Ireland: Premier & Division One Aug 21-23

[aliando]

Friday 22 August 2008	Home	Draw	Away	BPP
Cork City v Bray Wanderers (19:45BST)	1.45	4.00	8.50	105.73 %	Details »
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Drogheda Utd v Shamrock (19:45BST)	1.72	3.50	5.00	106.47 %	Details »
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Galway Utd v Bohemian (19:45BST)	6.10	3.75	1.55	107.58 %	Details »
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St Patrick's v Sligo Rovers (19:45BST)	1.50	4.30	8.00	102.42 %	Details »
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UCD AFC v Derry City (19:45BST)	5.00	3.50	1.80	104.13 %	Details »
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Finn Harps v Cobh Ramblers (20:00BST)	2.10	3.25	4.00	103.39 %	Details »

Thursday 21 August 2008	Home	Draw	Away	BPP
Dundalk v Waterford Utd (18:45BST)	2.10	3.25	4.00	103.39 %	Details »
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Friday 22 August 2008	Home	Draw	Away	BPP
Kildare County v Sporting Fingal (18:45BST)	4.50	3.40	1.82	106.58 %	Details »
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Monaghan Utd v Wexford Youths (19:00BST)	2.10	3.30	4.50	100.14 %	Details »
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Shelbourne v Longford (19:00BST)	1.60	3.50	6.00	107.74 %	Details »
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Saturday 23 August 2008	Home	Draw	Away	BPP
Athlone Town v Limerick 37 (18:00BST)	2.62	3.20	2.68	106.66 %	Details »

[keliot]

Sporting Fingal @ 1.80 on boylesports. Big morale problems at Kildare I believe. Their players are theatening to strike over unpaid wages, the squad is down to 9 semi professionals and a bunch of local youngsters and they were hammered 6-0 by Derry in the midweek cup game. They did beat Longford away a fortnight ago, drew away to Fingal in June and their last 4 home games have *only* been 2-1 losses, but it's difficult to see them getting anything here. Fingal are pushing for promotion, are in fairly good form and will surely be looking for a solid win.

Elsewhere, Cork's Dave Mooney is off to Reading to help ease the club's massive debts. Dunno if he'll play against Bray but the club will miss his goals.

[bagzi_cg]

Dundalk v Waterford Utd

Last six matches when Dundalk played v Waterford Utd at home went under 2.5 goals, history is on our side and I will try to go once more on under. Dundalk has a nice record too, 4 wins, one draw and only one lost in Jan 16, 2003 ( 0-1 ). I expect something like 0-0, 1-0, 2-0

Any info?

[KurtFurtmustahl]

source: Extratime.ie

Dundalk vs. Waterford United


By Simon Carter

This Thursday, Waterford United travel to Dundalk knowing that a win in Oriel Park will see them rise to the summit of the eircom First Division, but a loss would see them trail the Louthmen by five points.
Dundalk went down by three goals to one on Monday in the FAI Ford Cup to Bray Wanderers, but despite the score line, they will feel that if they had taken their chances, the outcome would have been very different. Despite that loss, John Gill’s men will be very confident going into this game on the back of an unbeaten run of seven league games.
In Dundalk team news, Dessie Baker and Derek Doyle return after missing out on Monday due to being cup-tied. Damien Lynch and Tiarnan Mulvenna are both suffering from calf injuries. Ben Whelehan is doubtful with a back spasm picked up in the warm-up before Bray game. Robbie Martin out with knee injury but should be back jogging soon.
After an impressive win 3-1 win over Limerick 37 two weeks ago, the Blues are looking to extend their unbeaten run to 11 league games. This form has seen them overtake Shelbourne and Sporting Fingal to become Dundalk’s greatest threat to promotion.
Gareth Cronin has no suspensions to worry about but Gary Dunphy and Paul McCarthy will both miss out due to injury.
You can get odds of evens for a Dundalk win, setting them clear favourites. A Waterford win is at 12-5 whilst a draw comes in at 21-10.


The Extratime.ie prediction: Despite Waterford’s impressive unbeaten record, we think Dundalk will be too strong at home for the Blues. So we are giving the victory to the Louthmen on a scoreline of 3-1. The odds of that happening are rated at 18-1.



so this guy is recommending a home win maybe with even some handicap. i´m takin straight hw.


good luck!!!

[KurtFurtmustahl]

here is another opinion about the match with similar info but a bit of teamtalk.

source: RTÉ Sport

Dundalk v Waterford United

Waterford United face their biggest test of the season so far when they travel to Oriel Park to take on Dundalk in the top-of-the-table clash, kick-off 7.45pm.

For Dundalk, Tiarnan Mulvenna and Robbie Farrell are ruled out due to injury.
Ben Whelehan was forced to retire during the warm up on Monday against Bray Wanderers with a back spasm and will face a late fitness test.

Derek Doyle and Dessie Baker will be both pushing for a recall having being cup tied on Monday night.

Boss John Gill said: 'We're at home, the onus is on us and we'll certainly be going out looking to win the game. It's a great game for the fans. It's exciting that we're top of the league; every game means something now and it gives the fans something to cheer about.

'I hope we get a whopping crowd out for this game, because it's important to gather as many points as we can before the last round of matches start.'
The Blues have no suspensions to worry about, but still on the injury list are Gary Dunphy, who is a doubtful starter and Paul McCarthy who is a long-term absentee.

Boss Gareth Cronin said: 'If we win we will go top but I would be happy with a decent result. We have had a week's rest ... which has given any injuries a chance to clear up.'
'With Vinny Sullivan back for the Dundalk match along with Willie John Kiely we are looking strong up front.'

[Mark H]

Cork v Bray

Sad times at Cork. One of Irelands most notable clubs is in financial turmoil. This has resulted in the sale of talisman Dave Mooney to Reading. Mooney was the absolute star of the Cork attack and they won't be able to replace him adequately in their current situation. They also have a serious doubt over Mooney's former strike partner O'Flynn who limped off in their last match. This means Cork will have a seriously weakened attack for this fixture. They've only scored 3 goals in their last 5 matches and with a Bray side who will set up to defend the Under 2.5 goals @1.93 with Pinnacle looks a nice option here. Tempting also to take Bray on what looks a large handicap considering (+1.25) although they too do miss a couple of important players. This fixture in March yielded a 0-0 draw

[bagzi_cg]

Originally Posted by KurtFurtmustahl

source: Extratime.ie

Dundalk vs. Waterford United


By Simon Carter

This Thursday, Waterford United travel to Dundalk knowing that a win in Oriel Park will see them rise to the summit of the eircom First Division, but a loss would see them trail the Louthmen by five points.
Dundalk went down by three goals to one on Monday in the FAI Ford Cup to Bray Wanderers, but despite the score line, they will feel that if they had taken their chances, the outcome would have been very different. Despite that loss, John Gill’s men will be very confident going into this game on the back of an unbeaten run of seven league games.
In Dundalk team news, Dessie Baker and Derek Doyle return after missing out on Monday due to being cup-tied. Damien Lynch and Tiarnan Mulvenna are both suffering from calf injuries. Ben Whelehan is doubtful with a back spasm picked up in the warm-up before Bray game. Robbie Martin out with knee injury but should be back jogging soon.
After an impressive win 3-1 win over Limerick 37 two weeks ago, the Blues are looking to extend their unbeaten run to 11 league games. This form has seen them overtake Shelbourne and Sporting Fingal to become Dundalk’s greatest threat to promotion.
Gareth Cronin has no suspensions to worry about but Gary Dunphy and Paul McCarthy will both miss out due to injury.
You can get odds of evens for a Dundalk win, setting them clear favourites. A Waterford win is at 12-5 whilst a draw comes in at 21-10.


The Extratime.ie prediction: Despite Waterford’s impressive unbeaten record, we think Dundalk will be too strong at home for the Blues. So we are giving the victory to the Louthmen on a scoreline of 3-1. The odds of that happening are rated at 18-1.



so this guy is recommending a home win maybe with even some handicap. i´m takin straight hw.


good luck!!!

well done ( 2-1 for home team )

[KurtFurtmustahl]

Originally Posted by bagzi_cg

well done ( 2-1 for home team )

thanks brate but it was not my work as i wrote... but it looks as a good source. will follow him later on too...

[KurtFurtmustahl]

source: Extratime.ie

Galway United vs Bohemians


By Alan Dooley

Lying three points away from safety and desperate for a win, Galway United will cross swords with the league leaders Bohemians on Friday night. It is an ominous task for the home side as the Gypsies away form has been imperious so far, undefeated for the concession of only three goals.
How will Galway United, brittle at the back and inconsistent going forward, manage to topple the odds that are stacked so highly against them? That is the conundrum that faces Jeff Kenna as he battles to save a club that, like others, is creaking under financial strain and desperately needs support, both on the terraces and on the balance sheet. No public pleas for support a la Cork City have been made so far but they could be imminent.
Galway's poor draw on the fixture front at the beginning of the year surfaces its head once more. Daunting trips to St Coleman's Park and Inchicore await before a run of games against Shamrock Rovers, Drogheda and Cork comes around again. The next six games will require a bounty of at least seven points to keep in touch. Save the trip to Cobh, it's hard to see where they are going to come from.
Kenna was disgusted by the concession of a soft, early goal to Athlone last week and knows that despite the flurry of goals that followed, this is the area that could condemn his side. Athlone are far from the standard of teams they are about to face, especially tomorrow night. Galway will have to raise their game dramatically and hope Bohs have an off night if they are to move off 14 points.
The 2-2 draw with St Pats earlier in the season was a sign that Galway could compete and a similar effort is needed. Unfortunately, the best Galway player on that night, Gary Deegan, is now wearing red and black shirt and to pour salt in the wound his likely partner in the middle of the pitch will be Galway native Stephen O'Donnell.
There are glimmers of hope for the home side in the form of Jay O'Shea, John Russell and Jesper Jorgensen. O'Shea's quick feet have mesmerised defenders in recent weeks and he has also shown a keen eye for goal. Like a certain Portuguese winger, whether he can do it against the top class opposition remains to be seen. Russell looked comfortable in an advanced role against UCD, and may yet be given that role again tomorrow night, alongside Jorgensen who has shown good control and link-up play but is suffering from comparisons with the strike rate of the out-of-favour Derek Glynn.
Glynn's strengths lie in one-on-ones with defenders and chasing a through ball. But Kenna has shown obvious frustration on the pitch at his inability to hold up play and bring others into the game as well as his work rate. Jason Molloy has surprisingly been elevated into a strike role alongside the Dane, with Glynn only getting a bit part role since his below par display in Ballybofey. Molloy is not without talent and Kenna has been impressed on the training pitch, but proven skills are required in this hour of need and this is what Glynn provides.
Whether Glynn can get back into his manager's good books remains to be seen, but goals haven't really been the problem at home for Galway. They have scored as many as The Hoops in seventh place. But, amazingly, they have conceded eight more goals at home, 22, than they have on the road. Three points from 11 home games is not good enough from a full-time outfit. It is the form of a soon-to-be-relegated team which Kenna must do his utmost to address, but tomorrow nights fixture does not appear to be the place for it to be rectified.

[KurtFurtmustahl]

source: Extratime.ie

Finn Harps vs Cobh Ramblers


By Press Release

The TG4 cameras will be in Finn Park tomorrow evening to watch a real six-pointer as Finn Harps take on Cobh Ramblers in a vital Premier Division fixture for both sides (kick-off is at 7.45pm). Both teams need the points as they battle relegation to the First Division after just one season in the top flight.
This time last year, these sides were also locked in battle – for the First Division title. Then, Cobh eventually claimed the trophy winning the Division with just a point to spare. However, the prize on offer this time is so much greater – a place in next season's ten team top flight.
A victory for Harps would see them go nine points clear of Ramblers and with a game in hand. And with UCD making the difficult trip to the Brandywell, a Harps win could see them open a three point gap on the bottom three sides.
However, boss Paul Hegarty knows it will be a tough game. "Cobh might fall nine points off the pace if they lose and that might be a bit much for them, so they'll be pulling out all the stops to try and get something from the game. We're under no illusions either, there is plenty of work for us to do if we are to try and get a result, as we know from all our clashes with Cobh last season in the First Division. All the games for us and them between now and the end of the season are massive."
Hegarty will have to plan without the suspended Stephen Parkhouse while Shaun McGowan (groin) and Declan Boyle (hamstring) are also set to miss out. Gary Beckett and Cornelius Gallagher remain sidelined. However, Davy Byrne and David Tyrrell return to the squad and both could find themselves in the starting line-up.
Last time out, Harps produced one of their best displays of the season when they beat Shamrock Rovers 2-0 at Tolka Park. "The Rovers result has given us confidence and we'll be looking to carry that into the Cobh game this Friday. I think it's now a case of three from four at the bottom of the table. The relegation battle will be between ourselves, Cobh, UCD and Galway and there's certainly loads to play for.
In the previous two fixtures between the sides this season, Harps have claimed the bragging rights with victories in both games. On the opening day of the season, they defeated Stephen Henderson's side by the odd goal in three at Finn Park, while a 3-1 victory at St. Colman's Park in May gave Harps their first away victory of the season. A completed hat-trick of victories tomorrow night would do nicely!!

[KurtFurtmustahl]

source: Extratime.ie

UCD vs Derry City


By Simon Carter

With Galway United and Finn Harps both playing on Friday night, UCD will be under pressure to get something out of this crucial Premier Division game against 4th place Derry City. (kick-off 19:45).
UCD won a vital three points against Galway United two weeks ago, but with no competitive action since then UCD manager Pete Mahon feels his hasn't had the most ideal preparation for Derry's visit."We could have done with a game last week," said Mahon.
The UCD manager believes City will pose a stern test for his defence this week. "They're scoring goals for fun. They are probably the most attacking side in the league," said Mahon.
In team news, UCD will be without Ian Bermingham due to the same hamstring injury that kept him out of the Irish Under 21 side midweek. Bermingham is expected to be given a run in an A League game this weekend to test his fitness. Midfielder Ronan Finn is also unavailable due to a calf injury.
Derry City knocked six past Kildare County midweek and three before that against Cobh in the league, the Candystripes will be confident going into the game. Assistant Manager Alan Reynolds has been pleased with his team’s recent games however they will not underestimate UCD.
Alan Reynolds, "We've already had two good results against UCD this season but in saying that they are always a tricky team to play against, they are a club fighting to stay in the premier division and they will battle to the end, so we expect a tough encounter at the Bowl. Pete Mahon will have his team well organised and they have some very good young players, their confidence will be buoyed by a good win against Galway in their last outing but as usual we will concentrate on our own performance. We having been playing good football for some time now, the team is full of confidence and it’s good to see the lads enjoying their football and expressing themselves, this is shown by the number of goals that we have been scoring recently, so we hopefully we can continue this trend and get a positive result on Friday".
In team news, Ciaran Martyn is out with an ankle injury, whilst Peter Hutton will undergo a late fitness test.
Extratime.ie Prediction: We think Derry City will have too much fire power for the Students. 1-3 is our final score.

[KurtFurtmustahl]

source: Extratime.ie

Drogheda United vs Shamrock Rovers


By Simon Carter

Drogheda United welcome Shamrock Rovers to United Park on Friday night without a number of key players for the clash. (kick-off 19:45).
With Dan Connor still out long-term with a hip injury, and Jamie Ewings suspended, Finnish goalkeeper Mikko Vilmunen is expected to start, with new signing Paul Skinner on the bench. Richie Baker and Shane Barrett are both injured, while Brian Shelley and Shane Robinson are both doubts. Graham Gartland joins Ewings in the stand, suspended following his sending-off vs Bohemians last week.
United lost that game to Bohs, and manager Paul Doolin admits the club's European exploits may have taken their toll. "We didn't look as sharp as we did against Pat's the week before. We were missing that spark and Bohs deserved the win. But the players have had a lot of tough games recently and it may have taken its toll a bit."
Rovers defeated United on the opening day of the season at United Park, and Doolin knows they'll be tough to best on Friday. "Rovers are a good side, in some good form and they've signed a couple of decent players. But we need to expect to win at home, no matter who we're playing, and Friday will be no different."
Doolin will be pleased with the news that midfielders Shane Robinson and Ollie Cahill have both signed long-term contract extensions with the club, with 3 year and 2 year extensions respectively.
Shamrock Rovers will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing 1-0 loss to Cork City last week. Pat Scully believed the game summed up their season to date, being punished for failing to take their chances.
"It was devestating. I couldn't have asked for more from our players – they gave everything, and it all came down to Cork City taking one of their chances while we took none of ours.
"It's been characteristic of our season that we've failed to take good chances, and we know we have players who can finish. But overall I felt our passing and general play was very good."
In Rovers injury news, there are slight doubts about Aidan Price (ankle) and Darragh Maguire (thigh), while cup-tied Joseph Ndo and Mark Leech come back into contention after missing last week’s FAI Cup game against Cork City.
“Aidan and Darragh should be okay, otherwise we’re fine,” says Hoops’ boss, Pat Scully. “And there’s even good news about John Martin – he’s back running now as he continues to recover from his hip operation.”
Extratime.ie Prediction: With European distractions firmly out of the minds of Drogs players, Extratime.ie thinks Scully will leave United Park on the back of another 1-0 defeat as Drogheda look to win their games in hand and try to improve on their disappointing 5th place in the league.

[KurtFurtmustahl]

source: Extratime.ie

Cork City vs Bray Wanderers


By Simon Carter

Cork City have had a turbulent week off the field of play, and no doubt will be delighted to get back to action on the pitch as they welcome Bray Wanderers to Turner’s Cross this Friday (kick-off 19:45).
Since their last outing, Cork has seen Kieran McCarthy appointed Examiner at the club whilst Talismanic striker Dave Mooney has departed to Reading for an undisclosed sum. Messages of support have come from RTE DJ and Failte Towers winner John Creedon to Lord of the Dance star Michael Flatley. But at 19:45 on Friday, it will be back to the football.
This is the final league meeting between the two sides this season, with City holding the upper hand having beaten Eddie Gormley’s men by three goals to nil at the Carlisle Grounds in May, though the Wicklow side did emerge from Turner’s Cross with a point after a 0-0 draw on the opening day of the season.
City boss Alan Mathews told CorkCityFC.ie that the only thing he and his squad can do is to focus on the task at hand: “Unfortunately what is happening is completely outside of our control, so all we can do is our work on the pitch and ensure that our good form of late is maintained. It is an unsettling and uncertain time for all concerned, but it is important at this time is that the wonderful support we have received all season continues on Friday.”
In team news, Dave Mooney has departed, however John O’Flynn made a return to training during the week following what looked to be a nasty ankle injury sustained against Shamrock Rovers.
Speaking after training, Mathews said: “John has commenced training this week, which we did not expect and there is a chance that he will be available on Friday. This is no small part down to thoroughly professional work of our physio Alex Mason, and the hard work put in by John himself.”
Bray Wanderers will be buoyed by their early week win against Dundalk in the FAI Ford Cup. Club Captain Alan Cawley will be missing as he serves a second match ban following his sending off against Cobh. Central defender Kevin Doherty who missed the cup clash is still a major doubt as his dead leg injury is slow to respond to treatment. Ronan Ivory who has been absent for the last three weeks with a pelvic problem is also a major doubt. Otherwise Bray will work off the same panel that was on duty in Dundalk on Monday night.
Speaking ahead of the game Bray Assistant Manager Keith Long said," We know we will be up against it going down there but if we can carry Monday's performance into this game we will make it as difficult as possible for them". He added “we will be looking to get something out of the game".
Cork City are very clear favourites with the bookies at a price of 4-11, whilst those who fancy some long odds come put a few quid on Bray at 15-2. A draw is available at 11-4.
Extratime.ie Prediction: The Rebel Army will be fired up for this clash after a week of turmoil off the pitch. Bray won the Cup game but their performance was not reflecting the score line. We predict that Cork will give their fans something to cheer this week with a 2-0 win over the Seagulls.

[KurtFurtmustahl]

source: Extratime.ie

Monaghan United vs Wexford Youths


By Gareth Penrose

Monaghan United will entertain Wexford Youths on Friday night in their eircom First Division game (kick-off 20:00). Both teams will be looking to bounce back from FAI Cup exits last weekend.
Despite that Cup exit, Monaghan have been going strong in the league, winning their last three games and will be hopeful they can get the better of the team current bottom of the division.
Sean Brennan, Barry Clancy and Brian Gartland all missed out last week, but return for the Wexford game. Ian Malone misses out due to suspension after picking up a red card at Wayside Celtic.
Wexford Youths FC manager Mick Wallace will have an even younger squad than usual for this Friday's First Division trip to Monaghan United, as he is missing a number of key players through injury and suspension.
Wexford will be without their captain Anthony Russell and defender Joey Wadding, who are both suspended, while Stuart Lawlor, Shane Dempsey and Kyle Dempsey are all ruled out through injury.
"We've probably got the youngest team in the league as it is," Wallace said, "but with the injuries and suspensions to our key, experienced players, our squad will be even younger this weekend.
"I'll be bringing an under-17 player in to the panel - Shane Sinnottt - and I'm also going to have an under-16 player in the senior squad, as I've included Gareth Wallace for the Monaghan trip as well. So in total, we'll have eight under-18 players in our squad tomorrow night."
Wallace is a big admirer of Monaghan and their manager Mick Cooke.
"They're having a good season and Cooke does very well with limited resources. We've an under strength side with a lot of experienced players missing, so it's going to be tough up there."
Extratime.ie Prediction: Monaghan may have been dumped out of the cup by non league Wayside, but Extratime think they will bounce back and have too much for a very young Wexford side. We think Monaghan will win 2-0.