It’s time to find out who performed well enough to make it into our Team of the Week, after the latest round of League of Ireland games.
Goalkeeper
James Talbot (Bohemians)
Will no doubt be a regular in this feature, it can’t go unnoticed just how well the Bohs stopper is performing. Although he saw his side lose 2-0 to reigning Champions Dundalk, Talbot made a string of fine saves to keep his side in the game, including an excellent penalty save from Chris Shields.
Left Back
Garry Comerford (Cork City)
back to back wins, and also back to back clean sheets for the Leesiders as things begin to tighten up at the back. Spells trouble for those above them as they look to gather momentum in climbing up the table, as scoring against them doesn’t look an easy feat at the moment.
Centre Back
Sean Hoare (Dundalk)
Another solid performance from the big centre back. Kept the threat of Dinny Corcoran under wraps throughout. Just as Bohs looked in the ascendancy following the penalty save, Hoare’s header to make it 2-0 knocked the wind out of their sails and secure the three points that see’s them move back to the summit.
Centre Back
Lee Desmond (St. Pat’s)
Secured a valuable point for the Saints away at Derry City with a rocket of a strike from all of 30 yards. A moment of real quality in a game that failed to live up to the billing, it’s fair to say, but Desmond’s first for the club will no doubt live long in the memory of the 24-year old.
It took him a while to score his first ever goal for the Super Saints, but it was well worth the wait! Top stuff from Lee Desmond against Derry City, @SoccRepublic @FAIreland @SSEAirtricityLg #Saints2019 ????⚪️⚽️ pic.twitter.com/pKJqtveyB2
— St Patrick's Athletic FC (@stpatsfc) May 11, 2019
Right back
Sean Gannon (Dundalk)
Strong, powerful and unfazed in a pretty hostile Dalymount atmosphere. Didn’t give Kevin Devaney a kick, who was eventually replaced as he snuffed out any sign of a threat to his side. Looked to get forward and help Daniel Kelly too when his side broke at pace.
Centre Midfield
Chris Shields (Dundalk)
One of the features of the night was the ding dong battle between the more experienced Shields and Bohs attacking midfielder Danny Mandroiu. Both had spells were it looked as if one might have gotten the better of the other but with the quality on show from both, it was hard to leave either out.
Centre Midfield
Barry McNamee (Derry City)
The Candystripes skipper again showed his class to put his side one nil up with a very tidy finish. Will feel frustrated that his side didn’t play to their potential and go on to grab all three points to pull Bohemians closer, but has been in good form so far this season.
Centre Midfield
Danny Mandroiu (Bohemians)
Was so unlucky not to equalise from a 25 yard free kick that went inches wide, with some of the home fans beginning to celebrate as it beat the wall. Was unlucky shortly after when his side footed effort was brilliantly saved and turned behind to safety by Gary Rogers. A class act when he’s in the mood.
Right Wing
Karl Sheppard (Cork City)
Cork continued their resurgent form under interim boss John Cotter and Sheppard looks to have a bit more of a spring in his step. Netted his first of the season against struggling UCD and will be relieved to get off the mark. Going to be a huge player for the Leesiders as they look to chase down those at the top.
Left Wing
Michael Duffy (Dundalk)
Absolutely outstanding performance against Bohs. Best player on the pitch by some distance and arguably Dundalk’s outstanding player so far this season. Was at the heart of everything good for the Lilywhites and claimed the two assists for both goals on the night.
Forward
Georgie Kelly (Dundalk)
In for the suspended Pat Hoban, but showed no signs of ring rustiness whatsoever. Brilliant throughout, caused the Bohs back four all sorts of problems with his pace and strength. Also has the honour of getting the first goal from open play against the miserly Gypsie defence this season with a lightening quick turn and snap shot in the box to break the deadlock.
Check out our exclusive interview with Chris Waddle below.
