Mahon's MNS critique valid
Credit: Extratime Team (ETPhotos)
Due to European commitment for Sporting Fingal, our league game was rescheduled to Sunday at 3pm in Richmond Park. Going into the game we were seven points clear of Fingal. With this in mind our approach was to ensure we were not beaten. This is not a negative outlook for a team in our position. When you are seven points clear of one of your closest rivals it is imperative not to allow them to close the gap at this stage in the season.
As expected, the game was very tight and not much between the teams. Fingal play a lovely style of football under Liam Buckley and they probably had more possession in the first half. Even though this was the case, I thought we looked the more likely of scoring and Derek Doyle was very unlucky when he round Brendan Clarke and put the ball wide.
In the second half the game really got going. Just when it looked likely that we would break the deadlock, Sporting scored through Conan Byrnes, against the run of play. In the run up to their goal, I was penalised for a tackle I made on Shane McFaul in the middle of the pitch and subsequently received a yellow card. From the resulting free kick Fingal got their goal and I couldn’t help but feel hard done by.
In modern day football, any form of a physical challenge seems to result in a free kick and booking, even if you get the ball. I understand referees have the hardest job in football but tackling is a skill and over the next few years football will become a non contact sport, if things keep going the way they are.
Anthony Buttimer was the referee for yesterday’s game and I think he is one of the best in the league. I spoke to him at the final whistle and he gave me his view of the tackle and I respect him for that. The good thing with Anthony is, you can speak to him about any incident in the game and he will give you his honest opinion. I am sure we will have a few more disagreement between now and the end of the season but that’s football.
After we went a goal down, we changed formation and had a real go at Sporting. After Dave Mulcahy hit the bar, it looked like it wasn’t going to be our day. One thing we deserve credit for this season is keeping going till the final whistle. With two minutes left Mullers popped up to score the equaliser with a header. He learnt from his brutal celebration last week and produced a tardelli esque run up the sideline (at least he didn't poke Derek Pender in the eye this week which was an improvement).
On Friday Damien Richardson named his Airtricity League team to play the opening match in the Aviva Stadium. Whilst my plea to be in the team, fell on deaf ears, I was delighted to see three lads from Pats involved. Gary Rogers in particular deserves a lot of credit for being picked in the squad. Last season, Gary didn’t play to the high standards he had set himself but hard work and self belief has restored him to one of the best keepers in the league. Hopefully he will get to start against United.
One other thing I would like to mention this week is, MNS. We normally train on a Monday night so I don’t get to watch it too often but with the Sunday fixture this weekend I got the opportunity to see tonight show.Pete’s interview last week regarding the programme was discussed at some length by the panel.
I know Pete was critical of the show but, the point I think he was trying to make was, football is the easiest game in the world, when you are sitting on a couch giving your opinion. The three panellists had a heated debate about Pete’s quotes last week. In fairness to them, they all made very good points on the issue, and I think Eoin was right. Roddy says stuff which is controversial but that is what football needs to get people interested.
In modern day football where pundits are rolled out, and clichés are used every week, it was refreshing to hear Pete’s honesty about the show. Too many people tow the line when commenting on football and play it safe, just look at Sky’s coverage of football or the BBC’s coverage of the World Cup.
One thing Ireland is renowned for is people telling the truth whether you like it or not. I think Pete should be commended for his honesty and if one or two more pundits said what they thought, it would certainly make for better television.
I think that’s enough for this week. Next up is, Bohs on Friday in Dalymount, can't wait!
As expected, the game was very tight and not much between the teams. Fingal play a lovely style of football under Liam Buckley and they probably had more possession in the first half. Even though this was the case, I thought we looked the more likely of scoring and Derek Doyle was very unlucky when he round Brendan Clarke and put the ball wide.
In the second half the game really got going. Just when it looked likely that we would break the deadlock, Sporting scored through Conan Byrnes, against the run of play. In the run up to their goal, I was penalised for a tackle I made on Shane McFaul in the middle of the pitch and subsequently received a yellow card. From the resulting free kick Fingal got their goal and I couldn’t help but feel hard done by.
In modern day football, any form of a physical challenge seems to result in a free kick and booking, even if you get the ball. I understand referees have the hardest job in football but tackling is a skill and over the next few years football will become a non contact sport, if things keep going the way they are.
Anthony Buttimer was the referee for yesterday’s game and I think he is one of the best in the league. I spoke to him at the final whistle and he gave me his view of the tackle and I respect him for that. The good thing with Anthony is, you can speak to him about any incident in the game and he will give you his honest opinion. I am sure we will have a few more disagreement between now and the end of the season but that’s football.
After we went a goal down, we changed formation and had a real go at Sporting. After Dave Mulcahy hit the bar, it looked like it wasn’t going to be our day. One thing we deserve credit for this season is keeping going till the final whistle. With two minutes left Mullers popped up to score the equaliser with a header. He learnt from his brutal celebration last week and produced a tardelli esque run up the sideline (at least he didn't poke Derek Pender in the eye this week which was an improvement).
On Friday Damien Richardson named his Airtricity League team to play the opening match in the Aviva Stadium. Whilst my plea to be in the team, fell on deaf ears, I was delighted to see three lads from Pats involved. Gary Rogers in particular deserves a lot of credit for being picked in the squad. Last season, Gary didn’t play to the high standards he had set himself but hard work and self belief has restored him to one of the best keepers in the league. Hopefully he will get to start against United.
One other thing I would like to mention this week is, MNS. We normally train on a Monday night so I don’t get to watch it too often but with the Sunday fixture this weekend I got the opportunity to see tonight show.Pete’s interview last week regarding the programme was discussed at some length by the panel.
I know Pete was critical of the show but, the point I think he was trying to make was, football is the easiest game in the world, when you are sitting on a couch giving your opinion. The three panellists had a heated debate about Pete’s quotes last week. In fairness to them, they all made very good points on the issue, and I think Eoin was right. Roddy says stuff which is controversial but that is what football needs to get people interested.
In modern day football where pundits are rolled out, and clichés are used every week, it was refreshing to hear Pete’s honesty about the show. Too many people tow the line when commenting on football and play it safe, just look at Sky’s coverage of football or the BBC’s coverage of the World Cup.
One thing Ireland is renowned for is people telling the truth whether you like it or not. I think Pete should be commended for his honesty and if one or two more pundits said what they thought, it would certainly make for better television.
I think that’s enough for this week. Next up is, Bohs on Friday in Dalymount, can't wait!
About Damian Lynch
Premier Perspective: Damian Lynch is an extratime.ie columnist giving his views on the current state of the league as well as his own personal performance with St. Patricks Athletic. The Saints' skipper will give his … View Full Profile