One more match before the mid- season break and while we have one challenger having emerged from the pack in Shamrock Rovers, we await to see if a second team can emerge from the pack behind and give us another really exciting title race in the coming months. Tonight should give us a better idea if this is going to happen.
So how did this column get on last week? Two correct results in the Premier Division and two more in the First Division means there is plenty of room for improvement this week! Let’s have a look at tonights games!
Sligo Rovers vs St Patrick’s Athletic
No change at the bottom of the table last week- a situation that on the face of it was more of a boost to Sligo than it was to Cork. Sligo gave a decent account of themselves last week and Eldings consolation goal in the second half was top class. They will quietly fancy their chances of overturning Pats tonight.
Pats have probably been the team in the news this week after Stephen Kenny hit out at pundits saying his team had no identity. Considering that people criticised his tenure as Ireland manager for not changing his style of play, it doesn’t necessarily feel like identity is the problem but the consistency has not been there week on week and that seems to be their biggest problem. You don’t know which Pats will turn up.
I’ve a funny feeling it won’t be an in-form Pats turning up tonight and I’ve a sneaking suspicion Sligo might just shade it.
Prediction: Sligo Rovers 1 St Patrick’s Athletic 0
Waterford FC vs Drogheda United
Waterford will have been quietly satisfied with their two all draw in Inchicore last week. They will also know that they have a very good opportunity to spring a surprise again tonight. Their form has obviously improved in the last few games but tonight will be a real test for them.
Tonight is a real test for Drogheda as well as they try to maintain the pressure at the top. The one- nil win against Bohs last week was a big boost for them and for Drogheda I think at the minute it’s a case of Shamrock Rovers having a favourable enough run of games at the minute and for Drogheda to keep pace with them until the fixtures turn more favourable for themselves.
I’ve a funny feeling however that we will see a Drogheda slip-up here. A draw!
Prediction: Waterford FC 1 Drogheda United 1
Cork City vs Shelbourne
Cork lost it late in Galway last week which was a blow. This week they have been in the news for different reasons with the announcement of the homecoming of David Meyler as Assistant Manager. Its an interesting and solid choice by Ger Nash as he builds his backroom team.
Shels win at home last week was a vital one and Damien Duff will probably have been looking at this match as a prime opportunity to make up some more ground. John Martins hat-trick last week signals a man in form and Duff will no doubt be hoping that goalscoring form continues. Its another six pointer for Shels this week and I think they will just about get over the line
Prediction Cork City 1 Shelbourne 2
Bohemians FC vs Derry City
The TV game tonight should be a cracker as third plays fourth in another must win match for both teams. Bohemians the late comeback Kings couldn’t find another one in Drogheda last week while Derry themselves succumbed to a late sucker-punch against the league leaders in the Ryan McBride Stadium. You would have to say that one of the key aspects of Bohemians season is they have not played out a draw at any point this season and that win/lose aspect to their season has benefitted them in a lot of ways.
Derry are another team who have had an up and down season and it will be vital for them to pick themselves up again tonight against the team level on points with them. It has the makings of a great game.
The temptation is there to say draw but Bohemians don’t seem to do draws this season so I’m going to say a narrow (and probably late) home win
Prediction Bohemians FC 1 Derry 0
Shamrock Rovers vs Galway United
The title front runners have a golden opportunity to really finish the first half of the season on a high note at Tallaght tonight. There are a few defensive issues for Rovers tonight through injuries and suspensions and in Hickey and Dyer, Galway have one of the better strike partnerships in the League. The win in Derry in some ways puts a little bit of pressure off Rovers tonight so it will be interesting to see how this set up tonight.
Galways form has declined significantly recently although the win at home last week against Cork puts them back in a solid position again to go on the attack for those European places. They could spring a bit of a surprise as their form in Dublin has been good.
If Rovers win tonight and the other results stay the same then its a long way back for some of the other teams. That being said Dyer loves scoring cracking goals in Dublin and I can see him getting another tonight. My head says Rovers but the optimist in me say draw or Galway win to keep this title race exciting for the second half of the season. I’m going to let my optimistic side rule tonight and go for a draw
Prediction Shamrock Rovers 2 Galway United 2
First Division:
Kerry FC 2 Longford Town 0
Cobh Ramblers 1 Treaty United 0
Bray Wanderers 3 Finn Harps 1
Wexford 1 Dundalk 1
UCD 3 Athlone Town 0
So there you have it- enjoy tonight and enjoy the mid season break until the #greatestleagueintheworld returns.