It’s time for the League of Ireland Weekly Awards, where The Football Faithful reward the very best and worst of Irish Football from the week gone by.
Moment of the Week
Comes from the first division, as Shelbourne won out in a huge top of the table clash defeating Drogheda 2-1 at a drizzly Tolka Park and, in doing so, taking a huge step in their quest to get back to the top flight.
The gap now sits at four points to their closest rivals Longford Town, who fell further behind in the title race after they were stunned by two late goals, losing 3-2 away to another promotion challenger Bray Wanderers.
Promotion favourites Shels had a slow start to the campaign and there’s still the feeling around the squad that there’s much more to come from this talented bunch. The reds are looking solid in defence though – conceding just one in their last four – and as Sir Alex once said “attacks win you games, defence wins you titles”.
Player of the Week
Man of the match in the biggest game of the week. Danny Mandroiu produced a moment of magic for his second of the evening, which has already been seen around the world. Signing a contract extension with Bohemians until the end of next season was a masterstroke by the Gypsies as no doubt the interest from overseas will begin to heat up.
The ex-Brighton youngster has shown moments of magic this season, including another goal of the season contender against UCD early on in the campaign and a classy free kick away at St. Pats. Was also very unlucky to miss out on Stephen Kennys under-21 side that took part in the Toulon Tournament, but regardless seems to have a big future in the game.
Du du du Super Danny Mandriou ?⚫️
Only one choice in the city pic.twitter.com/dFkIor9ge4
— Bohemian FC ?⚫ (@bfcdublin) June 14, 2019
Shock of the Week
Comes from Cobh Ramblers this week. Moments after his side snatched a huge 2-1 home win against Galway United, it was announced that boss Stephen Henderson had left his post as boss of the Cork side.
Despite a relatively poor season by his high standards, sitting seventh in the first division, Henderson did lead his side to an EA Sports Cup final just months ago. First team opposition analyst Barry O’Sullivan has also followed Henderson out the door.
The club released the following statement, below:
Stephen Henderson Leaves Cobh Ramblers FC…. pic.twitter.com/BXMVxY9aGC
— Cobh Ramblers FC (@CobhRamblersFC) June 14, 2019
As it is still unclear as the full reasons behind the shock resignation, the 53-year old has since tweeted:
And that’s a rap. Absolutely nothing sinister. Both myself & the committee knew we did not compliment each other & this happens all the time in football.I wish them every success. I will miss a genuinely fantastic group of young players who made my time an absolute joy. Thanks. pic.twitter.com/8eThie0ROB
— Stephen Henderson (@stevehendo07) June 15, 2019
Goal of the Week
And arguably the goal of the season. Danny Mandroiu produced a strike out of this world to give his side bragging rights in the fierce Dublin Derby.
The talented front man had an all-action evening in front of the TV cameras, missing an early penalty but making amends shortly afterward from the spot to put his side one nil up. Dan Carr levelled just after the break before a bit of Mandroiu magic stole all three points!
ICYMI: @mandroiu10 did this to give @bfcdublin victory in the #DublinDerby tonight. #LOI pic.twitter.com/Z8bEvXyK5Q
— eir Sport (@eirSport) June 14, 2019
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