Freddy Hall (Limerick) - The Bermudian international denied Dundalk time and time again with clever positioning. He was solid from set pieces – typically punching and getting his defence reset for the onslaught. Dundalk don’t typically take seventy-five minutes to score a goal, but Hall’s performance was a huge reason in why they did.
Defenders
Simon Madden (Shamrock Rovers) - The full-back caused Galway no end of problems and was a constant thorn in their side. Undoubtedly one of the league’s finest attacking outlets.
Ryan McBride (Derry City) - Led the Derry defensive line very well, his reading of the game impeccable as he broke up more than one Cork City attack. Managed to pick up what was a harsh yellow card when one challenge sent two Cork City players flying.
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Ryan Byrne / INPHO
Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO
Ian Bermingham (St Patrick’s Athletic) – Pat’s strolled to victory at Longford and it all stemmed from a solid defensive performance. Bermingham is an ever-present and has been one of the Saints’ most reliable performers.
Midfielders
Barry McNamee (Derry City) - Restored to the Candystripes’ midfield, McNamee gave new manager Paul Hegarty something to think about with an assured display, rarely misusing the ball.
Sean Thornton (Drogheda United) - Thornton is a local boy, having grown up by the Boyne, and he will be hurting as Drogheda’s struggles this term leaves them in real danger on relegation. On Friday night, the midfielder hustled and bustled as usual. He drove his team and defended well. His goal was very well taken.
Sander Puri (Sligo Rovers) - The Estonian international not only scored, but was the creator of the majority of Rovers’ chances on the evening. He was missed badly when he was on international duty, but he ignites life into this Sligo team.
Patrick Cregg (Shamrock Rovers) - Goes under the radar somewhat but put in another assured and controlling performance in the midfield of the park against Galway.
Paddy Kavanagh (Bohemians) - The winger scored a stunning volley to double Bohs lead before Drogheda’s quickfire comeback. He also had the visitors best effort in the second half and looked lively throughout, using the ball well as Bohs probed.
Forwards
Richie Towell (Dundalk) - Constantly frustrated throughout the night, it might have been easy for the Premier Division’s top scorer to go out of the game, but he refused. His drive in the first half was Dundalk’s best chance, and he came good late on; scoring twice after peeling off towards the back post and firing his efforts past Hall. Technical ability is one thing, but adding that to goal scoring instinct is a deadly combination. Towell showed both on Saturday night.
Christy Fagan (St Patrick’s Athletic) - Marked his return to the starting XI with his first league goal since June.
Bermudian and Estonian internationals included in our League of Ireland team of the week
Goalkeeper
Freddy Hall (Limerick) - The Bermudian international denied Dundalk time and time again with clever positioning. He was solid from set pieces – typically punching and getting his defence reset for the onslaught. Dundalk don’t typically take seventy-five minutes to score a goal, but Hall’s performance was a huge reason in why they did.
Defenders
Simon Madden (Shamrock Rovers) - The full-back caused Galway no end of problems and was a constant thorn in their side. Undoubtedly one of the league’s finest attacking outlets.
Ryan McBride (Derry City) - Led the Derry defensive line very well, his reading of the game impeccable as he broke up more than one Cork City attack. Managed to pick up what was a harsh yellow card when one challenge sent two Cork City players flying.
Ian Bermingham (St Patrick’s Athletic) – Pat’s strolled to victory at Longford and it all stemmed from a solid defensive performance. Bermingham is an ever-present and has been one of the Saints’ most reliable performers.
Midfielders
Barry McNamee (Derry City) - Restored to the Candystripes’ midfield, McNamee gave new manager Paul Hegarty something to think about with an assured display, rarely misusing the ball.
Sean Thornton (Drogheda United) - Thornton is a local boy, having grown up by the Boyne, and he will be hurting as Drogheda’s struggles this term leaves them in real danger on relegation. On Friday night, the midfielder hustled and bustled as usual. He drove his team and defended well. His goal was very well taken.
Sander Puri (Sligo Rovers) - The Estonian international not only scored, but was the creator of the majority of Rovers’ chances on the evening. He was missed badly when he was on international duty, but he ignites life into this Sligo team.
Patrick Cregg (Shamrock Rovers) - Goes under the radar somewhat but put in another assured and controlling performance in the midfield of the park against Galway.
Paddy Kavanagh (Bohemians) - The winger scored a stunning volley to double Bohs lead before Drogheda’s quickfire comeback. He also had the visitors best effort in the second half and looked lively throughout, using the ball well as Bohs probed.
Forwards
Richie Towell (Dundalk) - Constantly frustrated throughout the night, it might have been easy for the Premier Division’s top scorer to go out of the game, but he refused. His drive in the first half was Dundalk’s best chance, and he came good late on; scoring twice after peeling off towards the back post and firing his efforts past Hall. Technical ability is one thing, but adding that to goal scoring instinct is a deadly combination. Towell showed both on Saturday night.
Christy Fagan (St Patrick’s Athletic) - Marked his return to the starting XI with his first league goal since June.
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SSE Airtricity League Premier Division League of Ireland LOI Star Performers