THE LONG WINTER months came to an end on Friday night as the new SEE Airtricity League season got under way.
As we’ve come to expect from the domestic league, there are never any shortage of talking points and we’ve picked out seven from the opening round of fixtures…
Rovers took their one clear-cut chance
The difficult conditions weren’t conducive to attacking football, so goalscoring opportunities were scarce. So are prolific strikers, but Rovers have a gem in Danny North.
The Hoops were mainly restricted to efforts from distance but when they did unlock the Pat’s defence, North made no mistake.
The visitors had more clear-cut chances and went close, particularly through the always-impressive Ciaràn Kilduff, on a number of occasions. But not close enough. In an even game, North’s neat finish was the difference.
- Paul Dollery
Rogers heroics ensure champions get off to winning start
12 months ago, Dundalk got their league campaign off to the worst possible start with a 4-1 Louth derby defeat to rivals Drogheda at United Park. On Friday night, the Lilywhites claimed an opening night win, but only just. The champions were in control for large spells in the game but their failure to convert chances would have cost them dearly if it wasn’t for two smart saves from Gary Rogers.
Apart from the two late chances, Longford rarely threatened but they were well organised and should have enough experience in their ranks to avoid an immediate return to the First Division.
- Ben Blake
Derry spoil Galway’s party in game of two halves
Derry were a team of two halves on the banks of the Corrib. In the opening half they looked edgy, created little and were shaky at the back. Missing key players looked to be affecting them as Galway ran at them time and time again.
After the restart, a different Derry emerged no doubt on the back of some stern words from Peter Hutton. They pegged Galway back and reduced the hosts to few sniffs at goal, and showed great patience to find two goals to win them the game and get their season up and running.
- Jason Byrne
Gaynor haunts old club as Cork rescue point
Cork City have been tipped by many to win the league this year, while Sligo as seen as being a ‘work in progress’. They proved that this was not the case on Saturday night, though, as the visitors struggled in front of goal as result of the strong Sligo defence.
Owen Heary has recruited heavily during the off-season as he looks to return the club to the heights achieved during Ian Baraclough’s reign and despite Ross Gaynor’s late goal, it was a positive opening game for the new manager.
The visitors had three former internationals in their side and while all eyes were on Liam Miller and Alan Bennett on their debuts, it was Gaynor who came up trumps.
It was a tough result for Sligo to take after dominating the second half, but a result they would have settled for before kick-off.
- Jessica Farry
Kavanagh signing a shrewd piece of business by Drogs
Having showcased his wares in the annual FifPro tournament in January, there were no shortage of interest in Daryl Kavanagh’s services but it was Drogheda and Johnny McDonnell who swooped to bring the midfielder to Louth.
There is no secret he carries a bit of extra baggage but Kavanagh’s ability on the pitch is undoubted. On his United debut on Saturday evening, he stole the show and proved the match winner as the visitors began their campaign with a hard-earned win at Bray.
Having lost Declan ‘Fabio’ O’Brien, Drogheda will be hoping former Ireland international Sean Thornton and Kavanagh can pick-up the mantle and return the club to the upper echelons of the table. They made a good start.
- Ryan Bailey
Limerick’s problems not just off the pitch
It’s been a difficult off-season for Limerick and if Saturday’s opening result is anything to go by, it doesn’t appear as if things will get any better for them just yet. A 3-0 home defeat to Bohemians is not the start Martin Russell had in mind as his side were completely outplayed by the visitors.
That the game was being played in Jackman Park, rather than Markets Field, is an indication of the difficulties the club have been afflicted by over the past few months but the start of the season provided not respite.
Conversely, it was a hugely encouraging performance for new Bohs boss Keith Long as his side sit pretty at the top of the standings as the early pacesetters.
Cabinteely start with a bang
There were several eyebrows raised when the FAI granted Cabinteely a licence to join the First Division for the season but life in the League of Ireland couldn’t have started any better for Eddie Gormley’s side.
A narrow win over Wexford Youths made it a memorable night for all involved at the club and with 1,420 people crammed inside Stradbrook, they have already gone some way to silencing the doubters.
The visitors voiced their frustration at the state of the pitch (inevitable given it’s a rugby ground) and while they had a case, to see the league’s newest club attract such a healthy number to their first home game is exactly what the domestic scenes needs – a bit of excitement and innovation.
All of the Airtricity League fixtures and results can be found here.
- This article was originally published at 8 March at 9pm
