bohemians’ number 24 did win multiple free kicks but you have every right to expect more from a man that was courted by clubs over the water last term.
- Dan Gorman
The42 is on Snapchat! Tap the button below on your phone to add!
Winless Sligo showing encouraging signs and this week's LOI talking points
Positives to take but Bit O’Red still without a win
SLIGO ROVERS MAY still be searching for their first win of the season but they appear to be heading in the right direction with a promising showing on the road.
They will be disappointed not to have followed up the encouraging draw against Cork City with a win as they had numerous chances to grab all three points with Pat’s having goalkeeper Brendan Clarke to thank for the point as he denied Rovers time and again.
Dave Robertson will be frustrated his charges couldn’t find a second as Jimmy Keohane and Kieran Sadlier particularly had great opportunities to seal maximum points but the Sligo boss will be satisfied that his side are creating chances as they attempt to address their poor record in front of goal this season.
St Pat’s certainly looked off the pace after their lay-off though and they will be keen to improve at home as they now only have one win in four at Richmond Park this term.
- Sean O’Neill
Candystripes riding high
Ex- Hibernian midfielder Harry Monaghan was out to prove a point to his former boss Pat Fenlon when Derry City entertained Shamrock Rovers at the Brandywell on Friday night.
And the midfielder provided his new club with a comfortable 2-0 cushion on the night with a powerful header in the first half before Rory Patterson’s penalty made sure of the result.
Many expected Derry to struggle this term but they sit joint top of the table with Dundalk on 16 points after seven matches played.
- Simon Collins
Tribesmen learn to win ugly
Galway United sit just three points off top spot after learning how to win games ugly.
It was far from enthralling against Finn Harps at Eamonn Deacy Park on Friday, as neither side managed to take a foothold. But Galway had their opportunity in the second half and Vinny Faherty made no mistake.
It was the only real chance of the game, and it was the sign of a team on form. They took it and were then able to shut up shop at the back.
- Daragh Small
Youths hold their own at the Cross
The lazy assumption before a ball was kicked might have been that Wexford Youths would be heading straight back to the First Division at the end of this season, but they showed here that they won’t go without a fight.
Shane Keegan’s men were by far the better side in the first half at Turner’s Cross and Cork City’s difficulty in finding an equaliser was as much down to their visitors as anything else.
- Denis Hurley
Akinade struggling for form
Ismahil Akinade was a revelation last season for Bohemians but he is yet to find the net in 2016. He has had to sit out a suspension and Keith Long revealed on Saturday that he’s carrying a niggle but is he suffering from a lack of confidence at the moment?
Akinade is no stranger to the Carlisle Grounds having spent almost three years there but – although a handful – he never looked like terrorising a Bray defence that has leaked 15 goals in seven games.
Bohemians’ number 24 did win multiple free kicks but you have every right to expect more from a man that was courted by clubs over the water last term.
- Dan Gorman
The42 is on Snapchat! Tap the button below on your phone to add!
Hat-trick hero Finn the 1st name in our latest League of Ireland Team of the Week
Ireland U19s beat Poland, but agonisingly miss Euro qualification by a point
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
League of Ireland Reaction Talking Points Bohemians Derry City Sligo Rovers St. Patrick's Ath. Wexford Youths