1. Racism row damaging for the league’s reputation
WE START ON a disappointing note because there has only been one League of Ireland story causing headlines this week.
Eamon Zayed’s official complaint to the FAI over alleged racist abuse after Monday night’s game against Shamrock Rovers paints an awful light on the league as a whole.
We will never know what exactly happened, seeing as there isn’t sufficient evidence for the FAI to carry out a full investigation.
Zayed has been in spectacular form in front of goal in recent weeks, because he scored an important equaliser against the Hoops to keep the Candystripes within five points of the current leaders.
2. Excellent form bodes well for Derry ahead of crucial encounter
Staying with Derry, they host Bohemians tonight at home after spending a long time on the road recently.
They travelled to Wexford in the FAI Cup, before having a double header of games in Dublin against Rovers and St Pat’s, and will now hope to continue their good form at home with a win against the Gypsies.
Derry have scored 19 goals in eight games on their own patch, while only conceding three, though Bohs’ results on the road have been better than at home, so a fascinating game awaits.
For Bohs, it will be pivotal to get a result because defeat could spell the end of a title challenge as they’re likely to find themselves even further behind Rovers, who should win at home to bottom of the table Galway United.
3. Signs of improvement for Drogheda
Drogheda United may have taken a pile of criticism since the start of the season, but are they finally starting to show a different side?
Mick Cooke’s charges crept three points clear of Galway after last weekend’s well-earned, though surprise, win over local rivals Dundalk at Oriel Park and they look set to stay there unless Galway show a drastic improvement soon.
Still, Drogs go into tonight’s game as massive underdogs once again, with St Pat’s making the journey north to Hunky Dory’s Park.
Pat’s remain unbeaten after drawing with Derry last weekend, taking their current run without a defeat to 11 games in the league.
There’s is no doubt that they are the league’s form team and should take another three points at the south Louth venue.
4. First Division promotion fight heats up
There are a couple of intriguing encounters down for decision in the first division, with the top four facing each other.
Realistically, this cluster will battle it out for promotion and therefore these type of games become like six-pointers.
Shelbourne travel Shannonside to face Limerick, knowing that a win would pull them seven points ahead of Pat Scully’s side.
Nonetheless, if Limerick can win, they’ll be just a point behind Shels and in with a brilliant chance to end their exodus from the top tier.
Limerick have the best defence in the country at the moment, but Shelbourne also have a knack for grinding out results, with Conan Byrne’s habit of scoring late goals proving to be invaluable.
5. Monaghan’s home advantage could prove decisive
Monaghan United, meanwhile, host Cork City and it would be no surprise if the Leesiders lost their unbeaten record against Roddy Collins’ side. The last time these sides met, it finished 2-2 at Turner’s Cross, and while it is likely to be very close again, home advantage might see Monaghan over the finish line.
There is likely to be some added spice to the game again after Collins’ criticism of City boss Tommy Dunne the last time the sides met.
While Shels are the favourites to finish top of the second tier, at the moment it looks like a straight toss between Mons and City to see who will come in as next best.
A win for either side here will give them a huge boost in confidence.
