Premier Division Week 1

1 UCD
Last season’s 1st Division Champions got off to a flying start with a 3-0 win away to Drogheda United. Having lost influential captain Ronan Finn to Sporting Fingal in the close season, Martin Russell has again recruited youth to fill the captain’s void. Ciaran Kilduff began the scoring on Friday night before Greg Bolger added a quickfire second goal two minutes later. Kilduff grabbed his second in the final minute to round off an impressive start to the new season. Next up for UCD is a home game against Bohemians.

2 St Patricks Athletic
St Patricks Athletic will look to put last season’s relegation battle behind them and got off to a good start against Galway United last Friday. Pete Mahon has wielded the axe over the summer to put his own feel to a team he inherited toward the latter end of last season. Captain Damian Lynch said nothing other than a win would be acceptable and his side produced a display to collect the three points. Crowd favourite Ryan Guy opened the scoring after just eight minutes for St Pats before Alex Williams added a second with 20 minutes left. Next up for St Pats is a trip to Tallaght Stadium for a clash with Shamrock Rovers.

3 Bohemians
Reigning champions Bohemians had to fight hard to secure an opening day victory against newly promoted Sporting Fingal. Pat Fenlon has recruited the best of the best during pre season, bringing in Barry Murphy, Raf Cretaro and Mark Quigley among others. A hotly fought Dublin derby was decided by a controversial penalty decision. Bohemians were awarded a penalty with 15 minutes remaining for a push on Anto Murphy. Killian Brennan stepped up to score and give Bohs a perfect start to the season. Next up is a trip to UCD.

4 Dundalk
Ian Foster’s first league game in charge of Dundalk ended in victory after a late goal downed Bray Wanderers. Foster has assembled a strong squad and will look to build on last seasons successful campaign. With the game seemingly ending in a draw, Garry Breen popped up with a 90th minute winner. Next up for Dundalk is a home game against Drogheda.

5 Shamrock Rovers
Shamrock Rovers had to settle for a point on day one of the Airtricicty Premier Division season. Ex-Hoops winger Eoin Doyle handed Sligo Rovers the lead after 22 minutes and they held the led until midway through the second half. Shamrock Rovers were then awarded a penalty for a hand ball following a free kick. Midfielder James Chambers, a new recruit from Drogheda United, scored the resulting penalty to earn a share of the spoils. O’Neill has strengthened his squad, particularly with the impressive acquisition of ex-Cork City trio Danny Murphy, Dan Murray and Billy Dennehy. Shamrock Rovers were forced to change tactics with the loss of last season’s top scorer Gary Twigg to injury before last Friday night’s match. Next up for the Hoops is a home game against St Pats.

6 Sligo Rovers
Sligo Rovers took an opening day point away from their clash with title chasing Shamrock Rovers. Eoin Doyle gave Sligo the lead before a James Chambers second half penalty levelled the game. A crowd of over 2,500 witnessed the opening day encounter in the Showgrounds. Paul Cook has held onto the majority of last season’s squad, although striker Raf Cretaro has left to join league Champions Bohemians. Next up for Sligo Rovers is a trip to Sporting Fingal.

7 Bray Wanderers
Bray Wanderers suffered a last minute defeat at home to Dundalk last Friday evening. Despite creating a lot of chances and battling throughout the game, Bray were undone by Garry Breen’s last gasp winner. Bray had prepared for 1st Division football this season until Cork City’s demise handed them a reprieve to remain in the Premier Division. This has, however, left Eddie Gormley with the difficult task of assembling a team in less than two weeks to survive in the Premier Division. Next up for Bray Wanderers is a trip to Galway United.

8 Sporting Fingal
Sporting Fingal’s first ever Premier Division match ended in defeat to reigning champions Bohemians in Dalymount Park last Friday evening. Fingal won promotion last year through the play-offs and Liam Buckley has a squad capable of challenging the top four this season. A controversial Killian Brennan 76th minute penalty was enough for Bohs to earn the three points. Buckley has brought in experienced players along with some promising youth. League of Ireland veteran Glen Crowe has joined from Bohs while promising defender Kenny Browne has joined from Waterford United. They will be happy with the performance despite the defeat. Next up for Sporting Fingal is a home game to Sligo Rovers.

9 Galway United
Sean Connor has taken the reins at Galway from Ian Foster but got off to a bad start on the opening night of the new season. Galway went down 2-0 to St Patricks Athletic in Richmond Park. To make matters worse on the night, Stephen O’Donnell was shown a first half red card for two bookable offence. O’Donnell is one of a number of new players in Sean Connor’s new squad, with winger Bobby Ryan also coming into the squad. Next up for Galway United is a home match against Bray Wanderers.

10 Drogheda United
Drogheda United suffered a bad opening day defeat to promoted UCD last Friday. Playing in front of a home crowd, Drogheda failed to perform and ended up losing 3-0. Alan Matthews side look to be in for another long season and are expected to battle with UCD and Bray Wanderers to remain in the Premier Division. Their defence is something that will need to improve before their next game. Next up for Drogs is a trip to face Dundalk.