Drogs to tighten title grip

Bohemians v Drogheda United

Entering the final third of the season, and it's deja vu as we relive the opening day fixtures. Bohs need to do better than the scoreless draw they achieved back in March; but one win in their last five league outings suggests that a near full strength Drogs eleven need not fret too much. The Drogs can be backed at over 6/4 with Bet Chronicle - an extraordinary price which must be taken.

Previous meetings:
Drogheda Utd 1-0 Bohemians Eircom League Premier Division 2007 13 Jul 07 ->>
Drogheda Utd 0-1 Bohemians Ford FAI Cup 2007 15 Jun 07 ->>
Bohemians 0-0 Drogheda Utd Eircom League Premier Division 2007 9 Mar 07 ->>
Bohemians 2-2 Drogheda Utd Eircom League Premier Division 2006 1 Sep 06 ->>
Drogheda Utd 1-0 Bohemians Eircom League Premier Division 2006 2 Jun 06 ->>

Stan James Prices
Bohs 15/8
Draw 11/5
Drogheda 6/5



Derry City v Bray Wanderers

Despite the general acknowledgement that Eddie Gormley is putting together a talented and attractive side in Wicklow, four consecutive defeats suggests strongly that it is a work in progress. Derry are unbeaten in six games now and should have too much for the Seagulls. Clive Delaney and Mark Duggan are suspended for the visitors who still miss Paul Dunphy, Colm Tresson and Derek Tyrrell; but John Broderick and Paul Caffrey make welcome returns from injury. The Candystripes have enough in reserve to cover the permanent fixture that is Eddie McCallion as he too serves a suspension. I don't see anything other than a Derry win, but at price I can leave it.

Previous meetings:
Derry City 1-0 Bray Wanderers Eircom League Premier Division 2007 9 Mar 07 ->>
Derry City 0-0 Bray Wanderers Eircom League Premier Division 2006 3 Nov 06 ->>
Bray Wanderers 2-3 Derry City Eircom League Premier Division 2006 4 Aug 06 ->>
Derry City 3-0 Bray Wanderers Eircom League Premier Division 2006 5 May 06 ->>

Stan James Prices
Bray 5/1
Draw 12/5
Derry 8/15


Galway United v Sligo Rovers

What is left to say about Galway United's abysmal home record? The recent return of Stephen O'Flynn is corrupted by his suspension for the visit of a Rovers side who have won their last four in the league. Add to that the fact that the Bit O'Red don't draw away games and it's unlikely that the Galway faithless will get that elusive win this weekend. 7/5 is best price against Sligo, it's worth a small interest.

Previous meetings:
Sligo Rovers 1-1 Galway Utd Eircom League Premier Division 2007 14 Jul 07 ->>
Galway Utd 0-2 Sligo Rovers Eircom League Premier Division 2007 9 Mar 07

Stan James Prices
Galway 2/1
Draw 2/1
Sligo 5/4


UCD v Shamrock Rovers

Following a dismal run of four consecutive lessons, the Students have steadied the ship somewhat with impressive outings against the likes of Bohs and Pats. Rovers are re-establishing their form after an eventful period of late. Ronan Finn's knee needs rest for the home side who hope to have Tony McDonnell available. Barry Ferguson is suspended for Rovers who are now without both first choice centre halves. I'm passing this over for betting purposes.

Previous meetings:
Shamrock Rovers 2-0 UCD Eircom League Premier Division 2007 16 Jul 07 ->>
UCD 0-0 Shamrock Rovers Eircom League Premier Division 2007 9 Mar 07 ->>

Stan James Prices
UCD 2/1
Draw 2/1
Rovers 5/4


Waterford United v Cork City

An opening day defeat to the Blues means that Rico will have his side firmly focussed for this engagenent. Johno sparkled against Kilkenny City last weekend and City's league hopes rest on the continuation of same. Dave Mulcahy's return will be a boost to the home side. This pair are vying for the Jekyll and Hyde title, ands both desperately need maximum points for vastly different reasons. O'Flynn's return to form makes backing Cork at any odds against price a good investment.

Previous meetings:
Cork City 2-0 Waterford United Eircom League Premier Division 2007 17 Jul 07 ->> Waterford United 1-0 Cork City Eircom League Premier Division 2007 9 Mar 07 ->>
Cork City 4-1 Waterford United Eircom League Premier Division 2006 3 Nov 06 ->> Waterford United 0-0 Cork City Eircom League Premier Division 2006 5 Aug 06 ->>
Cork City 2-0 Waterford United Eircom League Premier Division 2006 5 May 06 ->>


Stan James Prices
Waterford 3/1
Draw 9/4
Cork 4/5



Longford Town v St. Patrick's Athletic

Flancare Park is a dangerous place to go at the moment. Dave Mooney is scoring in his sleep, and the Town are showing serious signs of recovery. Dave Rogers is suspended for the Saints, but Gary O'Neill should be available. Colm James, Sean Kelly and Ian Ryan were cup-tied and return for the home side. I'm keeping the powder dry on this one.

Previous meetings:
St Patricks Athletic 4-2 Longford Town Eircom League Premier Division 2007 15 Jul 07 ->>
Longford Town 1-2 St Patricks Athletic Eircom League Premier Division 2007 10 Mar 07 ->>
Longford Town 0-0 St Patricks Athletic Eircom League Premier Division 2006 17 Nov 06 ->>
St Patricks Athletic 4-1 Longford Town Ford FAI Cup 2006 29 Sep 06 ->>
St Patricks Athletic 0-0 Longford Town Eircom League Premier Division 2006 18 Aug 06 ->

Stan James Prices
Longford 3/1
Draw 9/4
Cork 4/5

Pats & Derry the Cup Punts

Waterford United v Sligo Rovers

In form Sligo Rovers take a depleted squad to the RSC. Conor O'Grady and Keith Foy join Daniel Ventre on the suspended list as the conqerors of Shamrock Rovers in the last round attempt to take their league form into the country's premier knockout competition. The Blues have issues of their own, not least their record of five defeats in their last six league outings. But strange things happen in cup football - Shane Harte misses out through injury, Dave Mulcahy is cup-tied and Dave Warren is suspended. None of that seems strange at all on reflection. The 7/5 against Sligo at BetChronicle is a decent offer.

Previous meetings:
Waterford United 1-2 Sligo Rovers Eircom League Premier Division 2007 20 Jul 07 View Details
Sligo Rovers 1-1 Waterford United Eircom League Premier Division 2007 28 Apr 07 View Details
Sligo Rovers 0-0 Waterford United Eircom League Premier Division 2006 14 Oct 06 View Details Waterford United 1-2 Sligo Rovers Eircom League Premier Division 2006 14 Jul 06 View Details
Sligo Rovers 3-1 Waterford United Eircom League Premier Division 2006 15 Apr 06 View Details

Stan James Prices
Waterford 2/1
Draw 2/1
Sligo 5/4


Limerick 37 v Douglas Hall

Paul McGee's side have suffered from slippage lately, one point from the last nine available is the kind of form that will have the 2nd round's giant-killers rubbing their hands in anticipation of further glory. Having rattled four past Cobh Ramblers in the previous round this Douglas Hall team need not fear Lims, who are without the cup-tied Tommy Barrett, the injured Wayne Colbert and Paul Danagher who is suspended. Stephen O'Donnell misses out for the visitors; he's had to be content with a trip to Thailand as part of the Irish Universities squad. I don't know enough about the non-league side to wager on this game.

Previous meetings:
No recent meetings between these sides

Stan James Prices:
Limerick 1/3
Draw 3/1
Douglas 15/2


Bray Wanderers v St. Patrick's Athletic

Derek Tyrrell, Paul Dunphy and Paul Caffrey are out for Bray. Colm Tresson and John Broderick are 50/50. Clive Delaney and Mark Duggan saw red last week and sit this one out also. Eddie Gormley has yet to put one over on his alma mater since taking the tiller at the Carlisle Grounds but his talented young squad possess the ability to spring a surprise. Can Pats go one better than last season? With the title slipping further into the fog, the cup represents Johnny Mc's last chance of showing progression with some silverware this term. Both sides will welcome the distraction following some indifferent recent league form. Pats to win, the 11/10 generally on offer is a remarkable price, it must be taken.

Previous meetings:
Bray Wanderers 0-0 St Patricks Athletic Eircom League Premier Division 2007 22 Jun 07 View Details
St Patricks Athletic 3-1 Bray Wanderers Eircom League Premier Division 2007 30 Mar 07 View Details
St Patricks Athletic 5-1 Bray Wanderers Eircom League Premier Division 2006 20 Oct 06 View Details
Bray Wanderers 1-2 St Patricks Athletic Eircom League Premier Division 2006 23 Jul 06 View Details
St Patricks Athletic 3-0 Bray Wanderers Eircom League Premier Division 2006 19 Apr 06 View Details


Stan James Prices
Bray 3/1
Draw 9/4
Pats 4/5


Cork City v Kilkenny City

Another boss at a big club who needs to take the bare look of the trophy cabinet is el Rico. The time has come for his side to exhibit their quality against inferior opposition. Tommy Gaynor's arrival at Buckley Park has certainly livened things up and his squad report a clean bill of health following last week's victory over Limerick 37. Darren Murphy and Brian O'Callaghan are back in contention for a Cork side which has failed to win its last four games. Not one for betting.

Previous meetings:
No recent meetings between these two sides

Stan James Prices
Cork 1/6
Draw 9/2
Kilkenny 12/1


Finn Harps v Derry City

What's sure to be an internecine clash at Finn Park has captured the imagination of the Northwest's footballing fraternity, and sorority. Harps' top scorer Conor Gethins returns from a one game ban, as does Elokah Asokuh. Sean Hargan is available for the visitors, for whom Barry Molloy is suspended. City have rediscovered their goalscoring touch, but will need to be at their peak to slow down one of the country's most confident sides. 11/10 with Will Hill against Derry is a very tempting price, and I'll be taking some of it.

Previous meetings:
No recent meetings between these two sides

Stan James Prices
Harps 3/1
Draw 9/4
Derry 4/5


Longford Town v Fanad United

Longford's three game winning run with no clothes on was ended by the Candystripes last weekend; they should have enough in reserve to see off the challenge of Fanad United. Alan Matthews is a past master when it comes to winning cups and should have his troops naked and ready to begin another winning streak. Again I'm swerving a game involving a non-league side.

Previous meetings:
No recent meetings between these two sides

Stan James Prices
Longford 3/10
Draw 7/2
Fanad 15/2


Malahide United v Bohemians

Malahide welcome top drawer opposition for the second successive year in the FAI Cup to North County Dublin. Last year Pats did the needful; the Gypsys will be expected to do the same against the out of season amateurs.

Previous meetings:
No recent meetings between these two sides

Stan James Prices
Malahide 9/1
Draw 4/1
Bohs 2/9

Rovers on the double

Bohemians v Cork City

As good an opportunity as Bohs are going to have of defeating Cork City this season, as the Gypsys defend the last unbeaten home record in the Premier Division. Both sides have been misfiring in the league, although the hosts will take heart from their epic efforts in midweek. With Royboy history now and Denis Behan injured the visitors turn to the brittle John O'Flynn for goals and Leon McSweeney should get another opportunity to establish his credentials. Mick Devine's suspension is countered by the return of Sean Kelly. The Bohs faithful will be eager to get a glimpse of new signing Stephen McDonnell at some point. With both sides in suspect form it's best to pass this over for betting purposes.

Stan James Prices
11/8 Bohs
2/1 Draw
7/4 Cork



Derry City v Longford Town

With three wins on the bounce under their jockstraps Longford will be getting used to a new feeling - confidence; Derry's problems in front of goal continue to hinder their progress - just one goal in their last five outings has forced Robbo into action. Sean Hargan is suspended while his red mist evaporates, but Killian Brennan, Mark Farren and the pivotal Barry Molloy return from injury. Sean Kelly returns to add his gifts to Alan Matthew's model-thin squad. Backing the draw at 13/5 may be the best way to capitalize on Derry's modesty in front of the goals.


Stan James Prices
8/15 Derry
5/2 Draw
9/2 Longford



Drogheda United v St. Patrick's Athletic

The Drogs have not beaten Pats over 90 minutes this season; in truth they don't need to this time either. A safe draw will do the leaders who will have Graham Gartland and Guy Bates available. Despite rumours to the contrary Joe Ndo it seems has not been sacked by the Saints and he's expected to play a part here following an appearance for the U21's earlier in the week. The Saints' profligacy (just 10 points from the last 27) has been met with Drogs' consistency ( 23/27) and the onus is squarely on Johnny Mc's side in this crucial title clash. Anything over 3/1 is value against St Pats.


Stan James Prices
EVS Drogheda
2/1 Draw
5/2 Pats



UCD v Galway United

New signing Paul Murphy is available for the home side, with Shane McFaul and Paul Crowley returning from suspension. The visitors welcome the return of Stephen O'Flynn as they attempt to extricate themselves from the clinging soil of the relegation zone. Longford's new-found zeal must be causing Tony Cousins some sleepless nights and how he would love Terryland Park to be zapped by a meteorite forcing the Galwegians to play their remaining fixtures away from home. But I digress. Despite what looks like a poor run of form on paper, the Students have pushed Pats and Rovers to their limits, either side of a snatched victory over Bohs. Looks a draw, though I'm not playing at the prices.


Stan James Prices
11/10 UCD
2/1 Draw
9/4 Galway


Waterford United v Shamrock Rovers

There is merit in Pat Scully's comments about his side's recent efforts, although the manager's attempts at Matt Talbotism seem a little contrived. His squad are almost at full-strength, only Aidan Price remains absent. The Blues ended a dismal run of four consecutive defeats thanks to the generosity of Galway United's home form last week, but the Hoops will be afforded no time to mope following their semi-final defeat in midweek. I expect Rovers to return to winning ways, the generally available 6/5 is a decent price.


Stan James Prices
9/4 Waterford
9/4 Draw
EVS Shamrock Rovers



Sligo Rovers v Bray Wanderers

Sligo are playing some sweet football with Paul Cook at the helm, and picking up points to boot. Matt Gordon and James Meredith have still to figure for the Bit O'Red following their recent moves, while Matt Judge's ankle is a focus of concern. The home side will be feeling unbeatable right now, and that's just the way Bray like 'em. Following his side's abject effort against Longford Town a fortnight ago, Eddie G squeezed a heroic performance from Wanderers when the Drogs came to the Seagull's nest last weekend. Paul Dunphy is a long-term absentee for the visitors. BetChronicle go 10/11 a Sligo win - it's a good bet.


Stan James Prices
8/13 Sligo Rovers
12/5 Draw
4/1 Bray

Drogs Bankers At Bray

Cork City v Sligo Rovers

Cork get the opportunity to set the record straight against the side which embarrassed them back in May. Sean Kelly is suspended after last week's dismissal; there are a few injury worries for Damo also. Sligo are boosted by their midweek acquisitions, while Rafaele Cretaro is available after suspension. City; unbeaten in their last 6, haven't tasted defeat at home; while Rovers have not really impressed against the big boys on their travels. Looks a Cork win, don't like the prices though.

Stan James Prices
Cork 4/7
Draw 12/5
Sligo 9/2


Galway United v Waterford United

The Blues have their suspended quintet back, plus the formidable presence of Dave Mulcahy. Apart from that, their form makes for depressing reading. 4 consecutive defeats and just 2 points from 30 on the road; but wait....they're away to Galway United. Bottom trawlers Longford Town collected their only 3 points on the road at Terryland, so hope springs etc. Still, draws against Derry, Sligo and the Hoops in their last five games hint at the potential potential of Tony Cousins' side. Greg O'Halloran joins the cause, and Stephen O'Flynn, John Russell and Dave Cooke should be available. There's some Even Money Galway about- not a bad bet at all.


Stan James Prices
Galway 5/6
Draw 21/10
Waterford 3/1


Longford Town v Bohemians

It's hard to believe that the Town took all nine points in last season's duels between this pair. Alan Matthews will take no solace in the 'when your down your down adage' - Mark Rutherford is out for a while, alongside Daire Doyle and the recently recruited Ian Ryan. Damien Brennan returns from suspension but new signing Sean Kelly must sit this one out. Kevin Hunt and Conor Rafferty return from bans for Bohs, while Dessie Byrne serves one. SC's men have failed to win at the last three attempts, managing a single goal in those 270 or so minutes; and this is not a typo- Longford have picked up maximum points from their last 2 games. Could be a little trickier than the odds suggest, I'm not betting here.


Stan James Prices
Longford 3/1
Draw 9/4
Bohs 4/5


Shamrock Rovers v Derry City

A beautifully poised game should see little betwixt this duo, as was the case at the Randywell earlier in the season. Unless of course Rovers really are feeling the effects of their hectic pace thus far. Robbo has Derry close to where they were for the past two years; goals continue to be a problem though. Since sending 4 past Sligo Rovers the Candystripes have gone 4 without scoring in all competitions. Rovers conceded their first goals in six games last week and that performance hinted that Aidan Price's return cannot come too soon. Looks like one for playing the low goals. I don't expect Derry to score.


Stan James Prices
Rovers 11/8
Draw 2/1
Derry 7/4


Bray Wanderers v Drogheda United

Judging by the look on Eddie G's face following last week's abjectionable performance Drogheda are in for a tough game here. That of course should not faze Doolo's side who have won 6, drawn 2 of their last eight league appointments. Mark Duggan returns from suspension for the Seagulls, for whom Andrei Georgescu should be back. Graham Gartland is suspended for the Setanta Cup holders, who have new signing Guy Bates available. The Drogs are banker material. Skybet are 5/6 for best returns.

Stan James Prices
Bray 7/2
Draw 12/5
Drogheda 4/6


St. Patrick's Athletic v UCD

Following their Euro caning this offers a chance for the Saints to restore some pride and confidence against an uncharacteristically inconsistent Students' side. Pete Mahon's men like the cameras 'though as shown when they gave Shamrock Rovers a scare last time on live TV. They finally left a run of four defeats behind them with last week's last gasp win over Bohs. Shane McFaul's suspension will not help their cause in the tough midfield area. Peter Hynes and Pats' loan player Paul Murphy are available to beef up the visitors' goalshy frontline. Glen Fitzpatrick can do likewise for the must win Saints, who have been struggling to win games themselves of late - just two in their last eight league games. Pats are a little short to be supported.


Stan James Prices
Pats 8/13
Draw 12/5
UCD 4/1