Goalkeeper

Graham Doyle (Wexford Youths) – The goalkeeper was vital to the Youths winning the First Division in 2015 and he’ll be just as important this season. Two vital saves within the first five minutes against Bray showed his quality and kept the home side in the game. First, he somehow got down low to his left to stop Alan McNally’s strike, before saving McNally’s close range header just seconds later. Two important saves toward the end of the first half rescued the hosts again — one from Ryan Brennan and another from Alan McNally. He will be vital to how the Youths get on this season.

Defenders

Lorcan Fitzgerald (Bohemians) — The dynamic full-back was the standout performer in a sturdy Bohs defensive showing and also impressed at the other end of the pitch, owing to his expert delivery from set plays and link-up play with Ben Mohamed down the left wing.

Derek Pender (Bohemians) — Looked solid in a compact Bohs defence as Keith Long’s side earned a convincing 2-0 win at home to Longford.

Aaron Barry (Derry City) — Despite the concession of an early goal to Dundalk, Kenny Shiels’ side were very well drilled and worked tirelessly to ensure their opponents weren’t creating chances with their usual ease at Oriel Park. Playing alongside his captain Ryan McBride, the 23-year-old impressed in central defence.

Midfield

Aymen Ben Mohamed (Bohemians) — The left winger chipped in with his first goal for Bohemians and added an assist as he was the most influential player on the park with his pace and foot work giving the Longford defence headaches all evening.

Kieran Sadlier (Sligo) — The former West Ham youth player was fantastic all night and caused Cork a host of problems. He will be disappointed, however, that his early free-kick went just over the bar.

Stephen O’Donnell (Dundalk) — The Lilywhites skipper was in imperious form on Friday night, helping Stephen Kenny’s men control the opening period and ensuring that Derry couldn’t wrest control as the match wore on. He tore into challenges with gusto and was a cool head amid the late chaos.

Craig Roddan (Sligo) – Captain for the night against Cork, Craig Roddan was calm in the middle and ensured his team stayed focused throughout.

Forwards

Brandon Miele (Shamrock Rovers) — This will most likely be a recurring theme this season, but against Galway on Friday, Miele returned to a more central role, and in future, it should be a crime to play him anywhere else. He took his goal brilliantly, and showed some glimpses of real quality on a night when Rovers invariably failed to explode into life.

Gary Shanahan (Galway) — Had the beating of stand-in defender Gavin Brennan all night in Tallaght and looked dangerous throughout. His delivery for Ruari Keating with 10 minutes to go in particular was superb, and he looked to be a real asset for Tommy Dunne, who will be impressed with how his side played.

Paul Murphy (Wexford Youths) — What a great performance from the Wexford Youths striker. Worked well off Danny Furlong as the two continue to build a partnership. Worked back to help his midfield when needed, and was a constant threat for Wexford Youths. After a good header for the opening goal, a second epitomised his performance. Despite it being the fifth minute of stoppage time, he was still busting a gut to get into the box to score the second of the night as he sealed a historic first-ever Premier Division win for his side.

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