All ten Airtricity League Premier Division sides were again in action on Friday evening with the Turner’s Cross meeting of second place Cork City and third place Waterford, which the hosts won by three goals to nil, topping the bill. Current leaders Dundalk travelled to face Shamrock Rovers in Tallaght Stadium and secured an emphatic five two victory. Fourth place Derry City went down to a two nil home defeat by visitors Sligo Rovers in the Brandywell. Limerick and Bohemian played out a one all draw at the Markets Field while bottom side Bray Wanderers defeated St Patrick’s Athletic by three goals to one in the Carlisle Grounds.
News
France ease past Ireland in Paris friendly…28/05/2018
World Cup Finals bound France eased to a comfortable two nil victory over Ireland in Paris this Monday evening. The match possession statistics of 76% to 24% and the shot ratio of 18-5 tell their own story with Ireland’s only shot on target coming in added time from late substitute debutant Shaun Williams. Defender Derrick Williams made his senior debut from the start while striker Graham Burke was the third debutant when introduced on seventy minutes. Ireland were on the back foot from the outset but held firm untill the fortieth minute when Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud stabbed home. A blunder from goalkeeper Colin Doyle saw Lyon midfielder Nabil Fekir, who is linked with Liverpool. score the second three minutes later to effectively end the contest. Teenage midfielder Kylian Mbappe, on loan at Paris St Germain from Monaco, was another to really catch the eye.
Starting Eleven: C Doyle; S Coleman (C), K Long, S Duffy, D Williams; C O’Dowda, A Browne, D Rice, J McClean; J Walters, S Long
League Two play-off final, Monday…28/05/2018
Coventry City won the League Two play-off final against Exeter City at Wembley Stadium this Monday afternoon by three goals to one. Captained by Michael Doyle, the ‘Sky Blues’ were worthy winners while there was disappointment for Pierce Sweeney who was in defence for the ‘Grecians’.
Senior squad withdrawals and exclusions…24/05/2018
Injury has again impacted upon the Ireland squad for the upcoming contests against France and the USA with goalkeeper Kieran O’Hara and striker Sean Maguire forced to withdraw. Manager Martin O’Neill will lead a twenty six man squad to Paris with Richard Keogh, Alex Pearce, Alan Judge and Aiden O’Brien not named in the travelling party.
Further update 26/5/2018
A shoulder injury has forced the withdrawal of Eunan O’Kane from the Ireland squad for the upcoming friendly internationals against France and the USA with Alan Judge, omitted yesterday, returning to the squad.
Further update 27/5/2018
Jeff Hendrick did not travel with the Ireland squad for the friendly international against France tomorrow evening but it is hoped that he may recover from his injury in time for the USA match next Saturday.
League One play-off final, Sunday…27/05/2018
Irish involvement in the League One play-off final was centered on Rotherham United who included Brighton & Hove Albion loanee Richie Towell in their team which defeated Shrewsbury Town by two goals to one after extra-time at Wembley Stadium this Sunday afternoon. Fellow midfielder Anthony Forde was introduced from the substitute bench for the final fifteen minutes of the contest.
Airtricity League Premier Division, Friday…25/05/2018
All ten Airtricity League Premier Division sides were in action on Friday evening with the Dalymount Park clash of old rivals Bohemian and Shamrock Rovers catching the eye of Martin O’Neill and several Ireland squad members. The contest was however a disappointing one with the sides finishing level on one goal apiece. Current leaders Dundalk maintained their position with a five nil drubbing of bottom side Bray Wanderers in Oriel Park while second place Cork City travelled to face St Patrick’s Athletic in Richmond Park where they secured a three one victory. Third met fourth as Waterford comprehensively defeated visitors Derry City by four goals to nil at the RSC while struggling sides, Sligo Rovers and Limerick played out a scoreless draw in the Showgrounds.
Championship play-off final, Saturday…26/05/2018
Fulham will play in the Premier League next season following their deserved one nil Championship play-off final victory over Aston Villa in Wembley Stadium this Saturday afternoon. Conor Hourihane started for Villa but picked an injury eight minutes from time and was replaced by Scott Hogan while Glenn Whelan and one time Ireland touted goalkeeper Mark Bunn were unused on the substitute bench while Cyrus Christie was introduced from the Fulham bench for the final twelve minutes.