Eircom League of Ireland - Week 2

Cork City v Galway Utd – Live on RTE and in play
Cork’s start to the season is obviously a worry to fans and potential backers alike but they should have enough for a poor Galway side in front of RTE’s live cameras. However at best price 4/9, a home win couldn’t be recommended strongly. John O’Flynn has yet to prove his fitness but has been the only performer for Cork so far in 2 substitute appearances. A last goalscorer bet at 9/2 (Paddy Power) could pay dividends if O’Flynn comes off the bench again. If he starts opt for first scorer.

Bray v Bohemians
The worries regarding Bohs’ new signings materialised last week and against a more settled Bray side, they are to be opposed again. Boyle sports go 23/10 on the home win and that price is attractive enough but it what should be a low scoring affair, maybe play safe and back Bray +1 on the handicap market at 8/11 with Boyle

Drogheda v UCD
Drogheda have yet to score so far this season in 3 attempts and are struggling to justify early season money placed on the outright markets. UCD played their usual solid and unspectacular game last week and once again, under 2.5 goals looks nailed on. I’d back under 1.5 goals at 15/8 with Paddy power for greater rewards.

St Patrick’s Athletic v Waterford
St Pats are certainly the team of the moment. Following last week’s gamble in Longford, the 3-1 victory in Cork and the news of the Kelleher takeover deal, theior spirits shuld be at very high levels. Waterford’s defeat of Cork was a shock to many and by all accounts they failed to create many scoring chances. Ahome win at 8/15 (Lad broke) looks a banker

Shamrock Rovers v Longford
I fail to see how Rovers can be price as short as 5/6 for this game. Longford have a team of established premier division players while the majority of Rovers players are untried at the highest level. Although they may be favourites, I can’t recommend a bet on this game

Sligo Rovers v Derry City
Sligo fans feel that last week’s comprehensive victory in Galway should quieten commentators who predicted their demise this season. However it seems many pundits thought too highly of Galway and all match reports suggest Galway gifted the game to Sligo. Derry’s lack of firepower is worry but Pat Fenlon’s side should be too strong for Sligo and the 10/11 price given by Boyle should be accepted.

Recommendations
1 pt John O’Flynn last scorer (Cork v Galway) 9/2
2 pts Bray+1 v Bohemians 8/11
2 pts Under 1.5 goals Drogheda v UCD 15/8
3 pts St Patrick’s Athletic 8/15
1 pt Derry City 10/11

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The Cork/Galway game can be watched via the web at http://www.rte.ie/sport