What a difference a month makes for Limerick
IT’S AMAZING TO think that less than a month ago, Limerick were adrift at the foot of the tale, winless and all but down. It was almost patronising the way in which Martin Russell’s continued positivity in the media was seen. Now, his side are unbeaten in five league games — winning four of them and scoring 17 goals in the process.
Now, they sit within touching distance of the sides immediately above them. Limerick are playing with a style and abandon right now, and with seven games to go; they have every opportunity of climbing out of the bottom two. Drogheda haven’t won a league game since June.
- Barry Landy
Lilywhites edge closer to the title
Dundalk hold an eight-point advantage at the top of the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division but it could very well have been cut to six but for Richie Towell’s late heroics at Dalymount Park.
The reigning champions appeared to be on their way to a rare defeat on Friday night after Ismahil Akinade put Bohemians in front for the second time in the game, but they showed resilience to grab an injury-time winner through talisman Towell.
With just eight league fixtures remaining, Stephen Kenny’s side look well on course to retain their title. However, third-placed Shamrock Rovers will attempt to keep their title hopes alive with a favourable result when they travel Oriel Park on Tuesday night.
- Ben Blake
Encouraging signs from the Candystripes
Derry’s performance in Inchicore on Friday night will give their fans plenty to be hopeful for as the season reaches it’s climax, especially as they look to put some distance between themselves and the relegation zone.
Peter Hutton had his side set up well to contend with Pat’s, and, as always, Barry McNamee consistently broke up play on front of defence. Patrick McEleney also impressed, but it was Ryan McBride who really stood out. He made several crucial interventions, won everything that came his way, and although he gave away the penalty, his overall defensive display was superb. If Derry play with the energy and belief they showed on Friday they will surely jump a few places in the league table.
For St Pat’s, the loss only adds to further disappointment over the past couple of weeks. Losing to Dundalk in the league and then Cork City in the cup suddenly brings the Saints’ season to a close in terms of having something to play for, although with Shamrock Rovers dropping points in Sligo on Saturday, they still have an outside chance of getting third.
Chris Forrester’s transfer to Peterborough means Liam Buckley will be calling upon some of his younger players for the rest of the season, and the likes of Jamie Verdon who started on Friday could be in line for a few more starts.
- Simon Walsh
Sligo will be happy with a point
Although the Bit O’Red will be disappointed that they conceded having gone ahead early on, most fans probably would have taken a draw earlier on in the day. For a Sligo side who have been struggling near the bottom all season, a draw against third placed Shamrock Rovers is a fine result especially when you consider that the Hoops were 5-1 victors at Tallaght Stadium earlier in the season.
Micky Adams has picked up two wins and a draw in his last three league games as Sligo Rovers manager, which certainly deserves some credit. But this Sligo side look revitalised and ready to fight for survival. Players look comfortable once again and appear to be enjoying their football. Their survival case has certainly been given a boost with results, and fans are loving their football once again.
- Jessica Farry
Returning Dennehy back on the scoresheet
Can the second coming of Billy Dennehy reignite Cork City’s title challenge?
The possibility of Dundalk being overhauled may be remote – even if Richie Towell hadn’t equalised against Bohemians on Friday, there would still be seven points between first and second – but if Cork City do effect a turnaround, how vital might Billy Dennehy’s return to the fold be?
He scored the fourth goal against St Pat’s in the cup last week and here his strike off the bench was more crucial as it gave John Caufield’s side the points.
- Denis Hurley