We're back after a week off for Cup action and there have been pretty big developments in the SSE Airtricity League. Here's the State of the League of Ireland in Week 13.
The Big Story
Dundalk's unbeaten start to the season is over. They still lead the league by 3 points (with a game in hand) but maybe, just maybe, talk of the league being over was premature. Before Friday night Dundalk had only conceded once at home (and that in an 8-1 win) but by nearly all accounts, Bohemians were full value for their 2-1 win.
Stand-in centre half Paddy Barrett made a mistake for the opening goal and was later sent off for a foul in the box (Gary Rogers saved the penalty). He wasn't looking forward to Monday night's Soccer Republic.
Watching soccer republic like ?? pic.twitter.com/9wKYfRkElo
— Paddy Barrett (@PaddyBarrett42) June 8, 2015
The Team Of The Week
Shamrock Rovers have responded well to being knocked out of the FAI Cup at the first hurdle. Over the weekend they thumped both teams from the North West in Tallaght; beating Sligo Rovers 5-1 on Friday and Derry City 4-1 on Monday.
Pat Fenlon has indicated he won't be adding to the squad in the summer but injuries and suspensions are building up. Star striker Mikey Drennan misses this week's big game with Bohs as he was sent off (harshly) with Rovers 4-0 v Derry. With Danny North injured, Rovers will be shuffling the team again, just as they found their rhythm.
The GIF of the Week
Chris Forrester is one of the most technically gifted players in the League. The ease in which he controls the ball here before dancing through (an admittedly knackered) Derry defence is always worthy of a GOTW.
Your Off Field "Wahey!" of the Week
Limerick, finally, returned to Markets Field on Friday and the venue was packed for their game with Drogheda. Despite still being winless, Limerick are not too far behind the teams ahead of them and they'll be hoping the fans come back to the new ground to help push them up the table.
Regardless of the result (a 1-2 loss), the move from Jackman Park to Markets Field should be a huge positive for Limerick football. Let's hope they can push on now.
Your Off Field "Hmmm?" of the Week
It was been widely reported that Sligo Rovers are in the process of mutually consenting with Owen Heary to split since Friday's heavy defeat in Tallaght. Heary has been in charge for 15 league games and Sligo have won only 2. Local radio station Ocean FM are reporting the search for his replacement is on.
Considering they broadcast a show devoted to the club, they're definitely more clued in than most. Sligo have said nothing though. Their normally active social media channels haven't posted a thing since Sunday. Joseph Ndo has taken charge of training this week apparently.
The Sportsfile Picture of the Week
Your Greatest League In The World™ Pic of the Week
My son was gutted about what happened to @socky11. So he made this @ShamrockRovers @hoopermansrfc #getwellsoonsocky pic.twitter.com/JOZ8OCH2z8 — Colin Campbell (@Colster20) June 6, 2015
Proving that for kids, heroes can take almost any form.
Your Greatest League In The World™ Club Tweet of the Week
Get well soon @ste_besty. Still had time for a selfie despite suffering concussion against Dundalk last night! #Bohs pic.twitter.com/fRXiPN07P5
— Bohemian FC (@bfcdublin) June 6, 2015
Stat of the Week
@ShamrockRovers have gone 23 consecutive league games without defeat for the first time since a run of 30 from January 1926 to November 1927 — Karl Reilly (@HistoryLOI) June 8, 2015
That run was ended in Dalymount by Bohs. Guess where Rovers are this week?
Next Week
The last week before the summer break and the big game is in Dalymount as Bohs look to get back to winning ways at home to arch-rivals Shamrock Rovers. Dundalk travel to a Sligo Rovers team in disarray as we wait to find out who'll be manager there. Cork City will look to cement 2nd place with a win at home to 11th placed Bray Wanderers. Pats look for a 4th straight win at home to bottom side Limerick.
In the First Division, leaders Finn Harps host 3rd placed Wexford Youths. A win for Youths would bring them to within a point. Europe bound UCD are now in 2nd and they travel to play Waterford who haven't really improved under Roddy Collins so far.
