We're getting to a stage where the League table starts to mean something. Dundalk are still on top but Bohs continue to surprise in second. Here's the State of the League of Ireland in Week 6.
The GIF of the Week
The Big Story (with bonus GIF!)
We've changed the order up slightly this week to highlight two separate incidents related this week's big talking point; referees. For the most part managers, players and fans who complain about the performances of officials at games are whinging crybabies looking to shift blame away from their own mistakes. However this weekend it could be argued that refereeing decisions played a part in 4 of the 6 PD games. Shamrock Rovers and St Patrick's Athletic were both annoyed with the red cards dished out to Keith Fahey and Lee Desmond and TV showed they had reasons to be upset.
The clips above however show the most egregious decisions of the weekend. In Dalymount Park, Longford Town were denied a clear penalty for Lorcan Fitzgerald's clumsy foul on Gary Shaw (and his booking for "diving" added insult there too). Who know how the game would have played out if that penalty was awarded? The decision to award Sligo Rovers a penalty for Galway keeper Ger Hanley's punch was equally as baffling. Sligo converted and won the game 1-0.
We know refs are humans and everybody make mistakes. Nobody is looking for refs to be perfect but surely even their staunchest defenders will have trouble explaining the decisions above? There's already been 16 red cards this season. Senior referees such as Neil Doyle, Dave McKeon and Derek Tomney are handing out more than 5 yellow cards a game currently. It's time for referees, managers and players to get together as this rate can't go on.
The Team Of The Week
Wexford Youths were hotly tipped to win promotion for the first time ever in pre-season. They opened the season with a defeat away to new-boys Cabinteely and another at home to Waterford. Since then they've won 4 straight including Friday's huge 4-2 win away to Shelbourne. The men in pink play host to leaders Finn Harps on Saturday in Ferrycarrig and a win there would see them top after the first series of games. With North End United in the FAI Junior Cup semi finals (and also the FAI Senior Cup 1st round), it's an exciting time for football in Wexford.
The Sportsfile Picture of the Week
Your Greatest League In The World™ Pic of the Week
We mostly use these pics to showcase some of the odder things that can happen in the League but here's a pic to highlight the good work done by clubs in their communities too. Galway United players supporting the upcoming "Darkness into Light" fundraising event held by Pieta House. Thanks to Paul O'Brien for the pic.
Your Greatest League In The World™ Club Tweet of the Week
Game paused for at least 15 minutes while generator cools down
— Wexford Youths FC (@WexfordYouthsFC) April 10, 2015
Stat of the Week
The 1895 Trust ballot shows that 95% of Shels fans are opposed to a move to Dalymount. This needs to be respected by DCC and the FAI. — Aidan Geraghty (@Aido1895) April 11, 2015
You can find the rest of the results from that ballot of Shels fans on the 1895 Trust's site. Over in Dalymount, club president Matt Devaney's programme notes indicated that they would have news of a a deal soon.
Next Week
Dundalk face their toughest test yet on Friday when they travel to Tallaght to take on Shamrock Rovers (who have yet to concede at home). A win is more important for Pat Fenlon's men so perhaps he'll set his team out to attack? Probably not though. Both teams have relatively handy games on the Monday of the long LOI weekend. 2nd placed Bohemians have 2 games against teams who have disappointed so far. If Pats can sort out their discipline they'll fear nothing on the Friday and on Monday Bohs travel to Sligo to face old boss Owen Heary. Cork City will look to make up ground with games in Drogheda and at home to Longford. 16 games held over 4 days. Plenty of action to keep you occupied.
ICYMI from the SSE Airtricity League this week;
- Brian Nolan's brilliant strike for Waterford
- James Chambers's aurally pleasing thwack for Pats
- Soccer Republic's audience make a terrible mistake
