Failed Statelet Premier League & Other Divisions 2021/22

[Clockwork]

Frantic finish, but The Glens hold on. Decent game from start to finish, good advert for the NIFL. McCarey with a couple of outstanding saves for the visitors. 

Edited January 17, 2022 by Clockwork

[Jacksgranda]

As has already been reported Glens win the 6 pointer at Solitude, ex Red Donnelly doing the damage with a double - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60029661

Glens 3 behind Linfield with both played the same. Cliftonville 2 points further back, maybe too much to do?

Highlights - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/av/football/60036841

McDermott happy - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/av/football/60029666

[Clockwork]

Crus Vs Glentoran Friday night live game. Sound off after less than 5 minutes, Portadown boss Matthew Tipton doing the Co-commentary. I don’t think I can manage 90 minutes of that!

Crus 1-0 up (12 Mins Robinson) Slack defending on the corner.

[Jacksgranda]

3 minutes ago, Clockwork said:

Crus Vs Glentoran Friday night live game. Sound off after less than 5 minutes, Portadown boss Matthew Tipton doing the Co-commentary. I don’t think I can manage 90 minutes of that!

Crus 1-0 up (12 Mins Robinson) Slack defending on the corner.

Should have had a penalty, too.

[Jacksgranda]

Some game! 2-1 to the Glens, as the Crues finish with 10 men

Edited January 21, 2022 by Jacksgranda

[Clockwork]

One game in the Championship last night as promotion contenders Annagh United travelled up to Bangor to take on Ards at Clandeboye Park. Half chances for both sides until Ruairi McDonald broke the deadlock just before the break on 44, with a deflected effort past Jack Lemoignan. The young keeper making his Debut on loan from Derry City.
Similar sort of pattern to the second half, a couple of decent chances spurned by the Portadown side late on, but having enjoyed most of the possession were rewarded with all three points to move into joint second.
Benny Igiehon new signing form Dergview also made his first appearance for Ards, albeit a quiet debut, the game finishing;
Ards FC 0 Annagh United 1.

[Jacksgranda]

Here's the reports on last night's games - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60092268

With both Glentoran and Cliftonville winning they close the gap on Linfield, Glentoran are second but only on goal difference with Cliftonville 2 points further back. However, the Blues have a game in hand which they play today against Glenavon at the International Windsor Park Stadium. Home win, I imagine.

Highlights - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/av/football/60092678

 

[Clockwork]

Here's the reports on last night's games - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60092268
With both Glentoran and Cliftonville winning they close the gap on Linfield, Glentoran are second but only on goal difference with Cliftonville 2 points further back. However, the Blues have a game in hand which they play today against Glenavon at the International Windsor Park Stadium. Home win, I imagine.
Highlights - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/av/football/60092678
 

Really enjoyable game at Seaview last night, both sides contributing but the Glens in particular are playing some entertaining stuff at the moment, hopefully they’ll continue to push each other ( Linfield and Cliftonville) all the way this season.[emoji106]

[Jacksgranda]

McDermott speaks out - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/live/football/60031289

[Clockwork]

Linfield 2 Glenavon 0 (The Blues restore their 3 point lead at the top). 

[Clockwork]

McDermott speaks out - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/live/football/60031289

Think perhaps he has a point?@Jacksgranda
The demeanour of some officials definitely doesn’t offer any recourse in certain situations on the park.

[Jacksgranda]

9 minutes ago, Clockwork said:

Think perhaps he has a point?@Jacksgranda
The demeanour of some officials definitely doesn’t offer any recourse in certain situations on the park.

I think it's more coded support for Stephen Baxter than anything else, tbh.

I didn't think the ref was that great last night, and a red card was a certainty. However, not sure having "good" personality would help.

Surprised more hasn't been made of the penalty incident in the first half.

Edited January 22, 2022 by Jacksgranda
Sleppnig

[Clockwork]

In the game of the day in the NIFL Championship, the top two met at Ferney Park, Ballinamallard Vs Newry. In a keenly fought contest, the home side hitting the woodwork twice, the sides were still neck and neck at 70 minutes. Newry eventually broke the deadlock with a Danny Hughes free kick that drifted across the box and into the net seemingly without an intervening touch. John McGovern then doubled their lead 5 minutes later to seal the win and extend their lead to 6 points.

Dergview were comfortable winners at home to Institute. Matt Buchannan and Matthew Kirk (pen) putting the Castlederg side 2-0 up at the break. Sub Patrick McLaughlin pulled one back for Stute on 62 before Mikhail Kennedy restored their advantage on 68 running out 3-1 winners, Institute seeing the game out with 10 men when Mark McFadden departed on 84 minutes.

In an entertaining game at Knockbreda the home side twice came back from behind against Ballyclare to take a share of the points. The Comrades quick out of the blocks in the Castlereagh Hills, with Jason Johnston opening after just 3 minutes. Ross McCaughan equalised for Breda to take the sides in level at the break. Ciaran Dobbin came off the bench to put the visitors back in front on 60 only for Nathan O'Neil to restore parity on 72. 2-2 the final score.

After their stunning away win at leaders Newry last week, H&W Welders came back to earth with a bump as bottom side Queens Uni took them to task at the Blanchflower Stadium. Queens recorded back to back wins for the first time this season with goals from Adam Robinson and Lorcan McIlroy. Alan McMurty notched a consolation penalty for Welders but too late to then deny Queens a deserved 2-1 win.

Completing this afternoon's Championship fixtures Dundela & Loughgall settled for a point each at Wilgar Park in a tight goalless draw. Jay Magee denied by the crossbar to put the Duns in front just before the break.

This is how the top of the table currently stands;

Newry City P25 Pts 50
Ballinamallard P25 Pts 44
Annagh Utd P24 Pts 44

At the bottom;

Dundela P25 Pts 25
Institute P25 Pts 23
Queens P25 Pts 15

[Clockwork]

I think it's more coded support for Stephen Baxter than anything else, tbh.
I didn't think the ref was that great last night, and a red card was a certainty. However, not sure having "good" personality would help.
Surprised more hasn't been made of the penalty incident in the first half.

Yep think the first tug on Kennedy by McLean was a pen and the follow up trip was even more clear cut.

[Jacksgranda]

Looks like Newry are heading back to the top flight, it's in their own hands anyway.

Despite those 2 wins Queens look like they've too much to do. Institute are in a spot of bother, another relegation would be a disaster.

[Jacksgranda]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60096127

Reports on Saturday's games.

Linfield beat Glenavon to restore their 3 point lead over the Glens, with Cliftonville 2 points back. Looks like it's between these 3. All played 23

The rest of the top six are Crusaders P 22 Pts 39, Larne P 23 Pts 38 and Coleraine who beat Carrick 3-0, first win in 8 games for the Bannsiders, P 22 Pts 34

Bottom half, also on 34 points from 23 games, Ballymena United who edged out Warrenpoint 1-0. Glenavon P 22 Pts 26 and then Dungannon Swifts, on a bit of a run, P 23 Pts 22, after winning the 6 pointer with Portadown at Stangmore Park. Carrick slip to tenth, P 23 Pts 20, with Portadown in the play off spot, P 23 Pts 13 with Warrenpoint Town still in the automatic relegation spot, P 22 Pts 8.

Those two are looking in serious trouble, but Dungannon have shown what you can do with 3 wins in a row.

 

 

 

 

[Jacksgranda]

Matthew Tipton leaves Shamrock Park

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60104874

Edited January 24, 2022 by Jacksgranda

[Clockwork]

Looks like Newry are heading back to the top flight, it's in their own hands anyway.
Despite those 2 wins Queens look like they've too much to do. Institute are in a spot of bother, another relegation would be a disaster.

Yep it’s a conundrum how Institute have continued in a downward spiral since a top eight finish in the Premiership just 3 years ago under Paddy McLaughlin before he was tempted by the gig at Solitude. I’m sure they have appreciated being able to use their temporary ground at the Brandywell but it isn’t their home, they’re still drifting as a club it seems.
As mentioned earlier this season IIRC, they still have a good mix of ‘seasoned pros’ Brendan McLaughlin, the evergreen John Connolly and Shaun Doherty, plus some decent youngsters, Arden McCauley, Conor Quigley and Rhys McDermott. Brian Donaghey has his work cut out, but honestly don’t believe that it’s because he doesn’t have any thing to work with.

[Clockwork]

Matthew Tipton leaves Shamrock Park
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60104874

It’s a shame but not a surprise eh, rooted near the foot of the table with only Warrenpoint for company, just 2 wins from 23 games. Seems an amiable chap and never easy to see someone lose their job, just hope he doesn’t take up permanent residence in the BBC commentary box though!![emoji15]

[Jacksgranda]

9 hours ago, Clockwork said:

It’s a shame but not a surprise eh, rooted near the foot of the table with only Warrenpoint for company, just 2 wins from 23 games. Seems an amiable chap and never easy to see someone lose their job, just hope he doesn’t take up permanent residence in the BBC commentary box though!!