Goalkeeper
Conor Winn (Galway United) – The Galway goalkeeper contributed to his side’s victory by pulling off a superb save from Christy Fagan in the 76th minute when the game was evenly-poised at 1-1.
Defenders
Simon Madden (Shamrock Rovers) – Dealt excellently with everything Sligo threw his way, snuffed out every opportunity his side.
Stephen Folan (Galway United) – The former Sligo, Limerick and Cork defender was excellent for his new club at the heart of the Galway defence.
Dane Massey (Dundalk) – He nullified the Bray threat down the right, carved out a delicious assist for Kilduff’s second goal and very nearly got on the scoresheet himself.
Midfield
Greg Bolger (Cork City) – While the unusually bumpy Turner’s Cross pitch meant that City’s midfield couldn’t dictate things as they might like, the Wexford man still showed enough nice touches and game-management to suggest that he will be an important asset.
John Sullivan (Galway United) – Sullivan’s enterprising performance in midfield was rewarded with a goal as he headed the visitors into a 2-1 lead on 83 minutes.
Tony McNamee (Finn Harps) - Much had been made in the build up of the fact the McNamee brothers – Tony and Derry City’s Barry – were on opposite teams. Tony started on the bench for the hosts but was introduced on 19 minutes and provided a touch of class in possession in what was a frantic encounter on a difficult pitch.
Kevin O’Connor (Longford Town) – Anchored the Longford midfield and held his side together despite a barrage of pressure from Wexford Youths in the second half. Tirelessly worked up and down the pitch, and deservedly scored the first goal.
Brandon Miele (Shamrock Rovers) - The Hoops man scored an outstanding goal to give his side the lead in the first-half. In a difficult game for both sides, he proved to be a handful for the Bit o’Red.
Forwards
Ciaran Kilduff (Dundalk) – Could this be the season he finally comes of age? Took both goals really well and was denied a hat-trick by the offside flag. Dundalk fans will be hoping this gives him the confidence to a dominant striker in the league.
Sean Maguire (Cork City) - A brace made it three goals in two games for the striker, the first City player to score twice on his league debut since John O’Flynn in 2002. If he can replicate O’Flynn’s scoring record, then it should bode very well for the Rebel Army.
Who were your stand-out performers of Week 1?
The42 is on Snapchat! Tap the button below on your phone to add!
