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Irish Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Irish Times
Shamrock Rovers hold the lead as season reaches its halfway point – what we learned from Friday's League of Ireland
Mid-season break may have its benefits Damien Duff questioned the merit of the League of Ireland 's mid-season break this week, but results on Friday night suggest a small rest might be appropriate. Eight goals were scored across the five games, with half of them coming in Waterford and Drogheda's 2-2 draw at the RSC. Even the imperious league leaders, Shamrock Rovers , looked lethargic as they played out a 0-0 against an admittedly impressive Galway United defensive unit. Duff's comments disregarded that the break coincides with a round of international fixtures, for which the league pauses at other points throughout the year. Joseph Anang was on the bench for Ghana against Nigeria on Wednesday and flew back to take part in a 1-0 victory for St Pat's in Sligo. Others, including Josh Honohan, have games to look forward to in a week's time. Regardless of international commitments, this interval has been part of the league's schedule for years. Still, on the evidence of last night, some sides could use a small rest. READ MORE Shamrock Rovers finally held but lead remains intact You have to go back to March to find the last game in which Shamrock Rovers failed to score a goal, but the league leaders were frustrated by a resilient Galway side in Tallaght on Friday night. The Tribesmen seemed to take a lot from their hard-fought victory over Cork City last week, coming out with a confident zip to their play belying a run of four defeats in five. Gradually, the Hoops did take control, but aside from one impressive save to deny Danny Grant, Evan Watts didn't look overly stretched in Galway's goal. Rovers' lead at the top stays at six points, and confidence will be high heading into the second half of the campaign. Galway will hope to build off an organised, disciplined performance – the sort of foundation that John Caulfield and Ollie Horgan demand. Late goal specialists flip the script Bohemians have developed a reputation for winning games late on this season, with memorable victories arriving at the death against the likes of Shamrock Rovers, St Pat's and Galway United. The moment of consequence in their game against Derry City, however, arrived within 30 seconds. James Clarke's strike from the edge of the area hit Mark Connolly's arm, and referee Rob Hennessy pointed to the penalty spot. It felt harsh in the moment, and Connolly would argue he had no time to adjust. As he did against Shelbourne two weeks ago, Dayle Rooney converted. Bohemians' Dayle Rooney scores a penalty against Derry City. Photograph: INPHO/James Lawlor Bohs deserved their victory and should have scored more. Derry were unusually disordered, emphasised by Tiernan Lynch making four substitutions by the time the second half began. To make matters worse, his fifth change Robbie Benson managed to collect two yellow cards in 20 minutes – neither the product of particularly harsh challenges. The home side can now look back on an impressive first half of the season. If they manage to wholly avoid a repeat of the poor form they showed in the opening seven games, European football looks likely. Drogheda remain tough to beat Drogheda United's scintillating early season form may have cooled, but their cockroach qualities are going nowhere. Like many sides before them, Waterford discovered how difficult it is to bury the Drogs, who twice scored from corners to escape the RSC with a point. Conor Keeley's injury time goal, smashed in from all of two yards, will haunt John Coleman as he looks to address his side's Achilles heel – set pieces. Pádraig Amond, who set up Tommy Lonergan early on, looked to have won the game when he cleverly diverted Dean McMenamy's drive past Luke Dennison. The away side though, despite a late red card for Elicha Ahui, remain in second place thanks to a valuable draw. Nash's Cork City show signs of life Ger Nash claimed his first point as Cork City manager but may feel as though his side could have taken more in an impressive showing against the champions. Damien Duff talked up the weight of Shelbourne's trip to Cork in the build-up, but his side struggled to echo his message on the pitch in a lacklustre first-half performance. Cork were the better side, with Djenairo Daniels and Seani Maguire looking like a cohesive pairing and playing into each other's strengths. Shels looked solid but docile. Shelbourne's JJ Lunney and Djenairo Daniels of Cork City. Photograph: INPHO/Bryan Keane Despite his best efforts, Mark Coyle has looked understandably uncomfortable at times in his makeshift centre-half position this season. Another such occasion arrived near the hour mark – Maguire, making his first start since suffering a hamstring injury against Waterford at the beginning of March, leapt high above the Shels captain to head home a looping cross from Milan Mbeng. Plenty of times this season, Shelbourne have patiently controlled the ball and struggled to unlock well organised defences. Here though, Cork looked comfortable at 1-0 and may have gone on to win had there not been a moment of inspiration from Ali Coote. On as a substitute, Coote twisted on the edge of the area and arrowed a low strike in off Tein Troost's far post. Neither side will be thrilled with a point, and both have plenty to improve on in the second half of the season. Still, with David Meyler now in alongside Nash as Cork's number two, there may be something to build on. Looking ominous for Sligo Rovers Sligo Rovers didn't play badly but came away with nothing on Friday night, in a familiar and disheartening story for the league's bottom-placed side. Like Bohemians, St Pat's took advantage of an early penalty (converted by Aidan Keena) and never needed to build on their lead. The Bit O'Red had decent half-chances without ever mounting a barrage on their visitors. Sligo now have one win in eight games and sit 11 points behind eighth place Waterford. With the constraints of their fully supporter-owned model, it is difficult to imagine much can be solved in the July transfer window. Still, games like last night's make it feel like the gap on the pitch is only marginal.
The 42
26-05-2025
- Sport
- The 42
St Pat's goalkeeper set to make international debut with Ghana
ST PATRICK'S ATHLETIC goalkeeper Joseph Anang is set to make his international debut with Ghana after he was called up to their senior squad for the first time. Ghana will take on Nigeria in an international friendly this Wednesday in London. If Anang starts, he will the club's ninth full international while with St Pat's. Anang was previously on loan with St Pat's from West Ham in 2022 and returned to the Dublin side last season. St Pat's are currently fifth in the Premier Division table, and will travel to face Sligo Rovers at the Showgrounds on Friday evening. Advertisement Joseph Anang has been called up to the Ghana senior squad for the first time 👏 🇬🇭 @GhanaBlackstars will face Nigeria in London on Wednesday If Joe features, he'll be our 9th full international while with St Pat's Congratulations Joe & good luck#StPatsFC 📸 @sportsfile — St Patrick's Athletic FC (@stpatsfc) May 26, 2025
Irish Daily Mirror
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
St Pat's star receives international call-up for Unity Cup in London
St Patrick's Athletic goalkeeper Joseph Anang has been called into the Ghana squad for the first time. The 24-year-old has been named in the Black Stars' squad for the Unity Cup which takes place in London. And Anang will be hoping to feature in Wednesday's game against Nigeria, at Brentford's Gtech Community Stadium. Click this link or scan the QR code to receive the latest League of Ireland news and top stories from the Irish Mirror. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. The winner will advance to a final against Trinidad & Tobago or Jamaica, with the loser going into a third-placed playoff. Late last season, Anang revealed how Ghana have been monitoring him for two years with a view to a call-up. At the time, the Saints ace said: 'We have been speaking the last two years but I was at West Ham as a No 3 and not playing. 'They might look at me more in the future (being back at St Pat's), you never know. I'm just putting in the work and waiting for a call-up.' Arsenal's Thomas Partey and Mohammed Kudus of West Ham have been told they can sit out the Unity Cup, so won't be part of the squad with Anang. Antoine Semenyo, and Kamaldeen Sulemana and Inaki Williams are other notable absentees.
The Irish Sun
26-05-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
St Patrick's Athletic goalkeeper Joseph Anang called into Ghana squad for the first time
ST PAT'S keeper Joseph Anang has been called into the Ghana squad for the first time. Anang returned to St Pat's last summer on a permanent deal having previously enjoyed a successful stint on loan from West Ham in 2022. Previously capped by England at under-20 level when he was with the Hammers, he has caught Ghana boss Otto Addo's eye with his performances for the Saints. Anang moved to England as a teenager and had previously spoken about wanting to represent the country of his birth. And that has moved a step closer with his call-up for the Unity Cup at Brentford's GTech Community Stadium. The other keepers in the squad are 23-times capped Lawrence Ati-Zigi, an ever-present for Swiss side St. Gallen this season and Hearts of Oak's Benjamin Asare, who won his first two caps in March. Read More On Irish Football The revived Unity Cup - which included Ireland when last held in 2004 - also features Jamaica, Nigeria and Trinidad & Tobago. The Black Stars face Nigeria in their semi-final on Wednesday with a final and third-place play-off on Saturday. As the games do not fall during the international window, St Pat's were not obliged to release their keeper. And it is understood that he will return to Ireland after the first game and be available for St Pat's league match away to Sligo Rovers on Friday, their last before the mid-season break. Most read in Football 1 The 24-year-old is regarded as one of the best keepers in the Premier Division Roy Keane smirks live on TV before responding to Ruben Amorim's claim that the 'good days are coming' for Man Utd
Irish Times
03-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Times
St Pat's go top and Waterford win again – what we learned from Friday's League of Ireland action
St Pat's top with victory over wasteful Galway United St Pat's produced a commanding first half and a resilient second on Friday night as they recovered from last-minute Dalymount despair to go top of the league. Galway United created a host of chances after half-time but could not find a way past Joseph Anang. In truth, his impressive display was aided by an unusually profligate performance from the league's top scorer, Moses Dyer. The Tribesmen held a man advantage for the last 20 minutes after Axel Sjoeberg picked up two yellow cards in quick succession, but they failed to capitalise. Half an hour in, despite surrendering most of the possession, Dyer should have put Galway in front. Jeannot Esua did well to gather Cian Byrne's ball near the touchline, cutting it back through a packed six-yard box for the New Zealander, who just couldn't make enough contact to beat Anang. READ MORE Moments later, Galway were punished. Kian Leavy galloped forward well, bouncing a one-two off the returning Aidan Keena and firing low. Clarke should have done better as the ball skidded in off his feet, but it was just rewards for the home side's pressure and Leavy's ambition. Stephen Walsh was immediately withdrawn for Sean Kerrigan as John Caulfield tweaked Galway's shape, but the change did little to stem the tide. Zach Elbouzedi's effort from distance deflected kindly off Rob Slevin, slicing into the corner and giving Clarke no chance. Pat's may question why they fell flat in the second half, but Stephen Kenny will be delighted with a victory that moves them above both Galway and Drogheda at the top of the tree. Derry make statement with comfortable win over Shelbourne Shelbourne 's shaky defence has been a topic of discomfort for Damien Duff this season, undermining a side that won the title from a very solid, tough-to-beat foundation. Two more sloppy goals settled matters at the Brandywell on Friday night. Michael Duffy has been in terrific form for Derry , and he must have been surprised at the space he was afforded from a deep, in-swinging corner kick after a quarter of an hour. Untracked, the winger met the ball sweetly on the volley, finding the corner for his sixth of the season. If the first goal was bad, the second was dismal from a Shelbourne perspective. Jonathan Lunney played a poor, scooped ball back to Sam Bone, who made a meal of his touch. It allowed Liam Boyce to pounce and finish deftly beyond Kearns – his campaign has finally started to pick up steam. Harry Wood came off the bench to score a league-winning goal the last time these sides met in Derry, but his introduction did little to threaten a resolute home defence. It's four games without a win for the champions and a statement victory for the Candystripes – their first league win over Shels since 2023 – as they move to within two points of first place. Sligo show fight at the Showgrounds Sligo 's agm was held earlier this week, and manager John Russell emerged with credit in the bank, praised for keeping his side competitive with the odds stacked against them. If they are to survive this year, they'll need plenty of heart and perseverance – the sort they showed in spades at the Showgrounds on Friday night. In an exceptionally tight league, the Bit O'Red are in danger of falling behind the pack, but this was an impressive comeback and a potential platform to build on. Strangely, Sligo are joint top scorers in the League of Ireland, but they are leaking far too many goals. Conor Keeley got the first on Friday night. Underutilised at St Pat's last season, the defender is proving to be a highly effective weapon in this Drogheda side. Danger looms when Keeley and the rest of his backline trot forward for set-pieces, and he should never have been allowed the freedom to tap in Andrew Quinn's knockdown. Just after the hour, Warren Davis played a hopeful ball into the box, somehow wrongfooting Sligo captain John Mahon and directing Thomas Oluwa through on goal to make it 2-0. It was the sort of defending the home side can't afford, and they looked certain to be heading for another damaging defeat. Tenacity comes in different forms though, and the rally that followed owed to the endeavour of Will Fitzgerald. The winger did brilliantly to tee up Owen Elding, who continued exceptional breakout season with a simple finish at the back post. Francely Lomboto had a big impact off the bench, and he found joy in a similar pocket to Fitzgerald. Skipping past Keeley, Lomboto fizzed a low ball across the area and led the celebrations as it deflected in off the unfortunate James Bolger. Both sides pushed for a winner, but a draw was ultimately a fair result. Back to reality for Bohemians as managerless Waterford secure big Dalymount win Having defied the odds so often over the last couple of weeks, it was always likely that Bohemians ' good form would falter in a game they were expected to win. Waterford look to be moving closer to appointing a replacement for Keith Long, but Matt Lawlor will earn plenty of plaudits for the job he has done in the interim. It's back-to-back wins for the Blues who have put some daylight between themselves and bottom-place Sligo. Their first on the night was a cracker. Just before the half-time whistle blew, the ball sat up nicely for former Arsenal youth product James Olayinka. He unleashed a venomous strike from 25 yards into Kacper Chorazka's bottom corner before diving headfirst into the ground in celebration. Bohs had been the better side in the first half, and they arrived with intent for the second period. Quickly, they were level. Jordi Flores hit the woodwork with a header at the back post, and the rebound seemed to come off Darragh Leahy as it bundled into the Waterford net. Not to be discouraged, Waterford regrouped and retook the lead through Tommy Lonergan, who kept his composure with a neat finish after a defensive mix-up between Chorazka and Sean Grehan. Bohs pushed for yet another late comeback, but the game proved a step too far. Depleted Cork City hold Shamrock Rovers Shamrock Rovers dominated proceedings at Turner's Cross but couldn't punish Cork City , who stayed in the game long enough to nick a precious point. Rory Gaffney showed good instincts early, reacting to John O'Sullivan's strike as it bounced up off Tein Troost's post and volleying smoothly into the centre of the goal. Gaffney should have had a second minutes later, as a wayward Freddie Anderson clearance fell to him eight yards out – this time he could only fire over. It was Anderson that levelled things an hour later. The defender, and son of European Cup winner Viv Anderson, found the ball at his feet after a poorly worked Cork free kick. He smashed it into the corner and, despite an impressive cameo from the highly regarded 16-year-old Victor Ozhianvuna, City held on for a vital draw. Chance to take advantage of double header It shouldn't make much difference, but the scheduling of a double header tends to afford teams an opportunity for momentum. Derry City and St Pat's meet each other on Monday after both earned impressive wins on Friday night. It is a chance to take six points from three days, and to inject real rhythm in a league that is so often devoid of any extended winning runs. Shelbourne, Galway United and Shamrock Rovers will all be eyeing up winnable home fixtures after a fast turnaround.
