THERE WAS NO no major shock on the opening night of the Airtricity League on Friday night, with Shamrock Rovers getting their new campaign off to a flying start at home to Dundalk.
The Lilywhites had been hotly-tipped as challengers to the Tallaght side this season, but with Gary Twigg on fire already, they were a step below the Hoops who made a real statement of intent in front of a healthy attendance of almost 5,500.
Of course, their cause was duly aided by the sending off of Dundalk ‘keeper Peter Cherrie – tipped last week in our preview as key to Dundalk’s chances of winning a first title since 1995-95 – midway through the opening period.
Jason Byrne did give the away side somewhat a surprising lead on 44 minutes considering the disadvantage placed upon them by Cherrie’s dismissal, but Gary McCabe soon equalised, before two second half goals from Twigg settled the score.
Sligo Rovers started their campaign in steady fashion too, as a late, late goal from substitute Aaron Greene consigned Derry City to an opening day defeat on their return to the top table. Libyan international Eamon Zayed missed a first-half penalty for Stephen Kenny’s team, although they were severely under the cosh for much of the game against a thoroughly impressive Bit O’Red side.
Elsewhere, Bohemians proved that they’re not in complete dire straits after coming from behind to record a convincing win away to Bray Wanderers. Jake Kelly had given the Seagulls a 20th minute lead from the spot, but Christy Fagan replied from 12 yards on the half hour, before the insatiable Killian Brennan moved the Gypsies into the lead minutes before the interval. Anto Flood bagged a third for Pat Fenlon’s men midway through the second half, telling critics not to write them off just yet.
While it is harsh to write off teams after just one competitive game, both Drogheda United and Galway United got off to expected disappointing starts with home defeats to UCD and St Pat’s respectively. Pat’s were very impressive at Terryland Park, keeping a clean sheet and scoring three times in a one-sided second half, while the Students had Cillian Morrison to thank as his goal 10 minutes before the end grabbed the points on a crisp evening at Hunky Dory Park.
Off Broadway
In the First Division, Cork City defeated a very flat Wexford Youths 1-0 at Turner’s Cross, though it should have been more, such was the home side’s dominance. Both Limerick and Waterford United could only draw on the opening night, as the latter’s was much more surprising when they failed to break past a defensively resolute Athlone Town at the RSC.
Pre-season favourites Shelbourne had to come from behind against Longford Town, but they did so with a real maturity, while Mervue United won the first Galway derby of the season by defeating Salthill Devon 2-1 ahead of next Friday’s historic opening game at Fahy’s Field against Cork.
All in all, the first series of games brought lots of entertainment to the table, but with no real shock result, we’ll have to wait until next Friday to get a better sense of any surprise package.
Early days, as they say, but the big two are already on the board just 90 minutes into the campaign.
