It is amazing to think we are four weeks into the SSE Airtricity League already. It really is now starting to take shape in both the Premier and First Divisions. Over the past week we have had two rounds of games in the Premier League. These games have helped make some shape on the league table and we are really starting to find out the teams who are in Championship form. As we know Division One is a smaller league so it only had one round of games but these also turned out to be very interesting as results came in over the couple of days when the games were played. The results over the period has had supporters from all over the country talking on social media about everything and anything that is SSE Airtricity League. The buzz is all around the league and things can only be on the up. Below, I will lay out who were the winners and losers of week four.
In the Premier League, the first round of games were played midweek and I have to admit it was great to get out and see a game. I packed my laptop and headed to Dalymount Park for the clash of the night between Bohemians and champions Dundalk. It was the meeting of the two unbeaten sides in the league and something had to give. It was a chance for me to run the eye over the reigning champions as they came to Dublin to play Bohemians. I was tuned into listening to a lot of Bohemians fans as I walked up towards the ground and was intrigued to listen to their optimism for the game ahead, after all they were playing the champions. What was to unfold over the ninety minutes was incredible. Dundalk, came they saw and they blew the Bohemians team away with a three nil win. Goals from McMillan,Kelly and Meenan won the game for the team from Louth.After this result it was clear for everyone to see Dundalk are not going to give up their title to easy. Elsewhere their were wins for Saint Pats,Shamrock Rovers, Longford Town and Cork City. The only draw of the night was in Drogheda, between the hosts and Limerick.
So as we headed into the weekends fixtures, all eyes were turning to Oriel Park, the home of champions Dundalk. They welcomed Sligo Rovers to their home, a game that was to be televised live across the country. It was a game that did not fail to show us, that if you want Dundalk's title, you are going to have to have a good plan to beat them. In fairness Sligo never stood a chance they were hammered three nil. They were outplayed all over the park by Stephen Kenny's men. Dundalk have now played five games and have not conceded a goal and scored eleven, this has been an amazing start to the defence of their title. Elsewhere around the league there were wins for Derry City over Drogheda, Longford away to Galway, Cork City away to Bray and Saint Patricks Athletic away at Limerick. The table is taking shape and next week I will publish the full table so as to give you an idea.
In Division One the game of the week was between Shelbourne and Athlone Town in Tolka Park. I like most people were expecting a tight game but the away side took all three points by winning three goals to one. It brought an end to Shelbourne's unbeaten start to the season and over all Athlone deserved their victory.Other results over the weekend in Division One were Cabinteely's win over Waterford, Finn Harps win over Cobh Ramblers and Wexford Youths one nil victory over UCD. I feel this league is going be topsy turvy and like the Premier I will put a table up in my round up next week.
One bit of news I have to bring to you, which only broke yesterday was that in the Premier League, Bray Wanderers manager Alan Matthews and his coaching staff all stood down after what can only be described as an horrific start to the season. The management team released a statement claiming they have had a huge difference of opinion with the board and lately have gone unpaid. I myself am unsure as to their motives, the words rats leaving a ship come to mind.Anyway I better head off now to check out this weekends fixtures and decide where I am heading too. So if your out and about this weekend watching a game,enjoy yourself. I will be back next week to bring you more SSE Airtricity League news for the lads at Pitch Talk.Until then Cheers.
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