NOW THAT THE SSE Airtricity League has reached the halfway mark of the season, it’s the ideal time to take stock and look back on how the first half of the campaign has unfolded.
Here, we assess which players have made the big impression so far and rank them in order of impact.
10. Lee Duffy (Drogheda United)
After a season in the First Division with Shels, the former Leinster Senior League star has had to bide his time for a chance to impress on the highest stage and Duffy has grabbed that opportunity with both hands, putting in a series of fine showings for Johnny McDonnell’s side. Having started the season on the fringes, Duffy quickly jumped ahead of Daryl Kavanagh and Tiernan Mulvenna in the pecking order, scoring four goals.
9. Ayman Ben Mohamed (Longford Town)
Tony Cousins’ side have enjoyed an eye-catching start to the season and he’s assembled a squad with a seemingly perfect mixture of youth and experience. With an experienced defence to shore up things at the back, the Longford midfield – including Ben Mohamed, a close season signing from UCD – have been allowed to flourish. Some eye-catching displays and a first goal later, Ben Mohamed has impressed in his new surroundings.
8. Adam Evans (Bohemians)
Perhaps an unusual inclusion but Evans, a former Burnley winger, has made some significant contributions for Bohs this season. It’s never easy to return to the league having played in England and Scotland but Evans has showed great application to put his head down and get on with the job. Five goals is an impressive return at this juncture of the season.
7. Karl Sheppard (Cork City)
Sheppard had endured a difficult few seasons after making the move to Reading but the striker is showing signs of his previous best. Now a regular under John Caulfield, Sheppard is returning to full match fitness and he’s found the net seven times this term.
6. Lorcan Fitzgerald (Bohemians)
Keith Long has done a terrific job at Dalymount Park as Bohs’ revival continues with each passing week and Fitzgerald has been an integral part of their success in the first-half of the campaign. His sweet left foot means he’s an asset going forward as well as defensively, as evidenced in the recent win over Shamrock Rovers.
5. Chris Forrester (St Patrick’s Athletic)
Such a gifted player and can unlock opposition defences at will. Netted a stunning individual goal in the Saints’ 3-0 win at Brandywell, showing true class and composure. Should certainly be playing at a much higher level.
4. Patrick McEleney (Derry City)
Another talented youngster who, despite Derry City’s lowly position at the halfway stage, has been one of the few shining lights at Brandywell. He was clicking into gear nicely at the start of the season before suffering a torn groin. Has been instrumental since his return from injury and has showed he’s the main man on Foyleside this year. Although he must start contributing in the goalscoring stakes.
3. Daryl Horgan (Dundalk)
The winger has added consistency to his game this term, and goals too. He’s netted six times so far in the league this year – already matching his best ever goalscoring season. When he’s not scoring, Horgan living up to his hype. Skilful, tricky and strong, he can make a strong claim to be among the league’s best attackers.
2. Mikey Drennan (Shamrock Rovers)
Having returned home from Aston Villa, Drennan has made an immediate impact in the League of Ireland, scoring 10 league goals for Rovers. It was a shrewd piece of business from Pat Fenlon to bring Drennan to Tallaght and he’s certainly proving his worth.
1. Richie Towell (Dundalk)
Dundalk were left hanging in close season with Towell’s future up in the air. His return to the club for the 2015/16 has seen the midfielder in arguably his best form for the Lilywhites. It’s certainly been his most prolific. Towell has scored 11 goals in 16 games from midfield.
Which players have stood out for you over the course of the last few months?
- with contributions from Barry Landy and Simon Collins.
Originally published at 16.29
