Dundalk’s fine away form continues

THE LILYWHITES maintained their 100% record away from home this season as Daryl Horgan produced two moments of brilliance to seal the win at Dalymount.

Horgan and Ronan Finn particularly have been a major contributing factor in the champions securing six from six on the road and amassing 17 goals in the process.

They appear to be at their most lethal on away soil as they have the freedom to open up on the counter-attack with a pace and fluidity to their game.

For spells before the opener, Bohs did look like they could challenge the visitors but the prowess of Dundalk’s attack ultimately took its toll.

With Stephen Kenny’s side four points clear at the summit they look increasingly likely to pull away in the title race if they can mirror their away form at Oriel Park.

- Sean O’Neill 

Defensive solidity key for City

In each of the past two seasons, Dundalk have outscored Cork City considerably, so if John Caulfield’s side are to prevent the Lilywhites achieving a three in a row, then keeping clean sheets is likely to be vital in keeping them in the race.

Two, against Shamrock Rovers and St Patrick’s Athletic, have certainly helped. Though suspended for Rovers, Kenny Browne has slotted in well alongside Alan Bennett and the presence of John Dunleavy and Kevin O’Connor on the flanks mean that John Kavanagh is hardly missed, as good as he is.

- Denis Hurley

Should Hoops do away with second defensive midfielder?

There were plenty of eyebrows raised when the teamsheet was handed out in Tallaght, with Pat Cregg, Stephen McPhail and Killian Brennan all starting, and as the game unfolded it was difficult to see who was holding and who was joining in the attack.

It would be easy to say Rovers should have this type of player or that type of the player, but when you look at, in many games they play two holding midfielders when there seems no need for it. On Friday, because of how they set up, they found it really hard to break Bray down until the opening goal from a set-piece.

Dean Clarke’s inclusion because of injuries saw him show some glimpses of what he could potentially do, and maybe a run in the team would demonstrate further that he has what it takes to lead the line.

- Simon Walsh

Forwards gifted goals in Galway

Defences were all at sea at Eamonn Deacy Park on Friday night as all four goals were gifts for the opposing strikers. Galway United striker Vinny Faherty was left with acres of space as he lobbed Longford Town goalkeeper Paul Skinner for the first Galway goal.

Then Enda Curran had the freedom of the Longford penalty area when he scored directly off a Ryan Connolly corner.

Josh O’Hanlon nipped in when Galway were indecisive after half-time, and more poor play presented O’Hanlon with his next chance. He blasted it off the post, it re-bounded off Galway goalkeeper Conor Winn, and into the net.

- Daragh Small

Candystripes run comes to an end

Sligo exacted revenge for being dumped out of the EA Sports Cup at the Brandywell the previous week with a dominant performance which brought to an end Derry City’s nine-game unbeaten run and the club’s perfect home record. It was a far cry from Sligo’s limp display in the cup and the performance and result will have brought Derry crashing back to earth after a flying start.

- Simon Collins

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