The last twenty four hours have reminded us all just how great a late winner is, as long as it goes for your side.
O'Gara late kick in Cardiff will grab the column inches for years to come, but City fans will remember last night's late dramatics for just as long. There was no Grand Slam on the line in the Brandywell, but the feeling when the winner went it will have been just the same.
I had another exam today, so I wasn't able to make it to the Brandywell last night. Therefore I headed to Dalyer from the "Dublin derby" between Rovers and Bohs. Due to the wonders of modern technology I was watching the game, listening to Niall and Greengo commentate on the Derry game as well as watching the West Indies v England in the ODI on my laptop. How's that for a setup.
It was on today that I realised I have seen Bohs every week this season so far, and I've only seen Derry once. From the sounds of the game last night it was very much a smash and grab raid but we'll take the three points, thank you very much. So people have pointed out that it is karma for Cork turning a two nil deficit into a 3-2 win, but I'd like to think it is revenge for the negative football that Paul Doolin has subjected opposition fans to for years.
The game at Dalymount was a great one for the neutral with the football in the first showcasing the best of the LOI. To be fair credit must go to both managers for allowing their teams to play. Michael O'Neill, the new Rovers manager, could have set his side up for a draw in his experience of a Dublin derby. However he didn't he went to win the game and although it didn't work out, I was impressed by the manner in which Rovers tried to play the game.
Bohs performance was a pleasing contrast to their opening clash against Dundalk and indeed against ourselves last night. Roddy Collins has been the loudest critic of the fact that Bohs do not entertain, much to annoyance of players and staff at Dalymount. I am more puzzled, as it seems surprisingly that with the amount of talent in the red and black that they don't cut loose more often. However Friday night was the epitome of Bohs at their best and without Barry Murphy on top form it could have been four or five.
Ndo was on form, and when he is interested there is no more exciting player in the League. However I am always a fan of the players in the engine room, the centre midfielders and I was very impressed with the Deegan/Keegan axis for the home side. Keegan was neat and tidy, setting up the passes and winning the ball. Deegan was a dynamo all round the pitch, hassling and pressing and eventually drawning the foul for the first goal.
It was my first time at a Bohs v Rovers game. Yes, the security was high. Yes, there were a few hoods about the place. Yes, I could understand if you were a parent that you would be reluctant to take kids along to the game. It is all about the perception and and the image, and unfortunately the image around this game in modern times is not good.
It is mighty shame, as the football on the night was very impressive. A perfect night, wonderful surface and both teams laid on a show for the spectators. Perhaps as I had no vested interest I was able to relax and enjoy the spectacle. From a helter skelter start the game settled down to an enthralling first half, as both sides really turned it on.
Bohs got the breakthrough with a penalty and led at the break. The second half didn't have the same drama as the first, as Bohs got the second goal and flame from Rovers died a little. I was following the lad's commentary from the Brandywell, and my random expletives when the Cork goal went it caused a few puzzled looks around me.
The game in Dalyer had an early start, so I was in the press box with the journos as the drama developed in the Brandywell. From a game in which we looking to be getting nothing we seemed to have salvaged a draw and then somehow ended up as victors. Ah late winners, ye cannae beat them!
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Bohemians 1 Derry City 1
The general agreement was that we would have taken a point before the game, and with the balance of play we were more than happy to leave with one.
Me da and JMC had come down for the game, so picked them up at the airport and we set sail for Dalymount. Round the ground was quiet so we got parked up, I gave the flags to the Waterside SC and headed in to get set up for the commentary.
With commentary duties so I was in the Jodi Stand, whilst the rest of the travelling support was relegated to the Connaught Street stand, the first visit there since the 2001 FAI Cup semi final. I was caught by Tom the Gom on the way in, who confidently predicted that the League was wide open, the Joey Ndo was finished and that Bray would qualify for Europe. This was amongst other topics in a wide ranging debate with myself and Kevin Moore. Well not really a debate, as Tom talked as KM and I nodded sagely.
Have escaped Tom's clutches I got myself set up in the commentary position whilst the Bohs staff delivered a goodie bag of programmes, teamsheets and snacks. No wonder they are going bust if they can afford such largesse for the humble hack. Despite the attraction of opening night in Tallaght the press area was fairly busy as people set about trying to locate power cords and wireless connectivity.
The teamsheet showed that Sammy Morrow had missed out, having not recovered from a knock during the week. This prompted a discussion as to whether City would line up 4-4-2 or 4-5-1. As the crowd slowly filtered in, the PA guys were telling me that the Bohs players were choosing the music this season. This in no way explaining the succession of shockingly bad 80s "hits" that we were subjected to.
However the main event soon arrived and we'd plenty of action in the first 15 minutes. City hit first, with the Tommy Stewart goal after 8 minutes. He let the ball come across the front of his body, then hit it low into the right corner, leaving Murphy sprawling on the turf. A great finish, with Gareth McGlynn the architect. We were ahead! Cue joyous scenes on the far side as the travelling support celebrated a goal, probably somewhat earlier than they may have expected.
Unfortunately it wasn't to last, with Bohs back on level terms within ten minutes. Having had a shout for a penalty moments earlier, Bohs got a free kick when Molloy tackled Brennan. The winger stepped up and curled it into the far corner, with Doherty caught flat footed. Indeed from where I was sitting, Doherty's lack of reaction indicated that the ball must have taken a deflection on the way in. However everyone behind the flight of the ball confirmed that it was straight and true. This brought the home support to life and indeed Bohs probably had the better of the game from there on in, although it was far from a classic.
In the age of multimedia, I was providing a commentary on our game, watching the Rovers game on rte.ie and also an eye on the latest scores. All at the same time as trying to battle with the Wifi dropping at Dalymount.
The game was littered with sloppy passing and late challenges, never developing a rhythm. Fenn and Ndo were at the best of what the home side offered, whereas City seemed to lack ideas going forward. Stewart dropped back into midfield, leaving Farren to plough the lonely furrow up front. Stewart was my man of the match on the night, working tirelessly up and down the pitch and always offering an option for City. Bohs continued to press in the first half and although they forced a number of corners, Gerard Doherty wasn't unduly troubled by any efforts on goal.
The half time was enlivened by the appearance of the NOTW girls, and a general discussion on Rovers and Tallaght. The only problem is that it is a seriously cramped area and a visit to the toilet was in order after drinking a litre of water during the first half. A less than elegant exit and re-entry and I was ready to go for the second half.
City were struggling in the middle of the park, with the industrious Keegan and Deegan causing problems. Kearney had a very disappointing debut and as I remarked on commentary reminded me of a 16 year old trying to play with the adults. He was too slow to the ball, knocked off it far too easily and always got drawn inside, leaving the Derry side very narrow. I am loathe to criticise players from my own team, but his performance was so poor as to be glaringly obvious.
The second half was a repeat of the first, littered by errors on both side. Twice Crowe managed to get away from Hutton but fail to capitalise. It was one of the games where you start to notice that Pizza is losing another bit of pace. Fortunately, so is Crowe and the danger was averted.
However the best chance of the second half fell to Farren, when he was sent clear by Higgins. The striker seemed to be caught in two minds as to whether to round the keeper or to shoot. He seemed to plump for the compromise, to shoot whilst trying to take it round Murphy. The keeper got a glove to the ball, pushing it out for the corner.
Both sides probed for the rest of the second half but clear cut chances were in short supply. The main highlights were the now predictable shambolic decisions by officials. Mr Stokes obviously felt that his role as centre of attention was under threat and he proceeded to book Ciaran Martyn for what was not only a fair challenge, but one in which he won the ball!
The game petered out into a 1-1 draw which the away side will probably be the happier with.
Back in the house just after 1am which was not bad.
Roll on Tallaght!
Consensus: Good Point
Good Points: Tommy Stewart, not getting beat, the "shorts display" by the QUBSUDCFCSC
Bad Points: Liam Kearney, midfield over-run at times
Crowd guestimate: 1700
Me da and JMC had come down for the game, so picked them up at the airport and we set sail for Dalymount. Round the ground was quiet so we got parked up, I gave the flags to the Waterside SC and headed in to get set up for the commentary.
With commentary duties so I was in the Jodi Stand, whilst the rest of the travelling support was relegated to the Connaught Street stand, the first visit there since the 2001 FAI Cup semi final. I was caught by Tom the Gom on the way in, who confidently predicted that the League was wide open, the Joey Ndo was finished and that Bray would qualify for Europe. This was amongst other topics in a wide ranging debate with myself and Kevin Moore. Well not really a debate, as Tom talked as KM and I nodded sagely.
Have escaped Tom's clutches I got myself set up in the commentary position whilst the Bohs staff delivered a goodie bag of programmes, teamsheets and snacks. No wonder they are going bust if they can afford such largesse for the humble hack. Despite the attraction of opening night in Tallaght the press area was fairly busy as people set about trying to locate power cords and wireless connectivity.
The teamsheet showed that Sammy Morrow had missed out, having not recovered from a knock during the week. This prompted a discussion as to whether City would line up 4-4-2 or 4-5-1. As the crowd slowly filtered in, the PA guys were telling me that the Bohs players were choosing the music this season. This in no way explaining the succession of shockingly bad 80s "hits" that we were subjected to.
However the main event soon arrived and we'd plenty of action in the first 15 minutes. City hit first, with the Tommy Stewart goal after 8 minutes. He let the ball come across the front of his body, then hit it low into the right corner, leaving Murphy sprawling on the turf. A great finish, with Gareth McGlynn the architect. We were ahead! Cue joyous scenes on the far side as the travelling support celebrated a goal, probably somewhat earlier than they may have expected.
Unfortunately it wasn't to last, with Bohs back on level terms within ten minutes. Having had a shout for a penalty moments earlier, Bohs got a free kick when Molloy tackled Brennan. The winger stepped up and curled it into the far corner, with Doherty caught flat footed. Indeed from where I was sitting, Doherty's lack of reaction indicated that the ball must have taken a deflection on the way in. However everyone behind the flight of the ball confirmed that it was straight and true. This brought the home support to life and indeed Bohs probably had the better of the game from there on in, although it was far from a classic.
In the age of multimedia, I was providing a commentary on our game, watching the Rovers game on rte.ie and also an eye on the latest scores. All at the same time as trying to battle with the Wifi dropping at Dalymount.
The game was littered with sloppy passing and late challenges, never developing a rhythm. Fenn and Ndo were at the best of what the home side offered, whereas City seemed to lack ideas going forward. Stewart dropped back into midfield, leaving Farren to plough the lonely furrow up front. Stewart was my man of the match on the night, working tirelessly up and down the pitch and always offering an option for City. Bohs continued to press in the first half and although they forced a number of corners, Gerard Doherty wasn't unduly troubled by any efforts on goal.
The half time was enlivened by the appearance of the NOTW girls, and a general discussion on Rovers and Tallaght. The only problem is that it is a seriously cramped area and a visit to the toilet was in order after drinking a litre of water during the first half. A less than elegant exit and re-entry and I was ready to go for the second half.
City were struggling in the middle of the park, with the industrious Keegan and Deegan causing problems. Kearney had a very disappointing debut and as I remarked on commentary reminded me of a 16 year old trying to play with the adults. He was too slow to the ball, knocked off it far too easily and always got drawn inside, leaving the Derry side very narrow. I am loathe to criticise players from my own team, but his performance was so poor as to be glaringly obvious.
The second half was a repeat of the first, littered by errors on both side. Twice Crowe managed to get away from Hutton but fail to capitalise. It was one of the games where you start to notice that Pizza is losing another bit of pace. Fortunately, so is Crowe and the danger was averted.
However the best chance of the second half fell to Farren, when he was sent clear by Higgins. The striker seemed to be caught in two minds as to whether to round the keeper or to shoot. He seemed to plump for the compromise, to shoot whilst trying to take it round Murphy. The keeper got a glove to the ball, pushing it out for the corner.
Both sides probed for the rest of the second half but clear cut chances were in short supply. The main highlights were the now predictable shambolic decisions by officials. Mr Stokes obviously felt that his role as centre of attention was under threat and he proceeded to book Ciaran Martyn for what was not only a fair challenge, but one in which he won the ball!
The game petered out into a 1-1 draw which the away side will probably be the happier with.
Back in the house just after 1am which was not bad.
Roll on Tallaght!
Consensus: Good Point
Good Points: Tommy Stewart, not getting beat, the "shorts display" by the QUBSUDCFCSC
Bad Points: Liam Kearney, midfield over-run at times
Crowd guestimate: 1700
Thursday, March 12, 2009
iCandy, live from Dalymount
After missing out last week due to exams, I'm back in the hotseat.
Live commentary from 7.30pm on Bohs v Derry, catch it on iCandy
See y'all there
Live commentary from 7.30pm on Bohs v Derry, catch it on iCandy
See y'all there
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Futsal, what's that all about?
Having missed my fix of the Candystripes this week, I headed to the National Basketball Stadium to watch City in the semi finals of the Futsal tournament.
For anyone unfamiliar with the rules of Futsal, check it out
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Futsal
Derry had beaten Dundalk to make it through to the semi finals, where they were up against last year's winners, St Pats.
I'd been to watch Futsal before, at the 07 Pan American games, but this was the first time I had seen any of the Irish competition. I'd heard about the Pats team, which was made up of Brazilians last year, and wondered what they would be like this year.
The Basketball Arena is visible from the M50 but it isn't easy to find, and the game had already started by the time I landed in. There were about 50 spectators in the arena, with the vast majority of them Brazilians.
The Pats team appeared to be made up entire of Brazilians, though I did notice two Irish lads on the bench. The spectators appeared to be the friends and families of the players and I was certainly the only City fan in attendance.
Derry were 2-1 when I arrived and George McBridel, the coach, was the only one of the Derry personnel I recognised. A quick glance at the programme indicated that the squad was
Martin Healy
Lee Roddy
David Shovlin
Cillian Morrison
Darren Harkin
Seanan McColgan
Conor Heagherty
Martin Gallagher
Conor Browne
Carl O'Hagan
Darren Coyle
Adam Clarke
Keith Toland
Sean McNeill
There only seemed to be ten Derry players between those on the bench and on the field, so not all the City players appeared to have travelled.
Watching the game was a bizarre experience, surrounded by Brazilians going mental, all to a samba beat soundtrack which was supplied by a trio of drumers.
The first thing which struck me was a number of Pats players seemed significantly older that the City squad. I reckon the keeper and one of their players was in the mid/late twenties. City's squad on the other hand was all the young guns.
The game is all action, and delays in a restart can see the advantage overturned. City trailed 3-2 at the break but were more than a match for Pats. Whilst the Saints may have been flicks and tricks, City players should no little skill of their own. Derry were fast and direct, and whilst Pats may have had more of the ball the Candystripes were well in the game.
The second half was to prove a different story, with City having a man sent off for two yellow cards. Pats brought out a Wanger Love lookalike upfront in the second half. In jumping for a ball he led with his elbow and caught the Derry player with his elbow. Nothing was given, but the next time the same Pat's player got the ball he was emptied. Cue multiple rolling about on the surface. Personally I thought the Derry player had got the ball first, but it was certainly a physical challenge which resulted in a yellow card.
This also produced a bit of friction in the stands, with the Pats fans going mental and turning round to shout at me, as if I was somehow responsible. The game continue, with Pats pulling away to 5-3. Pats introduced another player, who I thought was playing in his socks. On closer inspection(when he fell over and I saw soles) he was wearing a pair of plimsoles which were reminiscient of the standard PE footwear of the 80s.
Wagner Love was launched from the bench again and within minutes was once again involved. The same players clashed once again and the Pats player collapsed in a heap, a second yellow card was produced was City were down to four men. Once again it seemed much ado about nothing, and in the empty arena the anger of the City players was clearly audible.
Pats immediately used the advantage to move 6-4 ahead. If you read the rules of Futsal, you are down to four men for two minutes, or until the other team scores. Having lost the goal City were back up to five, but the sending off have deprived City of one of their most impressive performers.
Pats had a full bench and used this effectively as the clock ticked down, whilst the young City team started to tire. However the incidents were not over yet. A ball was lofted forward and the City forward tried to toe it in, as the keeper tried to block him. It wasn't a 50/50 ball, it was a 70/30 ball for the Derry player. I didn't see any contact but the keeper went down in a heap and started rolling round and round. The referee was unmoved, much to the annoyance of the keeper. He got to his feet again, protesting loudly, walked back to get the ball and then crouched down complaining again.
The referee basically told him to get on with it, but the keeper was having none of this. In order to show his displeasure he launched the ball out of ball, much to the annoyance of his manager. I don't have much Portugese but there was definately one or two curses from the manager. In the middle of this, the manager was having to deal with an irate parent who obviously disagreed with a decision.
As the time ticked down, Pats brought on a reserve keeper, which meant that the pyscho keeper was now on the bench it seemed to ignite his erratic behaviour. He began running up and down behind the Pats bench, just roaring and shouting. The manager was pleading with him to sit down, the fourth official tired to intervene, but to no available.
City were awarded penalty after a clumsy challenge by the "Plimsole Kid" and lashed it home to make it 7-5 with two minutes left. They did have the chances to make it a grandstand finish and it was not to be as they bowed out in the semi final stage.
The final whistle was greeted somewhat overenthusiastically, with a mass pitch invasion by the Pats side, and a load of Brazil flags flying amongst the support. As City trooped off, it wasn't to be their day, but they can be very proud of their performance.
As I headed home I met the Cork side on the way in for the second semi final. Their coach for the day? Liam Murphy. Anyone that remembers Liam from his playing days wouldn't associate him with the skills required for futsal :)
For anyone unfamiliar with the rules of Futsal, check it out
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Futsal
Derry had beaten Dundalk to make it through to the semi finals, where they were up against last year's winners, St Pats.
I'd been to watch Futsal before, at the 07 Pan American games, but this was the first time I had seen any of the Irish competition. I'd heard about the Pats team, which was made up of Brazilians last year, and wondered what they would be like this year.
The Basketball Arena is visible from the M50 but it isn't easy to find, and the game had already started by the time I landed in. There were about 50 spectators in the arena, with the vast majority of them Brazilians.
The Pats team appeared to be made up entire of Brazilians, though I did notice two Irish lads on the bench. The spectators appeared to be the friends and families of the players and I was certainly the only City fan in attendance.
Derry were 2-1 when I arrived and George McBridel, the coach, was the only one of the Derry personnel I recognised. A quick glance at the programme indicated that the squad was
Martin Healy
Lee Roddy
David Shovlin
Cillian Morrison
Darren Harkin
Seanan McColgan
Conor Heagherty
Martin Gallagher
Conor Browne
Carl O'Hagan
Darren Coyle
Adam Clarke
Keith Toland
Sean McNeill
There only seemed to be ten Derry players between those on the bench and on the field, so not all the City players appeared to have travelled.
Watching the game was a bizarre experience, surrounded by Brazilians going mental, all to a samba beat soundtrack which was supplied by a trio of drumers.
The first thing which struck me was a number of Pats players seemed significantly older that the City squad. I reckon the keeper and one of their players was in the mid/late twenties. City's squad on the other hand was all the young guns.
The game is all action, and delays in a restart can see the advantage overturned. City trailed 3-2 at the break but were more than a match for Pats. Whilst the Saints may have been flicks and tricks, City players should no little skill of their own. Derry were fast and direct, and whilst Pats may have had more of the ball the Candystripes were well in the game.
The second half was to prove a different story, with City having a man sent off for two yellow cards. Pats brought out a Wanger Love lookalike upfront in the second half. In jumping for a ball he led with his elbow and caught the Derry player with his elbow. Nothing was given, but the next time the same Pat's player got the ball he was emptied. Cue multiple rolling about on the surface. Personally I thought the Derry player had got the ball first, but it was certainly a physical challenge which resulted in a yellow card.
This also produced a bit of friction in the stands, with the Pats fans going mental and turning round to shout at me, as if I was somehow responsible. The game continue, with Pats pulling away to 5-3. Pats introduced another player, who I thought was playing in his socks. On closer inspection(when he fell over and I saw soles) he was wearing a pair of plimsoles which were reminiscient of the standard PE footwear of the 80s.
Wagner Love was launched from the bench again and within minutes was once again involved. The same players clashed once again and the Pats player collapsed in a heap, a second yellow card was produced was City were down to four men. Once again it seemed much ado about nothing, and in the empty arena the anger of the City players was clearly audible.
Pats immediately used the advantage to move 6-4 ahead. If you read the rules of Futsal, you are down to four men for two minutes, or until the other team scores. Having lost the goal City were back up to five, but the sending off have deprived City of one of their most impressive performers.
Pats had a full bench and used this effectively as the clock ticked down, whilst the young City team started to tire. However the incidents were not over yet. A ball was lofted forward and the City forward tried to toe it in, as the keeper tried to block him. It wasn't a 50/50 ball, it was a 70/30 ball for the Derry player. I didn't see any contact but the keeper went down in a heap and started rolling round and round. The referee was unmoved, much to the annoyance of the keeper. He got to his feet again, protesting loudly, walked back to get the ball and then crouched down complaining again.
The referee basically told him to get on with it, but the keeper was having none of this. In order to show his displeasure he launched the ball out of ball, much to the annoyance of his manager. I don't have much Portugese but there was definately one or two curses from the manager. In the middle of this, the manager was having to deal with an irate parent who obviously disagreed with a decision.
As the time ticked down, Pats brought on a reserve keeper, which meant that the pyscho keeper was now on the bench it seemed to ignite his erratic behaviour. He began running up and down behind the Pats bench, just roaring and shouting. The manager was pleading with him to sit down, the fourth official tired to intervene, but to no available.
City were awarded penalty after a clumsy challenge by the "Plimsole Kid" and lashed it home to make it 7-5 with two minutes left. They did have the chances to make it a grandstand finish and it was not to be as they bowed out in the semi final stage.
The final whistle was greeted somewhat overenthusiastically, with a mass pitch invasion by the Pats side, and a load of Brazil flags flying amongst the support. As City trooped off, it wasn't to be their day, but they can be very proud of their performance.
As I headed home I met the Cork side on the way in for the second semi final. Their coach for the day? Liam Murphy. Anyone that remembers Liam from his playing days wouldn't associate him with the skills required for futsal :)
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Different sport, same attitude
Keith Duggan's piece in the Irish Times today,
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2009/0307/1224242447590.html
Whilst it is directed at GAA fans, could equally apply to LOI fans.
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2009/0307/1224242447590.html
Whilst it is directed at GAA fans, could equally apply to LOI fans.
RDS, slipping down the list.
When I was a kid I used to love the RDS. I can remember Rovers playing there in the early nineties and I for some reason I remember going to Chicago Pizza Pie Factory before a game there. The things you remember as a kid eh?
I was there for the classic Liam Coyle diving header, Pascal getting emptied in front of the stand and falling into it. Remember the urban legends about players having to get tetanus injections and the like. It always seemed strange to have the support in the Anglesea Road Stand, which was high up but yet right over the pitch. It was quite a contrast to the Brandywell, where the pitch seemed miles away when you were a kid.
Anyway, after last season's Cup final heartache I am less fond of the place and today didn't endear me any more to it. There is no doubt that the new stand on the far side has made it an impressive venue, but I would rather it was a kip and we had won the cup. I had three exams there today, in the same hall as I had my lunch before the Cup final. That was bad enough, but then the car wouldn't start after the exams were finished. Cue a call to the AA and not getting out of the RDS until well over two hours after the exams were finished. Not a good day all in all.
I was there for the classic Liam Coyle diving header, Pascal getting emptied in front of the stand and falling into it. Remember the urban legends about players having to get tetanus injections and the like. It always seemed strange to have the support in the Anglesea Road Stand, which was high up but yet right over the pitch. It was quite a contrast to the Brandywell, where the pitch seemed miles away when you were a kid.
Anyway, after last season's Cup final heartache I am less fond of the place and today didn't endear me any more to it. There is no doubt that the new stand on the far side has made it an impressive venue, but I would rather it was a kip and we had won the cup. I had three exams there today, in the same hall as I had my lunch before the Cup final. That was bad enough, but then the car wouldn't start after the exams were finished. Cue a call to the AA and not getting out of the RDS until well over two hours after the exams were finished. Not a good day all in all.
1 down, 3 points, 35 more to go.
Derry 1 Drogheda 0
Off the mark and up and running. In a week where Galway are the early, and very unlikely pacesetters, City did what they had to do.
A win and a clean sheet is the requirement, though the football fan always demands more. I had exams on Saturday so there was no chance of a trip to the Brandywell for this one. The evening was spent clicking refresh, whilst watching the Dundalk v Bohs game on the TV. Revision was supposed to be the order of the day but after five minutes I just gave up and went back to following the games.
The City game didn't sound great, with Colin battling connection problems to try and get iCandy online. A call to me da at have time elicited nothing more than his voicemail. A few other contacts were also missing the opening game of the season due to a trip to England, so it McKeegan got the call to provide the half time summary.
His view was that we were all over them for the first twenty, then they had stopped us playing. I didn't detain him too long, as he was battling with the PA system to make himself heard. I was battling with the urge to through the radio at the wall, such was the infantile nature of the Newstalk sports show.
I didn't expect that we could match the sublime Friday Night Sportsnight, but I did expect some sort of coverage of the games. However we had Paul Parker slabbering about the FA Cup, a discussion of the ugliest pairing of Giles and Dunphy and then a repeat of the best bits of the show that week. It was enough to drive a man to drink, but I convinced myself otherwise.
It was back to the lads of the TV, who were desperately trying to find "highlights" from the first half of the Dundalk v Bohs game. They were sparse on the ground. More discussion centred around the pitch and the fact that Bohs hadn't really settled.
I thought the second half might prompt me to try and attempt a bit of study but once again, it was in vain. I was sitting staring at tax legislation whilst trying to remember previous games against Drogheda.If only the ICAI examined me on things like that. Anyways, it was back to the multimedia setup.
Derry managed to close out the victory, whilst Bohs resorted to type and managed to win a game that looked set for a draw. The real story was that coming out of Inchicore as Galway tanked Pats at home.
Final whistle. Phone calls to McKeegs as to the second half performance. Nervy last twenty he said, we should have been out of sight by then. Stewart very good, Farren should have had a hatrick. Thank him for the call. Me da back in the house and phones me. Apologises for lack of availability, some issue with his mobile. His view, Stewart runs up blind alleys, and the full back should have realised Stewart would always cut inside from the left flank. However competent performance in his view, decent crowd.
Look at the watch,11pm. No point trying to do any study now. Lets just hope that narrative question of the description of the 2005 season comes up in the paper.
Off the mark and up and running. In a week where Galway are the early, and very unlikely pacesetters, City did what they had to do.
A win and a clean sheet is the requirement, though the football fan always demands more. I had exams on Saturday so there was no chance of a trip to the Brandywell for this one. The evening was spent clicking refresh, whilst watching the Dundalk v Bohs game on the TV. Revision was supposed to be the order of the day but after five minutes I just gave up and went back to following the games.
The City game didn't sound great, with Colin battling connection problems to try and get iCandy online. A call to me da at have time elicited nothing more than his voicemail. A few other contacts were also missing the opening game of the season due to a trip to England, so it McKeegan got the call to provide the half time summary.
His view was that we were all over them for the first twenty, then they had stopped us playing. I didn't detain him too long, as he was battling with the PA system to make himself heard. I was battling with the urge to through the radio at the wall, such was the infantile nature of the Newstalk sports show.
I didn't expect that we could match the sublime Friday Night Sportsnight, but I did expect some sort of coverage of the games. However we had Paul Parker slabbering about the FA Cup, a discussion of the ugliest pairing of Giles and Dunphy and then a repeat of the best bits of the show that week. It was enough to drive a man to drink, but I convinced myself otherwise.
It was back to the lads of the TV, who were desperately trying to find "highlights" from the first half of the Dundalk v Bohs game. They were sparse on the ground. More discussion centred around the pitch and the fact that Bohs hadn't really settled.
I thought the second half might prompt me to try and attempt a bit of study but once again, it was in vain. I was sitting staring at tax legislation whilst trying to remember previous games against Drogheda.If only the ICAI examined me on things like that. Anyways, it was back to the multimedia setup.
- TV on showing Dundalk v Bohs, subtitles on
- iCandy on the audio, Colin covering the Derry game
- In the DCFC chatroom with the rest of the exiles
- Other windows open,keeping up to date with the other games.
Derry managed to close out the victory, whilst Bohs resorted to type and managed to win a game that looked set for a draw. The real story was that coming out of Inchicore as Galway tanked Pats at home.
Final whistle. Phone calls to McKeegs as to the second half performance. Nervy last twenty he said, we should have been out of sight by then. Stewart very good, Farren should have had a hatrick. Thank him for the call. Me da back in the house and phones me. Apologises for lack of availability, some issue with his mobile. His view, Stewart runs up blind alleys, and the full back should have realised Stewart would always cut inside from the left flank. However competent performance in his view, decent crowd.
Look at the watch,11pm. No point trying to do any study now. Lets just hope that narrative question of the description of the 2005 season comes up in the paper.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Shirts off for the City
Tomorrow sees the launch of a "kitllection" for the Changaro Trust.
This is a project I've been involved in with the Supporters Trust in conjunction with Dermot Desmond, CPO and Eddie Kerr of seeds.ie.
Due to work I can't make it up tomorrow, but the Mayor will launch the scheme with representatives of the Supporters Trust as well as DCFC players and pupils from Oakgrove College.
The idea is to collect unwanted sports kit to help the Changaro Trust. To learn more about the Changaro Trust check out their page on Seeds. Following on from the inspirational example of the Glentoran Community Trust and their "Ghana Glens" project, we'd thought we tried to follow their lead.
I spoke to Dermot about it and after a quick meeting with Eddie, we were up and running. Kit can be donated at various venues around the City and it certainly is a worthy cause. Although we are in tough times, we all have piles of gear lying about that we never wear.I've been lucky enough to visit Africa on a few occasions and the conditions make the "credit crunch" seem like a holiday camp.
It is certainly worth donating any gear you have lying about the house and hopefully we will be able to kit out a load of Kenyan kids in the beloved Candystripes.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Countdown's on.
A quick check of the countdown clock on the flashy new League of Ireland site, www.loi.ie, indicates 2 day, 20 hours and 27 minutes to the start of the new season.
Doesn't seem long since the heartbreak in the RDS and yet we're off again. Well, I'm not. Thanks to the geniuses in the ICAI I have exams this weekend so my first match will have to wait until City travel to Dalyer to play Bohs next week. Nightmare isn't in it.
Drogheda are a far cry from the side that many reckoned could retain their title. The bookies think the same, with City odds on for the win across the board. In fact there is very little to keen a punt in the opening fixtures, with possibly only Sligo or Drogheda to tempt those who fancy a flutter.
I could roll out all the old cliches about a good start etc being needed but we know what we need to do. We need to win more games and home and retain our 2008 away form. Do that and we'll certain be there or there abouts at the end of the season.
We be blogging home and away, about on and off the field matters for the course of the 2009 seaon. There will be up and downs, wins and losses, great trips and fiascos. All in all a standard League of Ireland season.
First up, enjoy Mr A's alternative prediction options from foot.ie
First Club to miss wage payments:
First Club to transfer list entire squad:
First club to enter examinership:
First Club (if any) to go under completely:
Likelihood of FAI having the balls to do anything meaningful about any of the above:
Number of clubs to gain asterisks this season:
Most bizarre reason for points deduction:
Number of times Bohs will sell Dalymount this year:
Number of times Bohs lose court cases:
In what month will Georgie leave Dundalk after a bust up:
Number of times Mental Mickey will receive red cards:
Number of players Roddy will mention that he signed or tried to sign previously:
Average time required to get a transfer fee owed by Derry City:
Month in which Sligo come up with their next scare story involving baby seals under threat of execution to raise funds:
Month in which Jeff Kenna jumps ship to move back to UK:
Number of different colours used for seats in the new stand in Tallaght:
Number of weeks before Hegarty loses it completely and batters the entire Harps squad, and how many times he uses the phrase 'to be perfectly honest' before that happens:
Number of EGMs Cobh will have this year:
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