SO THE PREMIER Division title is going down to the wire as Dundalk and Cork City meet in a title decider on Friday night.
I was lucky enough to win two league championships with Shelbourne on the final day of the season — in 2004 and 2006.
In the first, we had been cruising in the league but our run in the Champions League took its toll on the team and we dropped points after picking up injuries and suspensions. Going into our last fixture, we were away to St Patrick’s Athletic and needed just a point to see off second-placed Cork City.
Dave Rogers was suspended so we were forced to rejig the team around and I was switched back to centre-half to partner Jamie Harris in a position I had played maybe once before in my career.
We were poor that night at Richmond Park and only just managed to see out a 0-0 draw. We never even looked like scoring. In the back of our minds, we knew that a draw would be enough and it didn’t help.
Dundalk didn’t impress me at the Carlisle Grounds last Friday night. I know the conditions were awful but, as I pointed out on Soccer Republic last night, they struggled in a couple of areas. With a huge wind on their backs, the Lilywhites were happy to sit very deep and instead of trying to keep Bray pinned into their half, they stood off them too much.
In circumstances like that, you need players to adjust to the circumstances and react by communicating to each other.
It will be interesting to see how both teams cope on Friday night because Cork only need a draw. They are a really well-organised team who have showed they are capable of grinding out results. On the other hand, Dundalk have the ability to go all out and win it so it’s a mouth-watering prospect.
I may have backed Dundalk to win the title earlier this season but you have to give Cork a huge amount of credit for what they have achieved this year. The league table doesn’t lie and when it is all said and done and Friday night, whichever of the two clubs is top will be worthy champions.
Have you splinters from sitting on the fence Stuart?what way are you calling it.can see cork doing it 1-0
Great insight into the 2004 & 2006 seasons.
Sorry Sean but I can’t see Cork keeping out Dundalk’s formidable attack for 90 mins + at Oriel Park. Last time Cork went there this season they rolled over and lost 4-0. They also lost 2-1 at Turners Cross. Cork will try to play for a draw and will crumble under the pressure. On their day Dundalk are good enough to destroy any team. See what they did to Cork(4-0), St Pats(4-1), Derry(5-0) and Drogheda(7-0) already this season. Dundalk dropped points late this season as the games in Europe, the FAI cup and Setanta Cup started to take its tole allowing Cork to catch up. I can see it being a 2 or 3 goal winning margin for Dundalk.
http://www.irishexaminer.com/examviral/real-life/brave-dundalk-fan-gets-league-champions-tattoo–3-days-before-cork-title-showdown-293325.html
Talk about a Jinx!!
It’s got the feel of. European 2nd leg, with City having a 1 goal lead
There’s a reason you call yourself mad hatter.form and momentum are everything at this stage of the season.
They help I agree but it’s not everything. I believe man for man Dundalk are the best team in the league. I believe they will complete the job against Cork. Time will tell. I’m looking forward to a cracking game and if Cork emerge champions they will be worthy champions because they have stuck in there.
Very tough to call, if there’s only 1 goal in it with 10 mins to go I give City a great shout.
Dundalk are definitely feeling the pressure…….
If Pats hadn’t had a crisis in central defence, they would’ve won the league I’d say. Forrester, Fagan, Byrne, Bolger, Fahey, Brennan, Bermo and Clarke are all good enough to get into any LOI side. Having Oman and Foran at CB cost them dearly.
Dundalk were piss poor last weem ay bray, You could see the nerves kicking in around the 70 min mark. Hopefully they dont panic on friday and its a cracking match. Cork have humg on in there and ground our some nervy 1-0 wins lately, Limerick and Bohs.
Calling a dundalk win 2-1.