Goalkeeper
Ger Hanley (Galway United) – After conceding three on Friday night, the Galway United stopper put in a brilliant display to earned Tommy Dunne’s men a point at home to Drogheda.
Defence
Paul O’Conor (Limerick) – Made lung-bursting run after lung-bursting run and despite being a central midfielder by trade, O’Conor was drafted in at right back and defended well for the most part, as well as adding the overlap for Ian Turner. Moved into central midfield when Lee Lynch got injured and his work rate didn’t drop.
Michael Daly (Drogheda United) – The Drogs defender earned his team a share of the spoils with a second half goal against Galway at Eamonn Deacy Park.
Tim Clancy (Sligo Rovers) – The defender has come on leaps and bounds since joining Sligo, and was instrumental at the back for Sligo Rovers. Despite scoring the only goal of the game, he will be remembered for popping his shoulder back into place after landing awkwardly. Not a pleasant sight.
Regan Donelon (Sligo Rovers) – The left-back’s corners were fantastic all evening, and caused all sorts of problems for the Derry defence.
Midfield
Daryl Horgan (Dundalk) – The winger was back to his early season best against St Pats. He scored both goals in Dundalks win at Richmond Park this season, and he enjoyed renewing rivalries with the Saints on Monday night. His corner led to Brian Gartland’s opener, and he was heavily involved in both Dave McMillan’s goals before tapping in a deserved goal just before the break.
Shane Duggan (Limerick) – Restricted Longford on so many occasions and really controlled the tempo of the game – distributing well and launching attacks. Despite conceding three goals on the night, Limerick were defensively sound from open play and Duggan was a huge part of that.
Ronan Finn (Dundalk) – The midfielder hasn’t lived up to expectation at Oriel Park this season and with Stephen Kenny once again persevering with Finn against Pat’s, many home fans were demanding that he finally deliver in a big game. He did so in Dundalk’s 4-1 win. His assist for McMillian’s first was sumptous and he made Horgan’s goal too.
Gavin Brennan (Shamrock Rovers) – A few eyebrows were raised when both Brennan brothers were named in the starting XI for Shamrock Rovers’ game against St Pat’s just under two weeks ago. That night Gavin certainly didn’t shine as the Hoops lost 2-0, but in the following two games he has really stepped up. Against Longford he impressed, while on Monday he was the best player on the pitch. His header was one of real quality, while he also hit the post in the first half, and his seemingly endless energy levels meant he dominated.
Forwards
Danny North (Shamrock Rovers) – Looking a lot fitter and scored twice in the win over Longford. His header for the second goal last night was superb, but before that he had looked lively in the first half. With three goals in two games, is he coming into form just at the right time.
David McMillan (Dundalk) - The Lilywhites striker bagged one away to Longford on Friday and added two more against Pat’s on Monday night.
