Scoreline flatters Hoops but pressure mounts for Heary
PAT FENLON WOULD would have been looking for a positive reaction from his players against Sligo after defeat to St Pat’s seven days earlier, and he watched on as his Shamrock Rovers team found some welcomed rhythm in the second period of a 5-1 win.
For Owen Heary, the result will no doubt increase the pressure on his position, and rumours last night suggested be could he set for the sack. They failed to capitalise on periods in the match where they were afforded a lot of time and space in and around the Hoops’ 18-yard line. Moreover, their tactics seemed slightly odd at times. Dinny Corcoran and John Russell both had a good go at Maxime Blanchard in the first half, and he picked up yellow card, so isolating him in one-on-one situations should have been the main priority in the second period, but they rarely did.
- Simon Walsh
Below-par champions slip up as unbeaten run ends
Bohs were good, very good and undoubtedly deserved something from the game. Dundalk – and the possession stats – might suggest a draw would have been a fairer result – but take nothing away from the Gypsies performance. And having said that, Dundalk were under par too. Notably, perhaps strength in depth is something Stephen Kenny will have to address.
The champions don’t rotate much. They don’t need to, with injuries a rare occurrence at Oriel Park. But Paddy Barratt has looked shaky standing in for Brian Gartland and with David McMillan looking shorn of confidence up front, maybe some signings are required after all.
- Barry Landy
Limerick’s shortcomings ruin their homecoming
The Markets Field is a classy venue. There aren’t many better than it in the country and Limerick can be immensely proud to call it their home. The problem, however, is that despite being the better side for the much of the game, Limerick failed to pick up even a single point on Friday night.
Defensive naivety has cost Limerick on so many occasions this season and it cost them once more. Mick Daly was completely unmarked to open the scoring while Lee Duffy was practically unchallenged when regaining the lead for Drogs. The foundations are in place for Limerick and they’re strong, but the product on the field is still lacking.
- Andrew Cunneen
Derry boss Peter Hutton felt his side should have had a penalty in the opening 60 seconds of the game when Patrick McEleney dispossessed Jason McGuinness inside the St Pat’s penalty area before the big defender appeared to bring down the Derry attacker.
Sloppy Galway no match for Rebels
Galway United have let in too many goals from set pieces this season and conceded three more against Cork City at Eamonn Deacy Park. Its a facet of their play they really need to address. All of Cork City’s goals were as a result of slack Galway defending but Colm Horgan was unlucky to poke a Billy Dennehy free-kick into his own net.
Tribesmen boss Tommy Dunne had called for a dramatic improvement ahead of the game but they were no match fro the Rebels, who move to within three points of Dundalk after their defeat — although Lilywhites do have a game in hand.
- Jason Byrne
