During international breaks, it isn't always easy for the leagues here to find space but last weekend was a big one and we've lots to look forward to as the season comes to a conclusion. Let's see what happened this week.
An iffy week for Shamrock Rovers
Danny Lafferty loved that! 😍
Catch the highlights of yesterday's cup win over Shamrock Rovers on our YouTube ⬇️https://t.co/nYmkep5khL pic.twitter.com/qMis0wWwLV— Derry City FC (@derrycityfc) September 19, 2022
Rovers hunt for a league and Cup double is over. Last Sunday, Derry City deservedly beat the Hoops - albeit after extra time - to advance to the semi-finals. From the opening minute Derry looked the better side and once Lee Grace went was sent off, they never looked like losing. Rovers showed a bit of heart to fight back and grab a fine equaliser but Rovers were visibly tired in extra time and couldn't hang on. They looked tired on Thursday night in a scoreless draw away to Shelbourne. It leaves the champions 2 points ahead of Derry with a game in hand. That game is on Monday against UCD and Rovers will expect to win it comfortably. If they don't, then we'll have a real title race on our hands. If the do win it, they're 5 points clear with 6 games to play.
A mixed week for Shelbourne
Shels women lost in Athlone Town. It's the first time since taking over Raheny United's spot in the WNL that Shels have lost back-to back league games. From being within touching distance of the title again, the champions are now 4 points behind Wexford Youths who continued their winning run against Treaty United. Shels are now hoping that Athlone Town can repeat their win on Saturday when they host Wexford. The Reds play host to Cork City and should win comfortably. Anything other than a win will be a disaster for them.
One-two... finish!
🎥 | The goal that has given Shelbourne the lead in the #FAICup quarter-final against Bohemians 👇
Half an hour now played at Tolka Park ⏱️
Watch live | https://t.co/3F5LPk3cuV 📺@ExtraSportIre pic.twitter.com/wKep7yURwO— SSE Airtricity League (@SSEAirtricityLg) September 18, 2022
The men's team may have gone without a goal in their last four league games but on Sunday they easily dispatched Bohemians 3-0 to reach the FAI Cup semi final. Sean Boyd gave Bohs centre backs Rory Feely and Ciaran Kelly fits while Jack Moylan, released by Bohs in off-season, enjoyed his opening goal in front of the Bohs fans. Shels players have been effusive in their praise for Damien Duff this week and the Ireland legend is only one win away from bringing his Shels side to the Aviva Stadium.
The First Division upsets
Shelbourne will travel to play Waterford in the semi final. Waterford beat Dundalk 3-2 in a game where the score line flatters the Premier Division side. Waterford's Phoenix Patterson showed his obvious quality with a stunning goal and the Blues have now scored 12 goals in the cup so far including 3 against Pats in Inchicore and 3 against the Lilywhites. Dundalk's Stephen O'Donnell was denied the chance to win back-to-back Cups as head coach and now with work to do in the league to secure Europe.
WHAT A STRIKE!!! 🚀
Enda Curran completes his hat trick with a wonderful effort into the top corner 👏@TreatyUnitedFC 3-0 @UCDAFC
Watch live 📺 | https://t.co/7rzXOfmGeH@ExtraIRL | #FAICup | #LOITV pic.twitter.com/FOdziQxMe1— SSE Airtricity League (@SSEAirtricityLg) September 16, 2022
Treaty United totally dominated UCD and reached the semi final of the FAI Cup in only their second year as a club. Enda Curran is a proven goal scorer in the First Division and his hat trick last weekend showcased his undoubted talent. Treaty were rewarded with the toughest draw possible and a trip to the Ryan McBride Brandywell for a game against the double chasing Derry City.
The First Division title has to wait
Cork City were beaten in Galway last week and the three points for United meant City have to wait to be crowned champions. Annoyingly, for City, they don't have a game until the 7th of October but surely their title celebrations won't be too far into October. The play-off teams will be Galway United, Waterford, Longford Town and Treaty United.
The Bohs job
News emerged this week that the Bohs hunt for a manager is coming to a head. Derek Pender hasn't the badges to do it - but we've seen that isn't an impediment in this league - but his audition as interim boss isn't going too well. Vinny Perth will no doubt have his admirers in the close-knit LOI media but will Bohs plump for what some will see as a safe, uninspiring pick? There's reportedly plenty of interest from outside the league with the most high profile name being linked to the vacancy being ex-international hero Richard Dunne. His coaching experience appears limited but none of the coaches in charge of any of the top seven sides in our league had much experience when they took their role and most of them have done well. One to watch.
This weekend most teams are on a break but plenty of players will be on international duty with the U21s and under 19s. It's a young man's league these days.
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