Week two of the SSE Airtricity League is complete, so here's the 'State of the League of Ireland' on St Patrick's Day 2015.
The Big Story
Limerick are in trouble. Big Trouble. They started the off season by bringing in good players like Paul O'Conor and Dean Clarke and it looked like they'd be able to bring a competitive team into Markets Field. They've since lost players like Sam Oji, Stephen Folan and most importantly of all, Rory Gaffney.
The Markets Field debacle is well documented, as is Pat O'Sullivan's tightening of the budget. They started the season with a 3-0 thumping by Bohs in Jackman Park and on Friday they were beaten 5-0 in Cork. In between they were knocked out of the EA Sports Cup by First Division Cobh Ramblers. If they lose this week at home to (fellow-zero-pointers) Longford, who knows what will happen there.
The Team Of The Week
Drogheda United came into the season with many pundits tipping them for relegation. Starting with a win in Bray wasn't completely unexpected but they faced a bigger test on Friday as Sligo Rovers came to town. Despite falling behind twice, Drogheda came back to win 3-2 with Daryl Kavanagh scoring for the second week in a row.
We mentioned in our season preview that Drogheda had very talented players in Sean Thornton and Kavanagh and if they clicked, Drogheda would be fine. They have games against Galway and Limerick next weekend. Six points is very, very achievable.
The GIF of the Week
With a midfield containing Colin Healy, Liam Miller and Gary Buckley a lot of Cork's creativity will have to come through Gavin Holohan. The man from Kilkenny might not have to create so much if he can keep banging them in from distance like this cracker against Limerick
The Sportsfile Picture of the Week
Your Greatest League In The World™ Pic of the Week
#ReadyForAction @LongfordTownFC steward with his boots if he is needed #GreatestLeagueInTheWorld pic.twitter.com/XHhryAgrYo — Macdara Ferris (@macdarabueller) March 14, 2015
Your Greatest League In The World™ Club Tweet of the Week
Michael D in the house!
— Bohemian FC (@bfcdublin) March 13, 2015
The League Leaders
Blow it up ref! #Bohs pic.twitter.com/MvWR525avu — Bohemian FC (@bfcdublin) March 13, 2015
Next Week
A huge weekend in the SSE Airtricity League sees last season's top four clash. Champions Dundalk host FAI Cup holders St Pats in Oriel Park. A win for Dundalk would see them on maximum points already six ahead of Pats. In Tallaght, Shamrock Rovers will be looking to make it three wins from three as they host Cork City.
Cork beat Rovers three times in the league last season and another great game is in store on Friday. Limerick host Longford on Saturday with both sides looking for their first point. Bray look to have a harder job looking for their first point as they host leaders Bohs.
Drogheda travel to Galway looking to make it three wins from three while the battle of the North-west happens in the Showgrounds as Sligo and Derry look to kick start their season. UCD v Athlone looks the pick of the action in the first division. Oh and we've games next Monday and Tuesday too.
