Mid-season review: Sporting Fingal
Credit:
Season So Far: Sporting have exceeded expectations this season and sit
in fourth position, having lost just two matches: the lowest number of
any team in the Premier Division. A shock draw against Mervue United
means that they will have to go to Galway for the replay in their
quest to retain the FAI Cup, but Fingal’s season has been mostly
excellent.
Biggest Strength: The Ravens have conceded just 12 goals this season, but their biggest asset is their midfield. Conan Byrne reached his hundredth successive match recently and his form shows no sign of dipping. Shane McFaul is industrious in central midfield alongside the supremely talented Ronan Finn. Add to these players the likes of Alan Kirby and Keith Quinn, and Fingal’s midfield ranks among the best in the division.
Biggest Weakness: Ironically, as Sporting have such depth in midfield and attack, a lack of options in defence is perhaps their biggest weakness. Injuries have plagued Liam Buckley’s defence in recent matches with Kenny Browne, Stephen Paisley and John Frost among those absent the most. Further injuries could hurt Fingal, as their attacking style of play requires them to have a strong defence capable of resisting counter-attacks.
Manager: Liam Buckley is a hero around Fingal, and may have the safest job in the league now. His brand of attacking play has attracted record attendances to the Morton Stadium, and he seems to have built up a real rapport with his squad.
Star Player: Ronan Finn is reigning First Division player of the year, and the midfielder has carried his superb form across into the Premier Division. Every Fingal attack has Finn at its heart, and his long- range shots are a constant threat to opposing goalkeepers. Finn is capable of producing moments of truly breathtaking skill, but isn’t afraid to put in the hard work required at this level either.
Where to Improve: Aside from bringing in a defender or two in the transfer window, there isn’t much Fingal could do to improve. Eamon Zayed and Gary O’Neill have nine goals between them, but neither has been a regular fixture in the Fingal lineup due to injury. Some stability and consistency in selection may be all that is needed for Fingal to push for the title in the Autumn.
Overall Rating: 8/10
Biggest Strength: The Ravens have conceded just 12 goals this season, but their biggest asset is their midfield. Conan Byrne reached his hundredth successive match recently and his form shows no sign of dipping. Shane McFaul is industrious in central midfield alongside the supremely talented Ronan Finn. Add to these players the likes of Alan Kirby and Keith Quinn, and Fingal’s midfield ranks among the best in the division.
Biggest Weakness: Ironically, as Sporting have such depth in midfield and attack, a lack of options in defence is perhaps their biggest weakness. Injuries have plagued Liam Buckley’s defence in recent matches with Kenny Browne, Stephen Paisley and John Frost among those absent the most. Further injuries could hurt Fingal, as their attacking style of play requires them to have a strong defence capable of resisting counter-attacks.
Manager: Liam Buckley is a hero around Fingal, and may have the safest job in the league now. His brand of attacking play has attracted record attendances to the Morton Stadium, and he seems to have built up a real rapport with his squad.
Star Player: Ronan Finn is reigning First Division player of the year, and the midfielder has carried his superb form across into the Premier Division. Every Fingal attack has Finn at its heart, and his long- range shots are a constant threat to opposing goalkeepers. Finn is capable of producing moments of truly breathtaking skill, but isn’t afraid to put in the hard work required at this level either.
Where to Improve: Aside from bringing in a defender or two in the transfer window, there isn’t much Fingal could do to improve. Eamon Zayed and Gary O’Neill have nine goals between them, but neither has been a regular fixture in the Fingal lineup due to injury. Some stability and consistency in selection may be all that is needed for Fingal to push for the title in the Autumn.
Overall Rating: 8/10
About Niall Farrell
Niall Farrell is our correspondent at Tolka Park, covering the goings-on at Shelbourne. You can visit Niall's website for further information and contact details- niallf.net. View Full Profile