1. Pat’s summer adventure continues
ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC overturned their one-goal first leg deficit against Iceland’s ÍBV Vestmannaeyjar to book their place in the next qualifying round of the Europa League.
Goals in the opening period from Ian Daly and Derek Doyle sent Pete Mahon’s side through, and despite a couple of late scares, the Saints held on to seal a trip to Kazakhstan in the next round, where they will play Shakhter Karagandy.
Pat’s will fancy their chances against Karagandy, who hadn’t won a European tie in their three attempts prior to this season, particularly as the Inchicore side are at home in the second leg.
They face Dundalk in the league on Sunday.
2. Crucial clash at the Brandywell
There’s an intriguing tie down for decision in the Brandywell tonight where Derry City welcome Shamrock Rovers, who returned to the top of the table last Sunday when defeating Pat’s.
The Candystripes were the first side to take points off the Hoops earlier in the season when both sides met north of the border and, with Eamon Zayed in scintillating form up front for Stephen Kenny’s men, a thrilling encounter could be in store.
A win for Derry would move them just a point behind the reigning champions, but if Rovers can come away with all three points, it would see them seven clear of City – leaving them with a bit of a mountain to climb if they have any hopes of mounting a title challenge.
3. Hargreaves to Sligo?
While the transfer window has seen some moves already completed, the most peculiar story has come at The Showgrounds, where rumours surfaced yesterday that former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves had been training with Sligo Rovers.
In the end, it was much ado about nothing, as renowned prankster and Bit O’Red goalkeeper Brendan Clarke started the rumour by tweeting “Best goal I’ve ever conceded. Owen Hargreaves half volley from 25 yards,” while teammate Alan Keane joined in by saying “looks like hargo cudnt agree terms gutted [sic].”
Needless to say, the midfielder, who has spent more time on the injury table throughout his career than on the pitch, has probably never even heard of Sligo.
Sligo have, however, loaned out young winger Daryl Horgan to Cork City until the end of the season, while also signing up promising underage international duo Con McLoughlin and Liam Martyn.
The men from the west should pick up an easy three points against Drogheda United tomorrow night.
4. Can Seagulls soar again?
Bray Wanderers’ results have taken a dreadful turn for the worst in the past three weeks but they will have a great chance of getting their season back on track when playing UCD tonight.
After such a brilliant start to the season, the Seagulls have lost four on the bounce and are now facing into mid-table boredom with little to play for.
At least there won’t be anything like last year’s relegation worries, but little over a month ago, this was a campaign that was beginning to hold plenty of promise for the Wicklow club.
The recent losses have put an end to that, but they should still have enough to take the three points against the Students.
Bray will be without star striker Conor Murphy in the coming weeks, though, as he is set to travel with Paul Doolin’s Irish U19 squad to Romania for the European Championships.
5. Business as usual in Division One?
In the First Division tonight, there are unlikely to be too many shocks as three of the top four should all pick up easy wins.
Cork City are likely to bang in a hatful against bottom of the table Salthill Devon in Turner’s Cross, while current leaders Shelbourne should dispatch of Waterford’s challenge.
Monaghan United, meanwhile, are likely to come away from Wexford with another three points, while Limerick are on their bye-week.
