Candystripes are safe
THE RELEGATION PICTURE at the bottom of the Premier Division is starting to take shape somewhat.
Thanks to a really professional display from Derry City, the Candystripes are now safe from relegation after a 2-0 win in Limerick.
For the Shannonsiders, they’re still two points behind Drogheda and Sligo. The one positive for them is that they do play Micky Adams’ men on the last day, so a win next week against Shamrock Rovers ensures that they have a one-off game to claim at least a play-off spot at the Showgrounds.
A seemingly serious injury to Patrick McEleney caused a lengthy stoppage in play at the Markets Field, but thankfully, after some evaluations, the Derry forward appears to be alright.
- Andrew Cunneen
Sligo still have work to do
A number of weeks ago it seemed as though Micky Adams had changed Sligo’s fortunes for the better. But with just two games remaining, they are just above the danger zone on goal difference.
With St Patrick’s Athletic and Limerick yet to play, it’s a very nervy two weeks remaining. It could all very well come down to the last game of the season against Limerick.
That would be a great spectacle for the neutral, indeed, but Sligo will know that they should not be in this situation at all.
There is work to be done, and their mental strength will be seriously tested in the next two weeks.
- Jessica Farry
Valuable point for the Tribesmen
With Longford and Derry City winning over the weekend, Galway’s point at Oriel Park could prove the difference between the Tribesman extending their stay in the top flight beyond one season or a quick return to the First Division. Especially considering Sligo, Limeick and Drogheda United all suffered defeats.
They travel to Bray next week before hosting St Pat’s on the season’s final day. With a four point buffer to Limerick in the automatic relegation place, and two ahead of both the Drogs and Sligo – Galway will feel confident they can stay out of trouble. If so, Friday’s scoreless draw will be celebrated.
- Barry Landy
Drogs set for the drop?
Drogheda’s performance on Friday will surely have given manager Mark Kinsella plenty to think about, but coming off the field to the news that Longford had won in Cork and Galway had earned a point away to Dundalk will have made the defeat even worse.
At times they posed real problems for St Pat’s on the break, but midway through the first half they dropped so deep, Killian Brennan, who was playing centre-half, was receiving the ball inside the Drogs’ half. Their speedy counter seemed to disappear and was replaced with a defensive blanket that had more than a few holes in it.
Drogheda play Longford at home next weekend, and such is the nature of this season’s relegation fight, a win could potentially take them from second bottom up to eighth position, just one point behind Longford in seventh.
- Simon Walsh
Rebels see off inconsistent Pat’s
Inconsistency must be the one word Saints fans are tired of hearing this season, and on Monday night they were once again subjected to 90 minutes of frustration as their team dominated the possession stakes without scoring until the first minute of injury time.
Liam Buckley choosing to play Killian Brennan at centre-half instead of the fit Sean Hoare raised a few eyebrows, and they still need at least a point to clinch a European spot.
Cork looked lively from the off, were set up well, and defended diligently throughout, but once they went two up they never really tested Conor O’Malley’s goal again. Danny Morrissey’s strike was an absolute piece of magic, but his injury will give John Caufield a headache ahead of the upcoming cup final in a couple of weeks’ time.
- Simon Walsh
