News

There was further Irish involvement in the EFL Carabao Cup on Wednesday evening. Summer signing from Burnley, Jimmy Dunne started in central defence for QPR who took on League Two Leyton Orient at Brisbane Road. The hosts included their summer signing from Ipswich Town, striker Aaron Drinan and he scored the second half equaliser which sent the contest to a penalty shoot-out which the visiting side won 5-3. Drinan did convert his penalty kick.  Burton Albion also included their summer signings, Thomas O’Connor and Conor Shaughnessy in their side for the visit of Oxford United for whom Mark Sykes started in central midfield with Anthony Forde deployed at right back.  The contest ended in a one all draw with ‘The Students’ winning the penalty shoot-out 4-2. Both Sykes and Forde converted their penalties as did Shaughnessy for the hosts but O’Connor missed from the spot.

Our senior international manager Stephen Kenny is likely to have been disappointed by the scarcity of senior international Irish players involved in the first round of the EFL Cup on Tuesday evening. While Greg Cunningham and Sean Maguire started for Preston North End in their three nil success at Mansfield Town, Alan Browne was not included in the matchday squad.  Defender Darragh Lenihan, who has featured little under Kenny, captained Blackburn Rovers who suffered  a shock two one defeat by  Morecambe at Ewood Park. Winger Chiedoze Ogbenne was a half time substitute for  Rotherham United who went down to a two one defeat by visitors Accrington Stanley. U21 striker Joshua Kayode started for Rotherham alongside Kieran Sadlier who scored  their goal.  James Collins was an 86th minute substitute for  Cardiff City who defeated visitors Sutton United by three goals to two. Millwall defeated Portsmouth by two goals to one at the New Den where Ronan Curtis was in action with the visitors while loanee goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu was again unused on the substitute bench as also was Marcus Harness. U21 striker Anthony Scully was in action with Lincoln City who exited the competition in a 4-2 penalty shoot-out defeat following a two all draw at Shrewsbury Town. Scully did convert his shoot-out penalty.  Ryan Manning was a 65th minute substitute for Swansea City who defeated their hosts Reading by three goals to nil.  Daryl Horgan was a half-time substitute for Wycombe Wanderers and scored his penalty in their 4-3 shoot-out success at Exeter City. 

Our U21 Head Coach Jim Crawford will have been pleased to see Festy Ebosele and Louie Watson make their first competitive starts for Derby County who twice came from behind against visitors Salford City to earn a three all draw before progressing in the penalty shoot-out on a five four scoreline with Watson converting the winning spot kick. Will Ferry, another of our U21 contingent, on a season long loan at Crawley Town from Southampton, was in action tonight as they exited the competition in a penalty shoot-out following a two all draw. 

There was a full compliment of European action this week with Airtricity League clubs Bohemian, Dundalk and Shamrock Rovers all in Europa Conference League third qualifying round second leg action.

First into action on Thursday evening were Bohemian who faced  PAOK of Greece in the Stadio Toumba, Salonika. The ‘Gypsies’ exceeded expectations in the home first leg and gained an excellent two one victory. They did however face a significant task this evening against the Greek side who possess fifteen internationals in their ranks.  The ‘Gypsies’ conceded goals in the 4th and 28th minutes which gave their hosts a three two aggregate advantage and despite a valiant effort they were unable to secure the goal which would have resulted in extra-time.  

Dundalk also created quite a surprise with an excellent two all draw with Vitesse of Holland last week. The second leg was played in Tallaght Stadium this Thursday evening where the visitors scored two first half goals to take command of the tie. The ‘Lilywhites’ responded and a Pat Hoban penalty on 71 minutes raised hopes but it was not to be and they exited the competition on a 4-3 scoreline. 

Shamrock Rovers secured a one nil advantage against Teuta Durres of Albania in the first leg played at Tallaght Stadium last week.  The ‘Hoops’ were very dominant in that match and maintained that level of performance in this evening’s second leg played in the Elbason Arena with goals on 20 and 62 minutes from Rory Gaffney securing their passage to the play-off round where they will face Flora Tallinn of Estonia with the away first leg in Tallinn next week.

Midweek signing James McCarthy was not involved with Glasgow Celtic who took on FK Jablonec of the Czech Republic on Thursday evening at Celtic Park in the Europa League. The hosts held a four two advantage from the away first leg and secured a three nil victory this evening to progress to the play-off round where they will Dutch side AZ Alkmaar with the first leg set for Glasgow next week.

Another new midweek signing, nineteen year old Charlie McCann who joined Glasgow Rangers from Manchester United, has trained  this week as his new club prepare for their home Champions League second leg encounter with Malmo of Sweden. The Glasgow side were seeking to overturn a two one first leg deficit when the sides met on Tuesday evening in Ibrox Stadium and an early goal seemed to have set them on their way. However, it was not to be as the visitors, who were reduced to ten men seconds before the half-time break, scored twice early in the second half to progress on a 4-2 aggregate score.

There was further Irish interest in the Europa Conference League with Scottish sides Aberdeen and Hibernian in second leg action. Aberdeen introduced  Jonny Hayes from their substitute bench on 79 minutes as they secured  a two one victory over Breidablik of Iceland at Pittodrie and progressed on a 5-3 aggregate scoreline. The ‘Dons’  will travel to Azerbaijan next week to face Qarabag in the first leg of the play-off round.  Edinburgh side Hibernian included midfielder Jake Doyle-Hayes in their side as they faced Rijeka of Croatia following their one all first leg draw at Easter Road last week. They suffered  a comprehensive four one defeat to exit the competition this evening. 

 

The Airtricity League Premier Division continued over this weekend with the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium hosting the meeting of Derry City and Drogheda United  on Friday evening where the ‘Candystripes’ secured  a comfortable three nil victory to leapfrog their opponents into fifth place. 

Following their midweek heroics in the UEFA Conference League, Bohemian returned to domestic action with a trip to the RSC where re-vitalised Waterford were their hosts on Saturday afternoon. The ‘Gypsies’ made several changes to their starting eleven and were not at their fluent best as they went down to a one nil defeat which the hosts fully deserved. Later at 7.45pm, North West duo Sligo Rovers and Finn Harps were seeking to improve their fortunes following recent poor performances  from both sides when they met in the Showgrounds. It was the visitors who showed the greater desire to secure the points with the only goal.

There was a 3pm kick-off time for the Sunday afternoon contests between Dundalk and St Patrick’s Athletic in Oriel Park and the top versus bottom meeting of Shamrock Rovers and Longford Town in Tallaght Stadium. St Pats maintained their challenge with a comprehensive four one victory over the ‘Lilywhites’ while the ‘Hoops’ for the third time this season scored in added time (5 minutes) to defeat Longford Town with that only goal. The goal was scored by defender Liam Scales who was celebrating his 23rd birthday and is rumoured to be on his way to a top flight British club.

                        P  W  D  L   F  A   G/D  Pts
Shamrock Rovers        22 14  5  3  38 18   20   47
St Patrick’s Athletic  23 13  5  5  40 24   16   44
Sligo Rovers           21 11  5  5  27 15   12   38
Bohemian               21  9  4  8  34 24   10   31
Derry City             23  8  7  8  28 28    –   31
Drogheda United        23  8  6  9  35 30    5   30
Dundalk                21  7  6  8  26 31   -5   27
Waterford              23  8  1 14  18 40  -22   25
Finn Harps             22  6  5 11  18 31  -13   23
Longford Town          23  1  8 14  15 38  -23   11

The Airtricity League First Division continued on Friday evening with current leaders Shelbourne held to a scoreless draw at UCD while Galway United suffered  a shock three two defeat by visitors Cork City in Eamonn Deacy Park. Treaty United suffered an even bigger shock when they went down to a four one defeat by Cabinteely in the Markets Field while Bray Wanderers overcame visitors Wexford by three goals to one in the Carlisle Grounds.

Cobh Ramblers and visitors Athlone Town played out a scoreless draw in St Colman’s Park on Saturday evening.

                        P  W  D  L   F  A   G/D  Pts
Shelbourne             18 12  6  0  36 15   21   42
Galway United          18  9  5  4  27 18    9   32
Treaty United          18  9  5  4  28 21    7   32
Bray Wanderers         18  7  8  3  26 17    9   29
UCD                    18  7  6  5  32 25    7   27  
Athlone Town           18  6  4  7  24 25   -1   22
Cabinteely             18  7  0 11  17 28  -11   21
Cobh Ramblers          18  5  4  9  17 29  -12   19
Cork City              18  4  6  8  21 22   -1   18
Wexford                18  1  2 15  14 40  -26    5 

Sunday
There was further Irish activity in three different Leagues on Sunday afternoon. The Scottish Premiership saw Glasgow Celtic continue their improved form with a six nil thrashing of visitors Dundee who included Cillian Sheridan and Ryan Sweeney in their starting eleven with goalkeeper Ian Lawlor  unused on the substitute bench. Hibernian included Jake Doyle-Hayes in their starting eleven foe the three nil success against visitors Ross County.

Josh Cullen was again in midfield action for RSC Anderlecht who secured a three  nil home victory over RFC Seraing in the Belgian First Division.

Zack Elbouzedi started for AIK Solna who scored  a four one  success at Djurgardens IF in the Swedish Allsvenskan. 

Saturday
The English Championship season continued on Saturday afternoon with Blackburn Rovers, captained by Darragh Lenihan,  defeating visitors Swansea City by two goals to one in Ewood Park. Bristol City lost Callum O’Dowda through injury after just thirteen minutes of their one all draw with promoted visitors Blackpool who included the veteran Richard Keogh in side at Ashton Gate. Cardiff City manager Mick McCarthy named  summer signings James Collins and Mark McGuinness in his starting eleven for their one all draw with visitors Barnsley, his home town club. Troubled Derby County included Louie Watson in their starting eleven for the visit of  Huddersfield Town while Festy Ebosele was a 68th minute substitute as the sides played out a one all draw. Another promoted side Peterborough United included Christy Pym and Sam Szmodics in their starting eleven as they went down to a three nil defeat at Luton Town. The third promoted club Hull City defeated  their hosts Preston North End by four goals to one at Deepdale where Alan Browne and Greg Cunningham started for the vanquished ‘Lilywhites’.  Loftus Road hosted the ‘London Derby’ meeting of QPR and Millwall which ended in a one all draw. Danny McNamara started for the ‘Lions’ while summer signing Jimmy Dunne was an unused substitute for the hosts.

The late kick-off at Bramall Lane saw Sheffield United go down to a one nil defeat by visitors Birmingham City. John Egan and David McGoldrick were in action with the ‘Blades’ while Scott Hogan started for the victorious ‘Blues’. Injury ruled Enda Stevens out for the ‘Blades’ and also Jason Knight for the ‘Rams’ with both unlikely to be available for the international triple header in September.

The Scottish Premiership continued on Saturday afternoon with Jim Goodwin’s St Mirren going down to a two one defeat by visitors Heart of Midlothian. Jamie McGrath  was in action with the hosts while Aaron McEneff  was a 76th minute substitute for the victors.

The League One season in England commenced on Saturday afternoon with Bolton Wanderers and Eoin Doyle playing out a three all draw with visitors MK Dons who included  loanee Troy Parrott and Warren O’Hora in their starting eleven. Fleetwood Town went down to a one nil defeat by visitors Portsmouth for whom Ronan Curtis and Marcus Harness started but loanee goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu was an unused substitute.  Lincoln City included Anthony Scully in their starting eleven for their one all draw at Gillingham. 

Friday
The 2021/22 English Championship season commenced on Friday evening with AFC Bournemouth welcoming West Bromwich Albion to the Vitality Stadium where the sides played out an entertaining two all draw.  Following the departure of Asmir Begovic,  goalkeeper Mark Travers has the opportunity to secure and consolidate the starting position for the hosts while U21 midfielder Gavin Kilkenny has featured regularly for the ‘Cherries’ in their pre-season friendlies and completed the full 90 minutes in their five nil trashing of MK Dons in the first round of the EFL Cup last weekend.  Both started this evening with Travers having some difficult moments with dead ball deliveries from a robust visiting side. Kilkenny, playing the holding midfield role,  was quite impressive. The visiting ‘Baggies’ have also impressed in their pre-season build up with both defender Dara O’Shea and striker Callum Robinson featuring prominently. This evening, both put in fine performances, which were embellished by scoring the two Albion goals. O’Shea after 33 minutes to equalise after the hosts had taken an early lead and Robinson with the second equaliser following an early second half goal from AFC Bournemouth.

The three surviving Airtricity League sides in European Competition continued their journey this week in the third qualifying round first leg of the Europa Conference League.

First into action on Tuesday evening were Bohemian who welcomed PAOK of Greece to the Aviva Stadium at 7.45pm. In front of an audience capped at 8.000 the ‘Gypsies’ started a little hesitantly but gradually grew into the game and took the lead after 23  minutes with a well worked goal converted by Ali Coote. The second period started in similar fashion to the opener but Coote again found the net on 52 minutes with a speculative long range shot. The visitors, with fifteen internationals in their matchday squad,  did respond and pulled  a goal back on 77 minutes to set up a still challenging but intriguing second leg next week. 

Dundalk commenced action at 6pm on Thursday evening when they travelled to Holland where they faced Vitesse. The hosts took a 20th minute lead and dominated proceedings in the first half. The ‘Lilywhites’ responded much better in the second half and Patrick McEleney equalised after 65 minutes and stunned the Dutch side with a second goal on 76 minutes. Vitesse responded with vigour and secured an equaliser in the final minute of the contest. The second leg in Tallaght Stadium next Thursday is set to quite an interesting evening. 

Tallaght Stadium hosted the meeting of Shamrock Rovers and Teuta Durres of Albania at 8pm on Thursday evening. The ‘Hoops’ dominated possession throughout but were unable to find the net until the first minute of added time when seventeen year old Aidoma Emakhu, an 83rd minute substitute, scored the only goal to secure a merited victory. The ‘Hoops’ will travel to Albania for the second leg next Thursday. 

The Airtricity League Premier Division resumed this Friday evening with the top two, Shamrock Rovers and St Patrick’s Athletic, facing each other in Tallaght Stadium where the hosts ran out convincing winners by three goals to one. Also in action were Drogheda United and Waterford who met at Head in the Game Park wher the visiting ‘Blues’ prevailed by two goals to one.  

Bishopsgate hosted the meeting of Longford Town and Derry City on Saturday evening where the visiting ‘Candystripes’ secured a two nil victory .

Following their European progression, the scheduled Monday fixtures involving Bohemian and Dundalk against Finn Harps and Sligo Rovers have been postponed.

                        P  W  D  L   F  A   G/D  Pts
Shamrock Rovers        21 13  5  3  37 18   19   44
St Patrick’s Athletic  22 12  5  5  36 23   13   41
Sligo Rovers           20 11  5  4  27 14   13   38
Bohemian               20  9  4  7  34 23   11   31
Drogheda United        22  8  6  8  35 27    8   30
Derry City             22  7  7  8  25 28   -3   28
Dundalk                20  7  6  7  25 27   -2   27
Waterford              22  7  1 14  17 40  -23   22
Finn Harps             21  5  5 11  17 31  -14   20
Longford Town          22  1  8 13  15 37  -22   11

The Airtricity League First Division resumed on Friday evening with all ten clubs in action.

Athlone Town went down to a four one defeat by visitors Treaty United while near neighbours Cabinteely and Bray Wanderers met at Stradbrook where the visitors prevailed by three goals to nil. Cork City and UCD shared two goals in Turner’s Cross while Galway United defeated  their hosts Wexford by three goals to one  in Ferrycarrig Park. Runaway leaders Shelbourne were surprisingly held to a two all draw by visitors Cobh Ramblers in Tolka Park.

                        P  W  D  L   F  A   G/D  Pts
Shelbourne             17 12  5  0  36 15   21   41
Treaty United          17  9  5  3  27 17   10   32
Galway United          17  9  5  3  25 15   10   32
UCD                    17  7  5  5  32 25    7   26  
Bray Wanderers         17  6  8  3  23 16    7   26
Athlone Town           17  6  3  7  24 25   -1   21
Cobh Ramblers          17  5  3  9  17 29  -12   18
Cabinteely             17  6  0 11  13 27  -14   18
Cork City              17  3  6  8  18 20   -2   15
Wexford                17  1  2 14  13 37  -24    5 

The second legs in the second qualifying round of the Europa Conference League took place this week with Airtricity League representatives Bohemian and Dundalk both in action on Thursday evening. 

Bohemian built on their one nil advantage from their away first leg against F91 Dudelange of Luxembourg with a three nil success against their visitors in the second leg on Thursday evening in the Aviva Stadium in front of a crowd capped at eight thousand. Rob Cornwall opened the scoring on 35 minutes following an excellent free kick situation and Georgie Kelly reprised the free kick routine with the second goal on 69 minutes. Kelly added  a third four minutes later to set up a third round encounter with PAOK of Greece with the first leg set for the Aviva Stadium 5.45pm on Tuesday the 3rd August.

Dundalk faced a difficult challenge when they met Levadia of Estonia in Tallinn at 5.30pm on Thursday afternoon following their two all draw in the home leg played last week in Tallaght Stadium. The task grew harder when they conceded  the opening goal after 17 minutes  but the ‘Lilywhites’ rose to the task and David McMillan levelled matters just a minute before the half-time break. It looked very much like extra-time was on the cards but in the second minute of added time Will Patching found the net to secure a 4-3 aggregate success and send Dundalk through to the third round where they will face Vitesse of Holland with the first leg set for Arnhem at 6pm on Thursday the 5th August. 

Shamrock Rovers received  a bye to the third round where they will face Teuta Durres of Albania with the first leg set for Tallaght Stadium at 8pm on Thursday the 5th August.