CREDIT: EDDIE LENNON
After 6 rounds, two teams that were highly rated before the season started are still unbeaten in the LOI First Division. Dundalk lead the table with 16 points, followed by a Cobh Ramblers squad that has gained more and more consistency during the last couple of weeks. Can both sides continue their form on matchday 7, or will the rest of the pack be able to shorten the margin? Let’s have a look at all the games on Friday and Saturday night:
Athlone Town vs Finn Harps
After a slow start with losses against Dundalk and Treaty United, the hosts showed signs of improvement with a draw at Longford and wins against Wexford and UCD. Last week, the Town lost 2-0 in Cobh but were on eye level for about 60 minutes. This time, Dario Castelo’s side aims to collect the three points against an opponent that is currently surrounded with some question marks. Despite their recent 5-0 triumph against Bray, Finn Harps are in search of a new manager. Four days after the first victory of the season, the news came out that Darren Murphy has left the club. “The current coaching staff of Kevin McHugh, Eamon Curry and Tommy Canning will take charge of the team until further notice,” the club announced on its website. It will be interesting to see how the Donegal side will react to the last eventful couple of days.
Bray Wanderers vs Cobh Ramblers
The recent form speaks for itself as the visitors have collected 9 points from the last 3 games. With 13 goals scored, the Rams currently have the best offence in the league. In comparison, Bray only managed to produce 3 goals, though they still have one game in hand. All in all, the roles in this encounter are clear. While the Seagulls hope to show a reaction after a devastating 5-0 loss at Finn Harps, the Ramblers have the aspiration to keep up with league leaders Dundalk.
Dundalk vs Wexford
An unsuccessful relegation battle on the pitch and a possible financial collapse off the pitch: The last months were characterised by many uncertainties for Dundalk supporters. For now, the club seems to have found some stability again. With 5 wins from 6 games, the Railwaymen lead the table of the First Division and wish to continue their run in order to come another step closer to top-flight football. Still, the opponent, who sits in a respectable 3rd place, shouldn’t be underestimated. Wexford recently lost 2-1 against Kerry, but before that, Stephen Elliott’s side showed some flashes and will try to do so again at Oriel Park.
Kerry FC vs UCD
In their first two seasons since being incorporated into the League of Ireland, Kerry finished bottom of the First Division table. This year, the chances for a more successful progression appear to be higher than ever before. The Kingdom has already collected 7 points, including an impressive 2-1 away win at Wexford. On the other side, UCD is still without a win and hasn’t really found its rhythm so far. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Kerry went on to grab another win.
Longford Town vs Treaty United (Saturday Night)
Last week, Longford put up a decent performance at Oriel Park and even took the lead against Dundalk. Although the Lilywhites turned things around and finally managed to secure the win, the Town left everything on the pitch and showed a strong effort. Will a similar approach be enough to claim the points against Treaty? The Limerick side only collected 2 points from the last 3 games and will certainly be eager to come up with an away victory.