Goalkeeper
Conor O’Malley (St Pat’s) – The young goalkeeper didn’t have a great deal to do but when Cork City asked questions of him, he was assured between the posts. O’Malley pulled off a fine stop to deny John O’Flynn a certain opener in the first-half by tipping the forward’s effort around the post.
Defence
John Kavanagh (Cork City) - The 21-year-old full-back is becoming a regular feature in our Team of the Week thanks to his consistently brilliant displays. Kavanagh wasn’t able to get forward as much as he normally does against St Pat’s, but he was rock solid at the back once again and made a crucial block on Aaron Greene. When Karl Sheppard saw a first-half effort hit the crossbar, it was Kavanagh who provided the assist.
Roberto Lopes (Bohemians) - Slotted in at centre-half against Longford with ease, and alongside Anto Murphy, he denied both David O’Sullivan and Gary Shaw, who have four league goals between them, from having any impact on the game.
Alan Bennett (Cork City) - He had his hands full with Christy Fagan, but Bennett did a superb job of keeping the St Pat’s striker quiet from open play. After eight seasons in England, Bennett has slotted seamlessly back into the heart of the Cork City defence alongside Darren Dennehy. Six consecutive clean sheets in the league speaks for itself.
Conor Kenna (Shamrock Rovers) - The Rovers skipper marshalled his defence well throughout, However, he saved the Tallaght men from conceding a late goal as his last ditch tackle prevented Barry McNamee from unleashing a shot inside the box.
Midfield
Conan Byrne (St Pat’s) - St Pat’s were unable to break down the Cork City defence but Conan Byrne certainly wasn’t to blame. Playing wide on the right, Byrne set up Christy Fagan with a beautiful delivery for his side’s best chance of the first-half. The hard-working 29-year-old put in an excellent shift and had a strong penalty claim waved away when he appeared to be fouled by Ross Gaynor after the break.
Ronan Finn (Dundalk) - Denied much space to work in as Drogheda sat back and looked to soak up as much pressure as possible, Finn’s close control and link up with his fellow attackers was excellent throughout. Surprisingly, he was withdrawn well into the second half as continued to probe for a winner.
David Cassidy (Bray Wanderers) - Temporary Bray boss Maciej Tarnogrodzki identified Cassidy as the key player for the Seagulls and the experienced midfielder has certainly delivered. He has now scored four goals in two games and played a pivotal role in Bray’s second-half demolition of Limerick on Saturday.
Richie Towell (Dundalk) – The midfielder’s late goal sealed the points for Dundalk but his overall midfield display was what helped push the champions to their sixth win from season and maintain their blistering start. Despite Drogheda flooding the midfield area and showing little ambition, Towell made the most of a congested centre of the field. He could have scored a brace but for a fine first half save.
Forwards
Patrick McEleney (Derry City) - McEleney was given a standing ovation when substituted late in the second half for his huge effort in the draw with Rovers. Produced a sublime pass which split the Rovers defence in the first half but Barry McNamee was denied a shot at goal by a terrific sliding challenge from Webster.
Dean Kelly (Bohemians) - The striker showed well throughout the game against Longford, and his goal was one typical of a poacher as he arrived at the back post to head in. He also registered an assist for Bohs’ second, running on to a neat pass from Keith Buckley and delivering for Adam Evans to convert.
Originally published at 09.52
