UCD 0 – 2 Sligo Rovers | Airtricity Premier League
Rovers fans who have travelled to UCD in recent years, well read or not, have rarely enjoyed their time watching their sides exploits against the Students. But on this particular evening Padraig Amond and Gavin Peers were on hand to ensure there was plenty to celebrate.
Goals in the opening moments of each half secured three points for the visitors in a game that could have been a potential banana skin for Rovers.
Joseph Ndo won a free kick after some 30 seconds, and it was swung into the UCD box by Richie Ryan. The Student’s keeper, Billy Brennan failed to claim the incoming ball and it fell to the feet of Danny Ventre, whose shot was guided into the net by Padriag Amond, extending his league goals for the season to 10.
UCD went close after a quarter of an hour with midfielder Greg Bolger having a shot deflected over Richard Brush’s bar.
Chris Mulhall was giving Iarfhlaith Davoren a hard time down the right wing and showing his ability, he beat the former Galway United man and crossed to find Keith Ward who shot over the bar.
The second half began with another mistake by Brennan. Again he failed to claim a cross that found its way to Joseph Ndo. Ndo squared to John Dillon who shot across the face of goal.
Gavin Peers had been threatening to score in recent games from corners and on 47 minutes the Dubliner who has been attracting attention from across the water powered home a Joey Ndo corner.
The home side always threatened to score and just after the hour mark Evan McMillan connected with a Brian Shortall cross but the woodwork was on hand to save Richard Brush’s blushes.
Rovers were happy to surrender the majority of the possession to Martin Russell’s side and try and capitalise on the break. One such opportunity saw John Russell go close, shooting just wide, after the industrious Ndo linked up well with John Dillon who set up Russell.
With a quarter of an hour left Richard Brush kept Rovers in the game saving from Evan McMillan on two occasions.
The heat was turned up in the final minutes of the game with two straight red cards issued for each side. Referee Declan Hanney adjudged Alan Keane’s strong tackle on Ciaran Nangle a sending off offence, despite some Rovers fans who were close to the incident claiming Keane won the ball.
And Greg Bolger was given his marching orders after a clash with Richard Brush.
The result leaves Rovers in seventh, a point behind UCD and just 8 points off St Pats at the summit, as the league goes into its two week sabbatical. Next up for Paul Cook and Co. is the visit of St Pat’s for the fifth meeting of the side to date this season.
Between now and then personal changes are expected in the Rovers squad, with Romould Boco rumoured to be returning to the Showgrounds. Former St Pat’s, Bohs and Shelboure defender Colin Hawkins has also been on trial on Church Hill in recent weeks. Hawkins is currently playing his football with Brighton & Hove Albion.
UCD: B Brennan, A Boyle, S Harding, E McMillan, C Nangle, G Bolger, P Corry, D McMillan, C Mulhall, K Ward, C Kilduff. SUBS R Creevy, M McGinley, G Rusk(for Ward 55”), B Shortall (Harding on 55”), D Wilson.
Sligo Rovers: R Brush, I Davoren, A Keane, G Peers, D Ventre, J Dillon, J Ndo, J Russell, R Ryan, P Amond, E Doyle. SUBS: C Kelly, M Doninger, G McCabe(for Doyle 61”), C O’Grady, P Whelan.
Showing posts with label Paul Cook. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Paul Cook. Show all posts
Wednesday, 9 June 2010
Monday, 31 May 2010
Goal Fest Continues at Showgrounds.
Padraig Amond joined Bohemian's striker Jason Byrne at the top of the goal scoring table after netting himself a brace against basement side Bray Wanderers at the Showgrounds on Saturday night last.
The 5-1 score line mean Rovers have now scored 17 goals in their last 3 home games, albeit against sides Paul Cook's tallent squad should be beating easily. However, Drogheda United who suffered a 6-0 loss in the Showgrounds in recent weeks did manage to prevent St Pat's going top of the league on Saturday with a 2-1 win over Pete Mahon's side, proving to the unpredictability of this years league.
Rovers made three changes for the visit of Bray to the Showgrounds from the side that lost to Dundalk, John Dillon coming in for the suspended Gary McCabe. Iarfhlaith Davaoren returning from injury came in at left back, and John Russell partnered Richie Ryan in the centre of the park.
It took just 12 minutes for Rovers to open the scoring. Joseph Ndo swung in a corner from under the Jinks Avenue Stand, the Bray defense failed to clear the allowing Padraig Amond to force the ball past Brian Keane in the Bray goal.
Eoin Doyle brought his goal tally for the season to three 10 minutes later. John Dillon fed the former Shamrock Rovers player and all Doyle had to do was beat the keeper, putting the ball over the head of the out-rushing Keane.
John Russell did all the hard work for Rovers third goal, five minutes before the break. Seizing possession in the middle of the park the Galway man serged forward and shooting with his left he put the ball past a once again helpless Keane.
Padraig Amond has been setting the example with his goal scoring and this continued in the dying minutes of the first half. Eoin Doyle was clever in picking out a the Carlow man, heading the ball to Amond who converted from close range.
A free kick for Bray just before the break saw Jake Kelly go close but failed to force Richard Brush into a save.
The home side's flowing football continued where it left of at the start of the second half. A sweeping move resulted in Joey Ndo scoring his first in Sligo Rovers colours. The former Cameroon international tapping in from close range.
Later in the second half Paul Cook tried to reinvigorate a Rovers side that had become a little complacent after scoring 5. Jason McCartney coming on for Iarfhlaith Davaoren, Dean Marshall replacing John Dillon and Mark Doninger coming in for John Russell who is still short match fitness following his long term injury.
Eddie Gormley's side did their goal difference some good on 89 minutes. Jake Kelly this time forced Brush into a save but John Mulroy was on hand to was on hand to find the net with the rebound.
Sligo Rovers: R. Brush; . A. Keane, G. Peers, 5. D. Ventre,. I. Davoren (J McCartney 61). J. Dillon (D. Marshall 76). R Ryan, J Russell (M. Doninger 68), E Doyle; 15. J Ndo, P Amond. Subs not used: C. O'Grady, C. Kelly.
Bray Wanderers: B Kane, D Doyle, C Tresson (N Byrne 64), D Webster, D Massey; J Mulroy, C Shields, J Kavanagh (D Vickers 45), JKelly; S O'Neill, R Doyle (S Brennan 45) Subs not used: I Tuohy, A O'Connor.
The 5-1 score line mean Rovers have now scored 17 goals in their last 3 home games, albeit against sides Paul Cook's tallent squad should be beating easily. However, Drogheda United who suffered a 6-0 loss in the Showgrounds in recent weeks did manage to prevent St Pat's going top of the league on Saturday with a 2-1 win over Pete Mahon's side, proving to the unpredictability of this years league.
Rovers made three changes for the visit of Bray to the Showgrounds from the side that lost to Dundalk, John Dillon coming in for the suspended Gary McCabe. Iarfhlaith Davaoren returning from injury came in at left back, and John Russell partnered Richie Ryan in the centre of the park.
It took just 12 minutes for Rovers to open the scoring. Joseph Ndo swung in a corner from under the Jinks Avenue Stand, the Bray defense failed to clear the allowing Padraig Amond to force the ball past Brian Keane in the Bray goal.
Eoin Doyle brought his goal tally for the season to three 10 minutes later. John Dillon fed the former Shamrock Rovers player and all Doyle had to do was beat the keeper, putting the ball over the head of the out-rushing Keane.
John Russell did all the hard work for Rovers third goal, five minutes before the break. Seizing possession in the middle of the park the Galway man serged forward and shooting with his left he put the ball past a once again helpless Keane.
Padraig Amond has been setting the example with his goal scoring and this continued in the dying minutes of the first half. Eoin Doyle was clever in picking out a the Carlow man, heading the ball to Amond who converted from close range.
A free kick for Bray just before the break saw Jake Kelly go close but failed to force Richard Brush into a save.
The home side's flowing football continued where it left of at the start of the second half. A sweeping move resulted in Joey Ndo scoring his first in Sligo Rovers colours. The former Cameroon international tapping in from close range.
Later in the second half Paul Cook tried to reinvigorate a Rovers side that had become a little complacent after scoring 5. Jason McCartney coming on for Iarfhlaith Davaoren, Dean Marshall replacing John Dillon and Mark Doninger coming in for John Russell who is still short match fitness following his long term injury.
Eddie Gormley's side did their goal difference some good on 89 minutes. Jake Kelly this time forced Brush into a save but John Mulroy was on hand to was on hand to find the net with the rebound.
Sligo Rovers: R. Brush; . A. Keane, G. Peers, 5. D. Ventre,. I. Davoren (J McCartney 61). J. Dillon (D. Marshall 76). R Ryan, J Russell (M. Doninger 68), E Doyle; 15. J Ndo, P Amond. Subs not used: C. O'Grady, C. Kelly.
Bray Wanderers: B Kane, D Doyle, C Tresson (N Byrne 64), D Webster, D Massey; J Mulroy, C Shields, J Kavanagh (D Vickers 45), JKelly; S O'Neill, R Doyle (S Brennan 45) Subs not used: I Tuohy, A O'Connor.
Sunday, 16 May 2010
Rovers hit Drogheda for Six
Sligo Rovers 6 - 0 Drogheda United | Airtricity League Premier Division
When was the last time a Sligo Rovers team scored 12 goals in consecutive games? Because that's just what Paul Cook's side has managed after Saturday night’s 6-0 win over Drogheda United in the Showgrounds.
Rovers dispatched Ulster Senior League side, Letterkenny Rovers six nil, earlier in the week in the League Cup.
Padraig Amond scored his first competitive hat trick for the Bit O’Red, Gavin Peers and John Dillon were also and the score sheet for the home side. But it was Richie Ryan’s opener just before half time that received the biggest applause from the Showground’s faithful.
On 44 minutes Eoin Doyle caught the pressing Drogheda defence cold when he was set free by a pass from deep. Brian King was the last defender and had little choice but to prevent Doyle’s march towards goal resulting in a straight red for the Drogheda midfielder.
Gary McCabe struck the resulting free kick – the ball found its way to the feet of Ryan just outside the Drogheda box and following some tidy foot work to make space, the Tipperary man struck a sublime shot into the top left hand corner and beyond the diving Paul Skinner.
Apart from Ryan’s goal, the first half proved little to get excited about. Iarfhlaith Davoren made a return to the starting XI but was substituted before half time. The player happy to get as many minutes under his belt as possible as he continues to recover from a leg injury that’s kept him out of the side for the last number of weeks.
An injury to Conor O’Grady saw John Russell start his first league game for Rovers after his competent display coming on for the last 25 minutes of the six nil win over Letterkenny Rovers during the week.
Although still not completely match fit, Russell was tenacious when tackling and progressive on the ball.
Richard Brush didn’t have a save to make all night, allowing his back four to roam further forward with confidence. Five minutes into the second half centre half Gavin Peers’ diving header from a corner again left Skinner no chance in the Drogheda goal.
Three minutes later and Padriag Amond put the game beyond Alan Mathew’s side to make it three nil. Richie Ryan set the former Shamrock Rovers striker away for Amond to convert into the bottom left hand corner.
Jason McCarthy who replaced Iarflaith Davoren at left back showed why he’s been impressing for the A Team or late. Running the length of the pitch on the Jinks Avenue side for the ground, the former Summerhill student crossed at the by line for Amond to tap-in from close range.
Wide man John Dillon got his first goal since joining the club after 77 minutes. Dillon was on the pitch less than 60 seconds as replacement for the busy Gary McCabe when he found the net. Amond broke into the box and unselfishly squared for Dillon to score.
Amond made it 6-0 on 85 minutes rounding Skinner to convert. The recent goal flourish comes as a timely boost for Paul Cook’s side who it seems were lacking confidence in front or goal.
Sligo Rovers now have the second best scoring record in the league behind table toppers Dundalk who are next on the fixture list this Friday night (May 21st) in Oriel Park.
The win sees Rovers leap-frog Galway United into 7th on goal difference with a game in hand on Sean Connor’s side.
When was the last time a Sligo Rovers team scored 12 goals in consecutive games? Because that's just what Paul Cook's side has managed after Saturday night’s 6-0 win over Drogheda United in the Showgrounds.
Rovers dispatched Ulster Senior League side, Letterkenny Rovers six nil, earlier in the week in the League Cup.
Padraig Amond scored his first competitive hat trick for the Bit O’Red, Gavin Peers and John Dillon were also and the score sheet for the home side. But it was Richie Ryan’s opener just before half time that received the biggest applause from the Showground’s faithful.
On 44 minutes Eoin Doyle caught the pressing Drogheda defence cold when he was set free by a pass from deep. Brian King was the last defender and had little choice but to prevent Doyle’s march towards goal resulting in a straight red for the Drogheda midfielder.
Gary McCabe struck the resulting free kick – the ball found its way to the feet of Ryan just outside the Drogheda box and following some tidy foot work to make space, the Tipperary man struck a sublime shot into the top left hand corner and beyond the diving Paul Skinner.
Apart from Ryan’s goal, the first half proved little to get excited about. Iarfhlaith Davoren made a return to the starting XI but was substituted before half time. The player happy to get as many minutes under his belt as possible as he continues to recover from a leg injury that’s kept him out of the side for the last number of weeks.
An injury to Conor O’Grady saw John Russell start his first league game for Rovers after his competent display coming on for the last 25 minutes of the six nil win over Letterkenny Rovers during the week.
Although still not completely match fit, Russell was tenacious when tackling and progressive on the ball.
Richard Brush didn’t have a save to make all night, allowing his back four to roam further forward with confidence. Five minutes into the second half centre half Gavin Peers’ diving header from a corner again left Skinner no chance in the Drogheda goal.
Three minutes later and Padriag Amond put the game beyond Alan Mathew’s side to make it three nil. Richie Ryan set the former Shamrock Rovers striker away for Amond to convert into the bottom left hand corner.
Jason McCarthy who replaced Iarflaith Davoren at left back showed why he’s been impressing for the A Team or late. Running the length of the pitch on the Jinks Avenue side for the ground, the former Summerhill student crossed at the by line for Amond to tap-in from close range.
Wide man John Dillon got his first goal since joining the club after 77 minutes. Dillon was on the pitch less than 60 seconds as replacement for the busy Gary McCabe when he found the net. Amond broke into the box and unselfishly squared for Dillon to score.
Amond made it 6-0 on 85 minutes rounding Skinner to convert. The recent goal flourish comes as a timely boost for Paul Cook’s side who it seems were lacking confidence in front or goal.
Sligo Rovers now have the second best scoring record in the league behind table toppers Dundalk who are next on the fixture list this Friday night (May 21st) in Oriel Park.
The win sees Rovers leap-frog Galway United into 7th on goal difference with a game in hand on Sean Connor’s side.
Sunday, 9 May 2010
A GOAL AT LAST, BUT NO POINTS
Sligo Rovers 1 – 2 Bohemians
Sligo Rovers failed to move out of the bottom three in the Airtricity League of Ireland after a 2-1 loss to Bohemians in the Showgrounds on Saturday night. Goals from Jason Byrne and substitute Mark Quigley eared Pat Felon’s side all three points in what was a hard fought fixture.
On a positive note Sligo Rovers did end their 294 minute wait for a goal with Matthew Blinkhorn converting just before the hour mark. The last time a Rovers player found the net (Paidraig Amond) was in the 1-1 draw with Shamrock Rovers in Tallagh Stadium on the 26th of April; having played Sporting Fingal and Galway since this latest loss to Bohemians.
The reigning league champions travelled to the North West without a number of their first choice players. Captain Owen Heary, Steven Gray and Ken Oman were all out injured, while winger Gareth McGlynn is serving a ban.
The home side had the majority of chances throughout the game and it was Captain Conor O’Grady who went closest first, shooting over from close range. O’Grady received the ball to feet 12 yards out from goal after good work wide on the left from Gary McCabe and Joseph Ndo, but he couldn’t hit the target.
Former Bit O’Red winger Anto Murphy made life difficult for left back Danny Ventre. The Liverpool native found his name in referee Anthony Buttimer’s book after 14 minutes after pulling down the attacking Murphy.
Gary McCabe was the liveliest for Rovers. On 28 minutes the former Bray Wanderer was hauled down by Glenn Cronin just outside keeper Barry Murphy’s penalty area resulting in a free kick to the right of the area. It was a perfect opportunity for the left foot of Richie Ryan and despite standing over the ball, it was left to Joseph Ndo striking the free with his right and failing to trouble the Bohs rearguard.
Soon after that Bohemians took the lead. With 38 minutes gone Brian Shelley showed good movement to make space from Derek Foran and flashed a low cross in to find Jason Byrne who shot to the right of Richard Brush finding the net.
Just before the half time whistle Paul Cook’s side swept up field with Ndo, Blinkhorn and Ryan all contributing to a move that resulted in McCabe shooting over the bar.
Rovers started much the better of the two in the second half, McCabe again causing trouble and winning free kicks in dangerous positions, but the resulting attempts on goal lacked accuracy.
Rovers breakthrough came on the hour mark. Joseph Ndo’s corner from the left hand side at the Railway end found the head of the rising Matthew Blinkhorn who neatly put the ball past Barry Murphy.
That goal gave the home side a hunger for a second and with the chant of ROVERS, ROVERS, echoing around the Showgrounds O’Grady found himself in a shooting position only yards out from goal, he failed to grasp the nettle and laid off for the on-running McCabe whose looping shot beat Murphy in the visitors goal only to rattle the crossbar.
Keeping with tradition Paul Cook saw fit to withdraw the Bit O’Red’s most threatening player in the second half, replacing wide man Gary McCabe with John Dillon.
Half way through the second half Pat Fenlon withdrew full back and Sligo native Mark Rossiter opting for attacking midfielder Mark Quigley in an effort to counteract the homes side’s dominance.
With just over 5 minutes remaining the switch paid off. Paul Cook’s side began to tire and Quigley found himself in space at the back post. Fellow substitute Aaron Green picked out Quigley with a pass across the face of goal leaving the purple booted Quigley to tap in past a stranded Richard Brush.
All in all it was another game Rovers should have gained at least a point from.
However, another positive along with the Blinkhorn’s goal was the performance of Derek Foran, starting only his second league game of the season, the former Bray centre half did little wrong and should grow in confidence alongside Gavin Peers in the absence of Mauro Almeida who will be out for a number of months with following an operation on his Achilles.
Next up for Rovers is the EA Sports League Cup 2nd Round tie, home to Letterkenny Rovers next Tuesday night. It’s expected recent signing and former Galway United centre midfielder John Russell will make his debut the Bit O’Red.
Sligo Rovers: R Brush, D Ventre , D Foran, G Peers, A Keane, G McCabe, C O’Grady (for M Doninger 89”), R Ryan, E Doyle, M Blinkhorn, J Ndo. SUBS: C Kelly, P Whelan, J Dillon (for McCabe 78”), M Donning (for O’Grady 89”) P Amond (for Doyle on 87”)
Bohemians: B Murphy, C Powell, J McGuinnness, G Cronin, M Rossiter, K Brennan, B Shelley, P Keegan, A Murphy, J Byrne, R Cretaro. SUBS: C O’Connor, G Burke, R Higgins (for Byrne 88”), A Greene (for Cretaro 78”), M Quigley (for Rossiter 66”)
Sligo Rovers failed to move out of the bottom three in the Airtricity League of Ireland after a 2-1 loss to Bohemians in the Showgrounds on Saturday night. Goals from Jason Byrne and substitute Mark Quigley eared Pat Felon’s side all three points in what was a hard fought fixture.
On a positive note Sligo Rovers did end their 294 minute wait for a goal with Matthew Blinkhorn converting just before the hour mark. The last time a Rovers player found the net (Paidraig Amond) was in the 1-1 draw with Shamrock Rovers in Tallagh Stadium on the 26th of April; having played Sporting Fingal and Galway since this latest loss to Bohemians.
The reigning league champions travelled to the North West without a number of their first choice players. Captain Owen Heary, Steven Gray and Ken Oman were all out injured, while winger Gareth McGlynn is serving a ban.
The home side had the majority of chances throughout the game and it was Captain Conor O’Grady who went closest first, shooting over from close range. O’Grady received the ball to feet 12 yards out from goal after good work wide on the left from Gary McCabe and Joseph Ndo, but he couldn’t hit the target.
Former Bit O’Red winger Anto Murphy made life difficult for left back Danny Ventre. The Liverpool native found his name in referee Anthony Buttimer’s book after 14 minutes after pulling down the attacking Murphy.
Gary McCabe was the liveliest for Rovers. On 28 minutes the former Bray Wanderer was hauled down by Glenn Cronin just outside keeper Barry Murphy’s penalty area resulting in a free kick to the right of the area. It was a perfect opportunity for the left foot of Richie Ryan and despite standing over the ball, it was left to Joseph Ndo striking the free with his right and failing to trouble the Bohs rearguard.
Soon after that Bohemians took the lead. With 38 minutes gone Brian Shelley showed good movement to make space from Derek Foran and flashed a low cross in to find Jason Byrne who shot to the right of Richard Brush finding the net.
Just before the half time whistle Paul Cook’s side swept up field with Ndo, Blinkhorn and Ryan all contributing to a move that resulted in McCabe shooting over the bar.
Rovers started much the better of the two in the second half, McCabe again causing trouble and winning free kicks in dangerous positions, but the resulting attempts on goal lacked accuracy.
Rovers breakthrough came on the hour mark. Joseph Ndo’s corner from the left hand side at the Railway end found the head of the rising Matthew Blinkhorn who neatly put the ball past Barry Murphy.
That goal gave the home side a hunger for a second and with the chant of ROVERS, ROVERS, echoing around the Showgrounds O’Grady found himself in a shooting position only yards out from goal, he failed to grasp the nettle and laid off for the on-running McCabe whose looping shot beat Murphy in the visitors goal only to rattle the crossbar.
Keeping with tradition Paul Cook saw fit to withdraw the Bit O’Red’s most threatening player in the second half, replacing wide man Gary McCabe with John Dillon.
Half way through the second half Pat Fenlon withdrew full back and Sligo native Mark Rossiter opting for attacking midfielder Mark Quigley in an effort to counteract the homes side’s dominance.
With just over 5 minutes remaining the switch paid off. Paul Cook’s side began to tire and Quigley found himself in space at the back post. Fellow substitute Aaron Green picked out Quigley with a pass across the face of goal leaving the purple booted Quigley to tap in past a stranded Richard Brush.
All in all it was another game Rovers should have gained at least a point from.
However, another positive along with the Blinkhorn’s goal was the performance of Derek Foran, starting only his second league game of the season, the former Bray centre half did little wrong and should grow in confidence alongside Gavin Peers in the absence of Mauro Almeida who will be out for a number of months with following an operation on his Achilles.
Next up for Rovers is the EA Sports League Cup 2nd Round tie, home to Letterkenny Rovers next Tuesday night. It’s expected recent signing and former Galway United centre midfielder John Russell will make his debut the Bit O’Red.
Sligo Rovers: R Brush, D Ventre , D Foran, G Peers, A Keane, G McCabe, C O’Grady (for M Doninger 89”), R Ryan, E Doyle, M Blinkhorn, J Ndo. SUBS: C Kelly, P Whelan, J Dillon (for McCabe 78”), M Donning (for O’Grady 89”) P Amond (for Doyle on 87”)
Bohemians: B Murphy, C Powell, J McGuinnness, G Cronin, M Rossiter, K Brennan, B Shelley, P Keegan, A Murphy, J Byrne, R Cretaro. SUBS: C O’Connor, G Burke, R Higgins (for Byrne 88”), A Greene (for Cretaro 78”), M Quigley (for Rossiter 66”)
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