League Of Ireland Matchday 9 Results
Here I look back and give my opinions on each result from Matchday 9.
Although we are only 9 games in, the league is beginning to take shape, and we are beginning to notice who is likely to finish in each half of the table.
Match Review of Shelbourne vs Shamrock Rovers can be found HERE
Drogheda 1 - 1 Bohemians
Another 1-1 draw for Bohemians, another game where they let a 1-0 lead slip. As mentioned on the LOI Terraces podcasts, episode Flares and Joey N'Do, we analysed Bohs' performances thus far this season. As the season goes on, the absence of Buckly is becoming more and more apparent. There is also a lack of a killer instinct amongst the Bohs group, which is needed when playing against teams like Drogheda. Drogs are proving their resilience and willingness to want to stay in the league. Although this was Drogheda's third draw in a row, it's also their third game in a row where they have obtained points from a losing position. Drogs are most certainly not going down without a fight. If Bohs want to get Europe, it's beginning to seem like a genuine ask. In my opinion, they need to add to the squad in the summer. A CB and a CDM are crucial for them. So far, Bohs have 11 points from winning positions this season.
St Patricks Athletic 0 - 0 Dundalk
Not the ideal result for Stephen O'Donnell's return to Richmond Park; nevertheless, it wasn't a defeat. Bizarrely, these teams only have 6 wins between them, which is still leaving the opportunity for teams like Bohs and Sligo to catch up and compete for European places. In my opinion, if Dundalk manages to pull 3 wins in a row, for example, I think they could be a serious team competing for Europe. O'Donnell seems to have instilled some stability back into the club and some really smart additions, such as Mark Connolly, Stephen Bradley, and Robbie Benson's return. For St.Pats, no wins in their last 3. Are they beginning to let it slip? They needed not to lose this game, especially with the absence of Forrester. But their dip in form has allowed players to return to the XI, such as Ronan Coughlan. With the experience of Eoin Doyle, Forrester blended with some exciting young talent such as Burns and Abankwah; I believe St.Pats have massive potential for this season.
Finn Harps 1 - 2 Derry City
Derry city extended their lead at the top of the table to 6 points. 5 wins from 5, and they seem to mean business this season. With goals from McJanet and, again, a Will Patching last-minute winner. Which proved to be crucial after a late consolation for Harps through Mihaljevic. If Derry can keep their players fit, why can't they win the league? Like Pats, they seem to have curated an excellent blend of real experience and youth, Mceleny, Lafferty, Brand Kavanagh, and Brian Maher. Still, the most exciting thing for Derry's fans must be that they are so far beyond the rest of the league, and they still have Michael Duffy to return to fitness. Matchday 10 is a real test for Derry, where they play Shelbourne at the Ryan Mcbride Brandywell. Although on paper, this looks as if it is a definite win for Derry, I believe this is not the case; Duff's army has been extremely tough to break down all season when playing away from home. This will be our featured game for matchday 10, so keep an eye on our Instagram stories for a view from the terraces.
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Sligo Rovers 2 - 2 UCD
After an admirable point gained away in Tallaght, Sligo gave all fans the impression they are possible title contenders for the season. Well, since then, 3 home games against Shels, Bohs and UCD, only 1 point gained. Really disappointing stuff for the Bit O'Red faithful. No wins in 9 now for UCD. Although they are still displaying solid performances, key players such as Colm Whelan will be leaving at the end of the current academic year, which suggests it possibly won't get any better for UCD.
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