Premier Division Round Up: Series 22
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Cork City win against the Revenue and Bray Wanderers, while Drogheda United shared the spoils with top of the table Bohemians, Alan Smith reviews week 22 of the Premier Division.
1 Bohemians
Bohs could only manage a point at United Park, but it could have been much worse for the Gypsies. Drogheda had taken a lead on the half hour mark but Neale Fenn never gave up and struck the ball into the top corner in the 93rd minute. It keeps them three points ahead of local rivals Shamrock Rovers. Welcome Cork City to Dalymount on Friday night.
2 Shamrock Rovers
The Hoops made a strong start to August, with a 2-1 win over Derry City at Tallaght on Sunday night. Seán O’Connor and Tadgh Purcell put Michael O’Neill’s side 2-0 up after just 24 minutes and from that point onwards the result looked obvious. Tam McManus may have halved the deficit in the 46th minute but Rovers held on. Have the chance to go level depending on other results if they can beat Drogheda United in Louth on Friday night.
3 Cork City
While Friday the 31st of July 2009 will be remembered for the day the club were to be wound-up but then saved, the Leesiders also beat bottom of the pile Bray Wanderers at Turner’s Cross. Faz Kuduzovic’s penalty was enough, as the supporters entered party mode thanks to their late survival. Travel to Dalymount on Friday night, hoping to be in celebration mode again after striking a deal with the Revenue later today.
4 Derry City
The Candystripes fell another four points off the pace, having lost to Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght. Stephen Kenny’s side now find themselves 11 points behind Bohemians. Attention temporarily turns to CSKA Sofia coming to the Brandywell on Thursday.
5 Dundalk
Fifth place seems a bit high for a team of Dundalk's stature, though that may be a testament to how poor the league is at present. Shouldn't climb much higher unless it's by default as Cork City for example may face point deductions in the near future. Latest defeat was away to St Pat's, their third this season.
6 Galway United
The Tribesmen had a mixed July, losing to Cork City and Dundalk, but finished up with a 1-0 win over Sligo Rovers in a tense encounter. John Russell scored the only goal of the game but he then saw red as Galway had to finish out most of the second half with ten men. They held out though.
7 St Patricks Athletic
New hero on Inchicore, Declan O'Brien may have missed out on Sunday's clash with Dundalk but Jeff Kenna's side still managed to keep up their superb record against the Lilywhites. Gareth O'Connor's strike from the edge of the area was enough to give them nine points from nine against the Co. Louth side. Attention now turns to Russia where they could find themselves in an amazing position if they can keep a clean sheet.
8 Sligo Rovers
Sligo slumped to their 11th defeat of the campaign against Galway United. Despite a one man adavantage, they couldn't capitalise and find an equaliser. Now closer to the bottom than to 7th position. Worrying times continue for the Bit O'Red.
9 Drogheda United
For more than the first time this season, Drogheda United were robbed of a good result against the champions because of a late goal. It was Neale Fenn's turn to spoil the fun for Alan Matthews' side. However, they must still believe now that they can steady the ship and steer clear come the end of the season. Next up is a tricky assignment against Rovers, before they meet Galway, Cork and Pat's later in the month.
10 Bray Wanderers
Eddie Gormley's side are in deep trouble. The loss to Cork City was their 6th in 7 games and they now have to face potential relegation rivals Sligo after tough games with Pats and Dundalk before finishing the month with a game against Derry City.
1 Bohemians
Bohs could only manage a point at United Park, but it could have been much worse for the Gypsies. Drogheda had taken a lead on the half hour mark but Neale Fenn never gave up and struck the ball into the top corner in the 93rd minute. It keeps them three points ahead of local rivals Shamrock Rovers. Welcome Cork City to Dalymount on Friday night.
2 Shamrock Rovers
The Hoops made a strong start to August, with a 2-1 win over Derry City at Tallaght on Sunday night. Seán O’Connor and Tadgh Purcell put Michael O’Neill’s side 2-0 up after just 24 minutes and from that point onwards the result looked obvious. Tam McManus may have halved the deficit in the 46th minute but Rovers held on. Have the chance to go level depending on other results if they can beat Drogheda United in Louth on Friday night.
3 Cork City
While Friday the 31st of July 2009 will be remembered for the day the club were to be wound-up but then saved, the Leesiders also beat bottom of the pile Bray Wanderers at Turner’s Cross. Faz Kuduzovic’s penalty was enough, as the supporters entered party mode thanks to their late survival. Travel to Dalymount on Friday night, hoping to be in celebration mode again after striking a deal with the Revenue later today.
4 Derry City
The Candystripes fell another four points off the pace, having lost to Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght. Stephen Kenny’s side now find themselves 11 points behind Bohemians. Attention temporarily turns to CSKA Sofia coming to the Brandywell on Thursday.
5 Dundalk
Fifth place seems a bit high for a team of Dundalk's stature, though that may be a testament to how poor the league is at present. Shouldn't climb much higher unless it's by default as Cork City for example may face point deductions in the near future. Latest defeat was away to St Pat's, their third this season.
6 Galway United
The Tribesmen had a mixed July, losing to Cork City and Dundalk, but finished up with a 1-0 win over Sligo Rovers in a tense encounter. John Russell scored the only goal of the game but he then saw red as Galway had to finish out most of the second half with ten men. They held out though.
7 St Patricks Athletic
New hero on Inchicore, Declan O'Brien may have missed out on Sunday's clash with Dundalk but Jeff Kenna's side still managed to keep up their superb record against the Lilywhites. Gareth O'Connor's strike from the edge of the area was enough to give them nine points from nine against the Co. Louth side. Attention now turns to Russia where they could find themselves in an amazing position if they can keep a clean sheet.
8 Sligo Rovers
Sligo slumped to their 11th defeat of the campaign against Galway United. Despite a one man adavantage, they couldn't capitalise and find an equaliser. Now closer to the bottom than to 7th position. Worrying times continue for the Bit O'Red.
9 Drogheda United
For more than the first time this season, Drogheda United were robbed of a good result against the champions because of a late goal. It was Neale Fenn's turn to spoil the fun for Alan Matthews' side. However, they must still believe now that they can steady the ship and steer clear come the end of the season. Next up is a tricky assignment against Rovers, before they meet Galway, Cork and Pat's later in the month.
10 Bray Wanderers
Eddie Gormley's side are in deep trouble. The loss to Cork City was their 6th in 7 games and they now have to face potential relegation rivals Sligo after tough games with Pats and Dundalk before finishing the month with a game against Derry City.
About Alan Smith
Alan Smith works as a sub-editor for the Guardian newspaper in London. Originally from Cork, he freelances for several other newspapers and websites. Follow him on twitter @alansmith90. View Full Profile