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