Derry City vs StPats

[bt47red]

Serious performance tonight. Excellent midfield again. Best atmosphere in a long time in the new stand. Boyce excellent out the right and O’Reilly and Winchester immense doing the dirty work.

Class. Fingers crossed now we’ve turned a corner.

[Keyser Soze]

That was an enjoyable set of games over the weekend.

Great spirit, team seems to be gelling as a unit.
Players getting fitter.

Didn't see us getting all 6pts, but fantastic that we did. Makes the Waterford performance even harder to accept now.

Onwards and upwards.

[attack!attack!attack]

If we win tonight, I will liaise with DCSDC & other relevant stakeholders in relation to potential parade routes.

Will this be taking a traditional route?

TBD - I am now establishing the 'title parade committee' chaired by Jim Roddy, garnering input from the club, council, and members of civic society.

I thought I would live to regret suggesting such proactive planning - however we might actually have the league won by August at this rate.

[attack!attack!attack]

On a separate note, when Greengo was on the announcements, we got the attendances stated & it was a much better experience generally.

Greengo should get the gig.

The goalscorer name when announced etc has the energy/tone of a customer service announcement in Tesco (Waterside ).

[marcoloco]

That was an excellent game and performance.

First off a clean sheet v Pats is first class. Yes, they had the ball in the net twice but we'll take that slice of luck. We deserved it.

The defence, midfield and attack were excellent. I've been critical of Mullan in the past but I'm happy to be proved wrong - so credit where its due. Long may it continue.

The squad depth in now also starting to show its worth - making changes to keep the team fresh and the calibre of who we are bringing on the park is next level.

I don't hear anyone complaining about the team being too old now... ??

OReilly was excellent and deserved his MOTM whilst others played their part.

MuMullan was also closing down every Pats player and looked like he's had a new lease of life. His workrate was 10/10 as was Winchester.

Maher still looking a bit causal and could have cost us with his kick out. Not sure if its poor concentration or just his way but we need him back to his best and quick.

And finally, when tempers were frayed on the touchline wee TL managed to keep his calm. Hopefully, learning his lesson and is now all the better for it.

And finally - we are starting to see the importance of the North Stand. The Brandywell can be an intimidating place to come when the crowd is at full voice all round the stadium.

[rodgers]

Great result and great performance on the whole. Parts of it were reminiscent of the Bohs game in that we seemed happy heading and clearing anything crossed in.

Having said that, it will always be nervy at one nil and perhaps the fans rather than the players still remember games under the previous manager where attempts to sit on a one nil invited an equaliser.

Felt like the first Pats goal was a very tight call.

We are much better at double headers than last year so far and I think overall the fans are enjoying this more than previous years so far.

[marcoloco]

Great result and great performance on the whole. Parts of it were reminiscent of the Bohs game in that we seemed happy heading and clearing anything crossed in.

Having said that, it will always be nervy at one nil and perhaps the fans rather than the players still remember games under the previous manager where attempts to sit on a one nil invited an equaliser.

Felt like the first Pats goal was a very tight call.

We are much better at double headers than last year so far and I think overall the fans are enjoying this more than previous years so far.

Last year we were passive and the games lacked intensity. We were a pushover. Its was terrible.

We started this season with lots of aggression and intensity, but that resulted in lots of cards.

We seem to be learning that controlled aggression and intensity is the way to go...

[attack!attack!attack]

I thought we could've won by 2/3 toward the end, Pats were on their last legs at some points, particularly when we hit them on the counter.

A good night.

[Nige92]

I'm going to a bit of a killjoy in a moment but I'll start positive. Those were two really enjoyable games. The team played with an intensity and desire that didn't seem to be there earlier in the season. We were brilliant out of possession and working off the ball, both Shels and Pats created very few opportunities across the two games. That work has to be applauded.

I think we need to pump the breaks a little on any thoughts that we've completely turned a corner because:

1) Our three goals came from good fortune, one a well worked corner that required a lot to go right and two from mistakes of the defenders. We didn't have to break either team down to score. I would question whether that's something we can do against a set defence. We only created one or two chances outside the goals.

2) We took the lead which allowed us to sit deep and play on the counter. Again, I'm not sure how good we might be chasing when chasing a goal.

Ultimately I think a team that wants to be successful over a longer term needs to dominate possession and create a higher volume of chances. Playing the way we did in these two games is a start but we need to see more development in our attacking side of the game, as we can't rely on defenders gifting us opportunities each game. The work rate and defensive structure is a platform to build from but room for improvement

[attack!attack!attack]

I'm going to a bit of a killjoy in a moment but I'll start positive. Those were two really enjoyable games. The team played with an intensity and desire that didn't seem to be there earlier in the season. We were brilliant out of possession and working off the ball, both Shels and Pats created very few opportunities across the two games. That work has to be applauded.

I think we need to pump the breaks a little on any thoughts that we've completely turned a corner because:

1) Our three goals came from good fortune, one a well worked corner that required a lot to go right and two from mistakes of the defenders. We didn't have to break either team down to score. I would question whether that's something we can do against a set defence. We only created one or two chances outside the goals.

2) We took the lead which allowed us to sit deep and play on the counter. Again, I'm not sure how good we might be chasing when chasing a goal.

Ultimately I think a team that wants to be successful over a longer term needs to dominate possession and create a higher volume of chances. Playing the way we did in these two games is a start but we need to see more development in our attacking side of the game, as we can't rely on defenders gifting us opportunities each game. The work rate and defensive structure is a platform to build from but room for improvement

Parade postponed.

[TenaciousDee]

Greengo should get the gig.

Where do I start? First of all, I have no problems with Martin in the Comms room and I wouldn't criticise him personally but Greengo's stint on the PA has highlighted something I have stated on here for years.

We have deleted a few threads over the years (due to space) in which I broke down where the match night experience is going wrong and the playlist has always been a gripe for me. Over the years you could tell what song was going to be played and you could tell what time it would be played and be within a minute or two from your mark, without fail. I used to hear the songs were requested by the squad at the time but I am sure even they would have wanted it shook up.

Granted, having the same playlist helped Martin out so he could focus on the announcements but Greengo asked for requests and he played a good mix. In between discussions on the Radio I was able to hear The Faces, Emotional Fish and A Flock of Seagulls. To me that is quality and I enjoyed my experience. Over this last few days it has been back to the same old of Ventura Highway and a song that is allegedly about Jim McLaughlin. Also, announcements on LOI Football latest in both divisions have gone down well from what I have saw. That too wasn't present this weekend.

[brandyball]

Any news on the 2 Red Cards brandished to the Pats bench? Any truth that a punch was thrown from there?

[marcoloco]

Any news on the 2 Red Cards brandished to the Pats bench? Any truth that a punch was thrown from there?

Pats bench arguing / fighting with a steward and then fans got involved? No idea. that's just one of probably many different interpretations.

[Greengo]

Any news on the 2 Red Cards brandished to the Pats bench? Any truth that a punch was thrown from there?

Pats bench arguing / fighting with a steward and then fans got involved? No idea. that's just one of probably many different interpretations.

The steward didnt exactly enamour himself to the Pats bench to be fair... Why some of our fans thought it was a good idea to leave their seats and get involved was beyond me... and as for the plastic bottles etc that was thrown

[marcoloco]

Any news on the 2 Red Cards brandished to the Pats bench? Any truth that a punch was thrown from there?

Pats bench arguing / fighting with a steward and then fans got involved? No idea. that's just one of probably many different interpretations.

The steward didnt exactly enamour himself to the Pats bench to be fair... Why some of our fans thought it was a good idea to leave their seats and get involved was beyond me... and as for the plastic bottles etc that was thrown

I don’t think he’ll be back…

Unsure how it started but given our reputation at the minute we seem to have trouble every other week

[brandyball]

I'd heard it was a Pats backroom staff member who'd thrown the punch.

[bt47red]

Get greengo on the playlist and the speakers sorted in the new stand and we are on

[DeeDerry1975]

as we can't rely on defenders gifting us opportunities each game

I think for the 2nd against Shels and the winner against Pats those goals happen due to the intensity and press the team are doing. Neither goal happens if we stand off but both times Boyce and O'Reilly win the ball up high and it ultimately means the opposition are under pressure and lose the ball.

On another note the pass through from O'Reilly to Mullen was inch perfect

[attack!attack!attack]

Greengo should get the gig.

Where do I start? First of all, I have no problems with Martin in the Comms room and I wouldn't criticise him personally but Greengo's stint on the PA has highlighted something I have stated on here for years.

We have deleted a few threads over the years (due to space) in which I broke down where the match night experience is going wrong and the playlist has always been a gripe for me. Over the years you could tell what song was going to be played and you could tell what time it would be played and be within a minute or two from your mark, without fail. I used to hear the songs were requested by the squad at the time but I am sure even they would have wanted it shook up.

Granted, having the same playlist helped Martin out so he could focus on the announcements but Greengo asked for requests and he played a good mix. In between discussions on the Radio I was able to hear The Faces, Emotional Fish and A Flock of Seagulls. To me that is quality and I enjoyed my experience. Over this last few days it has been back to the same old of Ventura Highway and a song that is allegedly about Jim McLaughlin. Also, announcements on LOI Football latest in both divisions have gone down well from what I have saw. That too wasn't present this weekend.

Agreed.

Dear god, during Higgins' stint, at halftime every second week I had fingers in my ears (as a trauma response) waiting for GLORIA.

[stevebradley]

Greengo should get the gig.

Where do I start? First of all, I have no problems with Martin in the Comms room and I wouldn't criticise him personally but Greengo's stint on the PA has highlighted something I have stated on here for years.

We have deleted a few threads over the years (due to space) in which I broke down where the match night experience is going wrong and the playlist has always been a gripe for me. Over the years you could tell what song was going to be played and you could tell what time it would be played and be within a minute or two from your mark, without fail. I used to hear the songs were requested by the squad at the time but I am sure even they would have wanted it shook up.

Granted, having the same playlist helped Martin out so he could focus on the announcements but Greengo asked for requests and he played a good mix. In between discussions on the Radio I was able to hear The Faces, Emotional Fish and A Flock of Seagulls. To me that is quality and I enjoyed my experience. Over this last few days it has been back to the same old of Ventura Highway and a song that is allegedly about Jim McLaughlin. Also, announcements on LOI Football latest in both divisions have gone down well from what I have saw. That too wasn't present this weekend.

Agree re the tannoy announcements. The whole matchday experience at the Brandywell is pretty poor really - bare minimum stuff. It reallty needs a complete shake up.

Also - Given that we had 2 home games over the Bank Holiday weekend when the Jazz Festival was on - a major event for the city these days - then I think we missed an opportunity by not linking into that somehow e.g. having bands on at half-time. We talk about being a community club etc, yet too often do little to avtually weave ourselves fully into the life of the city.