Goalkeeper
Freddy Hall (Limerick) – Big and commanding, Hall has rejuvenated Limerick since his arrival at the club. Pat’s only real joy arrived via crosses from wide and Hall was always on hand to collect. He nullified the Pat’s threat from corners and was only denied a clean sheet by another brilliant free kick from James Chambers.
Defenders
Samuel Oji (Galway) – Galway feature heavily this week and that’s a reflection of the Tribesmen’s level of performance this season. Another win at the weekend sees them pull a little clear of those below them but they’ll need players like Oji to stand up in the closing weeks of the campaign.
Alan Keane (Sligo Rovers) - It’s been a difficult season for Sligo but they’re just showing signs of improvement under Micky Adams. They remain firmly engulfed in a relegation scrap but earned a valuable point at Oriel Park on Saturday thanks to Alan Keane’s 76th minute equaliser.
Hugh Douglas (Bray Wanderers) - Douglas has proved to be a shrewd acquisition for Bray as they consolidated their position inside the top-half with a hard-earned point against Cork. The centre-back has been an ever present all campaign and was instrumental again this weekend with a last-ditch block to deny Karl Sheppard late on.
Lloyd Buckley (Drogheda United) - We could have included any one of the Drogheda defence here but Buckley, at 19 years of age, continues to show maturity beyond his years. Was integral in the visitors keeping a clean sheet at the Brandywell and helping his side pick up a much needed win.
Midfielders
Ian Turner (Limerick) - Stretched the game when Limerick most needed breathing room when going down to ten men. Scored a top class free kick to put them ahead and netted the third to secure the points. Turner was absolutely everywhere on the night and deservedly got Man of the Match.
Ryan Connolly (Galway United) – Another eye-catching display from the 23-year-old midfielder as he dictated proceedings in the middle of the park throughout.
Sean Thornton (Drogheda United) – It probably hasn’t been the season the former Sunderland midfielder had envisaged on his return to Ireland but he picked a timely moment to score his third goal of the season as Mark Kinsella made an instant impact.
Isamahil Akinade (Bohemians) – The former Bray Wanderers and Bluebell United man only showed glimpses of his ability, but it was his determination to chase down the ball that led to Bohs’ goal. Leading the line at times on his own, his string running caught the eye.
Forwards
Jake Keegan (Galway United) - It’s now 12 goals and counting for the American born striker this term. Keegan continued his prolific form at the weekend with a hat-trick as Galway thumped Longford.
Gareth McCaffrey (Shamrock Rovers) – The youngster certainly did not hide away having been given the nod against Bohs, and he showed plenty of skill and ability, while his pace and strength proved to be a useful tool. He took his goal well, drifting in from the right, and solid left-footed strike into the bottom corner earned Rovers a crucial point.
