Goalkeeper
Dave Ryan (Drogheda United) – The Drogheda keeper continues in the absence of Michael Schlingermann and handled very well at United Park. Didn’t give Bohs a sniff.
Defenders
Ian Bermingham (St Pat’s) – Gave Pat’s some much-needed width in attack as they tried to find their way around UCD’s stubborn defence.
Hugh Douglas (UCD) – Missing his usual centre-half partner Tomás Boyle, Douglas did well to marshal the Students defence as they batted away Pat’s attacks.
Ciaran McGuigan (Drogheda United) – A resolute performance from an ever-improving recruit. Read the threat well and made some crucial tackles.
Brian Lenihan (Cork City) - Moved from right-back, where he had been excellent, he continued his excellent progress and showed why he has received an Ireland U21 call-up.
Midfield
John Russell (Sligo Rovers) – His goal is a definite contender for goal of the month, if not the year. He was immense throughout the game.
Keith Fahey (St Patrick’s Athletic) – Completely at ease as he pinged passes around the Bowl from his position deep in midfield.
Paul O’Conor (Sligo Rovers) – The former Drogheda midfielder took his goal well, tackled well, and had an all round impressive game.
Gearóid Morrissey (Cork City) - Kept things ticking over well in midfield and the goal was just reward for his fine efforts.
Darren Meenan (Dundalk) – Meenan was a threat all night for the visitors and scored the winner late on to hand the Lilywhite victory.
Forwards
Eamon Zayed (Shamrock Rovers) – Libyan international Zayed was sprung from the bench to score the winner with a super volley.
