WITH THE HELP of our reporters who have been keeping a close eye on the action so far, we’ve compiled our first SSE Airtricity League team of the month for 2017.
Here’s our team for the month of March, although the first round of games — which were played on 24 February — have also been taken into account.
Disagree with our selections? Of course you do. Feel free to use the comments section to let us know who you think should have been included…
Goalkeeper
Gerard Doherty (Derry City)
The goalkeeper in the 2016 PFAI team of the year, the 35-year-old veteran has brought last season’s good form into 2017. Doherty kept two clean sheets as Derry won their first four Premier Division games this season, but they’ll miss him if the injury that forced him off at half-time in Friday’s defeat to Bray Wanderers keeps him out for an extended period.
Defenders
Conor McCormack (Cork City)
McCormack joined the Leesiders over the winter as a midfielder, and although he returned to a more familiar position in front of the back four in their last two games, the 26-year-old has featured mostly in defence so far. The Louth native, who made his competitive debut for City at centre-half in the President’s Cup win against Dundalk, was faultless for John Caulfield’s side at right-back as they made a perfect start to the campaign.
Ryan McBride (Derry City)
The late Derry City captain’s inclusion is no token gesture. McBride was outstanding for the Candystripes, giving away very little at the back and scoring in their wins against Shamrock Rovers and Dundalk. An inspirational leader for Kenny Shiels’ young squad, he’ll be sorely missed by everyone connected to the League of Ireland following his untimely death on 19 March.
Robbie Williams (Limerick)
Even in Friday’s 3-0 home defeat to Cork City, Williams was instrumental in ensuring that his side weren’t beaten even more comprehensively. The veteran Englishman also played an important part six days earlier as Limerick were the only team so far this season to keep a clean sheet against Bray Wanderers. Williams has always looked comfortable in possession and has been dangerous from dead balls.
Midfielders
Gary McCabe (Bray Wanderers)
Only league leaders Cork City have scored more goals than Bray Wanderers and McCabe has been the Seagulls’ most impressive performer as they’ve moved into fourth place. In his first season with the club, the former Shamrock Rovers man has already six times in seven Premier Division games so far for his new club.
Gearoid Morrissey (Cork City)
So often one of Cork City’s unsung heroes, Morrissey has made a superb start to the 2017 season. There appears to be an increased level of intensity about the 25-year-old midfielder this year and he chipped in with a superb goal in Friday’s defeat of Limerick. If the former Blackburn Rovers and Cambridge United player is interested in a third spell in England, he’s likely to have a few options if he continues in this form.
Patrick McEleney (Dundalk)
McEleney’s performances have helped Dundalk fans to move swiftly on from the loss of Daryl Horgan. Lilywhites manager Stephen Kenny singled the Derry native out as his side’s main man before the season began and McEleney hasn’t disappointed. The talented 24-year-old has been creating and scoring, including this beauty against St Patrick’s Athletic.
Barry McNamee (Derry City)
The form of the Derry City playmaker contributed significantly to the Candystripes’ impressive start to the season. As well as engineering plenty of chances for his team-mates, the 25-year-old Donegal native chipped in with a hat-trick against Drogheda United.
Michael Duffy (Dundalk)
Duffy has undoubtedly been the most impressive of Dundalk’s pre-season recruits. Since returning to the SSE Airtricity League from Celtic, the former Derry City winger has been excellent for the champions on the left. Duffy, 22, scored and picked up the man-of-the-match award in Friday’s derby victory over Drogheda United.
Forwards
Sean Maguire (Cork City)
With seven goals in seven league games, Maguire was the first name on the teamsheet. Last season’s top goalscorer seems to have gone to another level this year as his side have opened up a six-point lead at the top of the table. He may not be a Cork City player for much longer, but they’ll hope he can fire them to a first title in 12 years before moving on.
Dinny Corcoran (Bohemians)
Corcoran’s run of four goals in two-and-a-half games was crucial as Bohs kickstarted their season after back-to-back defeats. Back for his third spell at Dalymount Park, the 28-year-old scored twice in the Gypsies’ 3-2 win against Bray, before netting the only goal of the game away to Limerick. He then put Keith Long’s side ahead against Galway before being substituted at half-time due to a knee injury, which — unfortunately for Bohs — will keep him on the sidelines for another few weeks.
Substitutes
Shane Supple (Bohemians)
Gavin Peers (St Patrick’s Athletic)
Trevor Clarke (Shamrock Rovers)
Dylan Connolly (Bray Wanderers)
Kieran Sadlier (Sligo Rovers)
Sean Houston (Finn Harps)
Karl Sheppard (Cork City)
