Dundalk v St Patrick's Athletic | League Round 32 | Friday 07 October 2022 ko 19.45

[niall_hearty2000]

There are so many permutations and the Town end guys did this themselves last night, but after running through the remaining fixtures I put us gaining 7 points and them 9...

I think Rovers away is the only game they don't win. I don't see us getting anything in Derry (assuming the league is still alive by then) and hard to see maximum points in the other 3.

Obviously hopefully I'm wrong but It'd have them pip us by a point.

So I agree, Rovers wrapping up the title against them in the penultimate game could be a gift for us.

If we can't beat Finn harps away, bohs and Sligo at home (with or without Hoban) then quite frankly we don't deserve a European spot next season. We need to change up front for the remainder of the season, as it currently isn't working with Martin. Not sure McMillan has it anymore either.

[Carlingford Lad]

I think it will effectively be decided next Friday if we get nothing in Ballybofey. That would be setting Pats a 7 point target as we certainly won’t get anything in Derry. On their current form they’ll get at least 7 - and overhaul our slight GD advantage.

[mike]

I'm sorry to say I just can't see us holding on to 3rd, who is going to score the goals to win games? We need 3 more points to be guaranteed of 4th, I think that's where we will end up, then pray for Derry cup win.

So frustrating why we didn't hold the ball better at 90 mins and manage the result out.

[punkha]

I'm sorry to say I just can't see us holding on to 3rd, who is going to score the goals to win games? We need 3 more points to be guaranteed of 4th, I think that's where we will end up, then pray for Derry cup win.

So frustrating why we didn't hold the ball better at 90 mins and manage the result out.

We're 12 points ahead of 5th with 4 games left and massive goal advantage so we have that wrapped up we don't need 3 points.
Think next week will make or break us, 3 points v Harps with 2 home games left puts us still in good shape, anything less than a win and we'll struggle.

[Johnnybegood33]

Derry will win the Cup , so no panic . 3rd or 4th will do .👍

[Carlingford Lad]

Derry will win the Cup , so no panic . 3rd or 4th will do .👍

I’m pretty sure you’re right but I’d hate to be sweating it out until then.

[mike]

I'm sorry to say I just can't see us holding on to 3rd, who is going to score the goals to win games? We need 3 more points to be guaranteed of 4th, I think that's where we will end up, then pray for Derry cup win.

So frustrating why we didn't hold the ball better at 90 mins and manage the result out.

We're 12 points ahead of 5th with 4 games left and massive goal advantage so we have that wrapped up we don't need 3 points.
Think next week will make or break us, 3 points v Harps with 2 home games left puts us still in good shape, anything less than a win and we'll struggle.

Yes thats correct, would take us to lose all 4 also and 5th place need to win all, neither of that will happen.

Derry are a shoe in for the cup IMO, they (unfortunately like Pats) have the momentum building at the right time.

Look we all wanted 3rd, would have been a fantastic achievement given where we were this time last year, and how we performed up to Mid August, (and we still might get it - personally I don't see it), but if it has to be 4th and we get europe, do we really care, objective will have been achieved, and we will still be seeded in at least 2 rounds.

I said at start of season 'to qualify for europe by ANY method would be a great season and a recovery'

I stand by that.

[seand]

I thought we were good for the first 20 and should have been ahead before giving away a handy goal, then worked to get back on top and equalise before ht. Second half was even enough, but we were the better side over 90 minutes. It was far from brilliant but our best performance in weeks and if we play at that level against the likes of Harps, Sligo, Bohs we've every chance of 3rd. Hoban's an immense loss though, Martin and McMillan just not providing remotely as much. I'd almost suggest just going with 6 midfielders, but that didn't work at Rovers earlier in the season!

Don't rate Cotter, he had a couple of good storming runs towards the end but he's no defender and clearly Rovers don't rate him when the shipped him out on loan with Lopes out long term and a shedload of Euro games to manage.

[mike]

Christ Sean, Cotter destroyed us on both wings on Friday !

For FH away I would immediately drop Bone, terrible mistake for their opening goal, I'd have Macari in the centre with Boyle, keep Mountney RF and Leahy LF.

We met a group of Macari's mates over on Fri, bad luck for them with him dropped.

[Martin Lawlor80]

Christ Sean, Cotter destroyed us on both wings on Friday !

For FH away I would immediately drop Bone, terrible mistake for their opening goal, I'd have Macari in the centre with Boyle, keep Mountney RF and Leahy LF.

We met a group of Macari's mates over on Fri, bad luck for them with him dropped.

John Murphy said as much yesterday Mike on the sports academy.
I’d say SOD will stick with Bone for FH as he’s so big and FH will prob go very direct , making it a physical game.

[niall_hearty2000]

I agree mike, don't know what game Sean was watching. Cotter was excellent. And I would also play macari over Bone all day every day. Bone is shocking.

[Pepsi]

Serious question.. is Macari injured or is it a case of dropping him for Mount's??
The young lad doesn't deserve to be dropped if that is the case, has been one of our better players this season.
As for Cotter .... our fullbacks should be learning from his attacking play. They could learn a lot from his second half performance.

[niall_hearty2000]

Serious question.. is Macari injured or is it a case of dropping him for Mount's??
The young lad doesn't deserve to be dropped if that is the case, has been one of our better players this season.
As for Cotter .... our fullbacks should be learning from his attacking play. They could learn a lot from his second half performance.

No idea Pepsi. He seemed to be the scapegoat. Subbed off in games, and now on the bench. He is a decent defender. I know we won't get him but I'd d finitely be trying to get him again next season. Deserves his game and is a better defender than Bone.

[Richie87]

I wouldn't say Derry are a shoe in for the Cup. Shelbourne and Waterford are playing well. Phoenix Patterson probaly the most in form player in the Country. If him and Junior got to play in the wide space of the Aviva, they could do damage.

[oldfogey]

I wouldn't say Derry are a shoe in for the Cup. Shelbourne and Waterford are playing well. Phoenix Patterson probaly the most in form player in the Country. If him and Junior got to play in the wide space of the Aviva, they could do damage.

The Waterford - Shelbourne semifinal is interesting for more than the obvious reason. Waterford will be looking to come out of the First Division playoffs to face UCD/Finn Harps in the promotion/relegation playoff. That tie (I believe it's single leg but stand to be corrected) is scheduled for the week leading up to the cup final. A lot of football to be played yet but interesting potential clash of priorities.