After yet another exciting round of League of Ireland action, it’s time to see which players performed well enough to receive the prestigious honour of being named in The Football Faithful LOI Team of the Week.
Goalkeeper
Gary Rogers (Dundalk)
The record-equaling achievement of games played by a goalkeeper is just an incredible reflection on the man’s professionalism and dedication, not to mention talent. A staggering 543 games and counting for the Navan man and shows no signs of slowing down.
http://gty.im/1138120159
Right back
Derek Pender (Bohemians)
Another immense performance from the Bohs skipper. Drove his side forward at every opportunity. Lead by example as expected and gave flying winger Danny Grant the foundation and freedom to attack at will.
http://gty.im/1127514450
Centre back:
Keith Cowan (Finn Harps)
Some proper backs to the wall was needed from the experienced defender in ensuring their first clean sheet of the season and the big man was happy to oblige. Also claimed an assist for the first goal in the 3-0 win against the Students with a raking 50-yard ball to Caolan McAleer before the wideman put his side 1-0 up.
http://gty.im/1126788886
Centre back
Conor McCarthy (Cork City)
Scored the all-important and crucial winner with a lovely directed header back across James Talbot’s goal. Was resolute throughout the night in keeping a vital clean sheet as John Cotter’s interim reign got off to a winning start.
http://gty.im/1140957018
Left back
Sam Todd (Finn Harps)
Was instrumental in getting Ollie Horgan’s troops promoted last season and the step up to regular top flight football may have been a shock, but showed his quality against Collie O’Neill’s men. Was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet with a header early in the game too.
http://gty.im/1133556599
Midfield
Conor McCormack (Cork City)
The defensive midfielder was immense in snuffing out every Bohemian threat throughout the night. Covered every blade of grass and kept the in-form Danny Mandroiu quiet as his side got their first league win in eight.
http://gty.im/1140970400
Midfield
Jack Keaney (Sligo Rovers)
What Messi can do, it seems as if the 20-year old can do just aswell. An out of this world free kick grabbed all three points against table toppers Shamrock Rovers as Sligo extend their unbeaten run to four now.
ACTUAL FOOTAGE | Jack Keaney stunner!
Step aside Lionel Messi, Jack Keaney has this covered. Top Bin! 🗑️
What a strike from the @sligorovers man! #GreatestLeagueInTheWorld #LOI pic.twitter.com/iXLEojyG5N
— League of Ireland (@LeagueofIreland) May 4, 2019
Midfield
Daryl Fordyce (Sligo Rovers)
An Ajax style slick passing move ended in the attacking midfielder bending a dreamy strike into the top corner to give his side the lead against Rovers. Having their own goal of the month competition up at the Showgrounds this weekend.
https://twitter.com/loi_lifestyle/status/1125035838075822080
Left Wing
James Tilley (Cork City)
A beautiful left-footed delivery for the winner against Bohemians and was Cork City’s only real attacking threat on the night. Caused Darragh Leahy all sorts of problems with his brilliant dribbling quality, taking the pressure off his defenders by keeping possession at every opportunity.
http://gty.im/1140968471
Right wing
Caolan McAleer (Finn Harps)
A standing ovation for the 25-year old who was instrumental in grabbing his sides first win of the season. The pacey wideman helped himself to a brace on the night drags his side to within just three points of UCD as the battle at the bottom heats up.
Forward
Aaron Drinan (Waterford)
Caused the St. Pats defence all sorts of problems with his pace and movement. Got the goal his play deserved, netting the third of the game. Seems to have an excellent understanding with his midfield and widemen and the introduction of Izzy Akinade in the second half gave the Cork native some extra support as his side ran out 3-0 winners at Richmond Park.
http://gty.im/1130788473