eircom League Premier last night

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Shelbourne 2 - 1 Dublin City
Waterford United 1-1 Longford Town
Drogheda United 1-0 Shamrock Rovers
St Patrick’s Athletic 0-2 Cork City

I was at the Shels -v- Dublin City game, and while it wasn't the best advertisement for the eircom League, it was an exciting match all the same.

Thre Dublin City team are obviously lacking up front, as their tactic of stifling the Shelbourne attack worked well in the first half, with Shels only having one chance early on, with Jason Byrne hitting wide. The City defence marked Glenn Fitzpatrick very closely, and Shels looked devoid of ideas with him marked out of the game.

The second half started well for Shels, with Ollie Cahill scoring a well struck shot from the edge of the box. But after that that the City team tried their hardest to get a goal, and kept Shels in their own half for long periods.

The introduction of Wes Hoolihan for Shelbourne was a good stroke by Pat Fenlon, as the midfield seemed to be fading out of the game in the second half. With Hoolihan on, Shels held on to the ball much more. It paid off, as a cross came into the Dublin City box, Jason Byrne was hauled down, and a penalty given. Byrne slotted home to keep up his record of a goal a game.

City got a goal late on, due in no small way to a complete disintegration of the Shelbourne defence line, it was probably the easiest goal they'll get this season. They probably deserved a goal for their efforts on the night, and it set up a nervous finish for Shelbourne.

The nights other results, Waterford and Longford, both potential champions, cancelled each other out, to let Shels open a two point gap at the top, while Drogheda defeated Shamrock Rovers, a good win for the O2 park outfit, who have a strong squad this season. Cork's win at St. Pats will keep them on course for what Manager Pat Dolan will hope is a successful season.

KdjaCL

Pats sucked again, oh and i was sober which also sucked.


kdjac

DerekD Goldfish

Pats were indeed crap the only players to emerge with any credit were rose, foley and ndo. Casey put in one of the worse performances ive ever seen in a pats shirt.