Match day 1: H vs Drogheda

[marcoloco]

McMullan was bright (as expected) and patching the only one really capable of switching the play with those teasing cross field balls. Hoban has a presence in the box and the strength and awareness to make space and will get lots of goals. Thought the play was a bit more direct this season - less knocking it about at the back and more launching up the channels followed by lots of hopeful crosses into the box. No sign of any patient build up play or keeping the ball in front of their box but maybe we'll see more of that when Diallo returns.

Ironically the goals came about from a keeper error leading to Boyce's strike and Patchings rasping shot with Toban on hand to finish. Not much control or creativity in the middle of the park but maybe last season's attempt to play slow ponderous football is being replaced with a more direct approach and licence to shoot on sight. Kelly looked bright when he came on and I can see him linking well with Toban as the season progresses.

Aside from all our ball possession Drogs will be kicking themselves at not taking a point down the road. Thought they had the better of the chances in the first half and then for the keeper to mess up his kick out and then to miss a penalty... lets just say we got the rub of the green. Mayer on good form for us and Connelly unlucky with the header but then (almost inevitably) goes off injured. As for the penalty it was clear cut and their free kick was top drawer. Mayer will need to watch it on the highlights because he didn't see it last night.

3 goals, 2 crackers, 1 penalty save... and 3 points. Not a bad start.

[mokendismucker]

The Drogheda free kick took a big deflection. Maher didn’t have a chance.

[brandyball]

Felt a pity on their left back as McMullen sent him to the shops all night.

[barry]

Felt a pity on their left back as McMullen sent him to the shops all night.

Mcglynn made a good point on radio foyke, McMullan never gets into the box/back post. Kelly was on the field 15 mins and was in the box 4-5 times.

[mokendismucker]

Think McMullan is real quality at our level. Quick and skilful with a real awareness. The quality of his crossing and weight of passes will bring a heap of assists this season. Great attitude and works hard too.

I know Kelly has a goal threat but did he pull out of one or two last night? Anyway it’s great to have the two of them and Duffy. If they all stay fit pretty sure they will rotate throughout the season.

[brandyball]

Think McMullan is real quality at our level. Quick and skilful with a real awareness. The quality of his crossing and weight of passes will bring a heap of assists this season. Great attitude and works hard too.

I know Kelly has a goal threat but did he pull out of one or two last night? Anyway it’s great to have the two of them and Duffy. If they all stay fit pretty sure they will rotate throughout the season.

Same Old Same Old 9 times out of 10 we try and find Duffy rather than McMullen who'd be in acres of space, his heart must be broke.

[rodgers]

Tonight on Drive105 MNL we are attempting a new format. We are back to a three man commentary panel, thanks to Lawrence for sorting it. We are starting at an earlier time of 7:10pm from the Brandywell and we have a packed Pre-match buildup. We have exclusive interviews with Kevin Doherty (Drogheda Manager) Patrick McEleney, Gerard Grimes (DUFC PRO), plus Higgins & Higgsy's input from the club's press day.

At half time Mikhail Kennedy discusses Institute FC ahead of tomorrow's game with Dundela at the Brandywell. As usual we will remain on air until 10pm to analyse the game and react to other results in the country. If you are going to the match why don't you tune us into the car radio for all the build up and reaction on the way and back, if you aren't at the game then listen to us for the commentary too. 105.3fm, online and on DAB.

My co-hosts are Stephen McClelland and Eddie Seydak.

Is there a listen again feature on the website?

[TenaciousDee]

Funny Rodgers I had to go to the station to listen to it today, ahead of a meeting we will be having to look at the Sligo game. I will see if i can get something sorted.

[adydcfc]

McMullan was bright (as expected) and patching the only one really capable of switching the play with those teasing cross field balls. Hoban has a presence in the box and the strength and awareness to make space and will get lots of goals. Thought the play was a bit more direct this season - less knocking it about at the back and more launching up the channels followed by lots of hopeful crosses into the box. No sign of any patient build up play or keeping the ball in front of their box but maybe we'll see more of that when Diallo returns.

Ironically the goals came about from a keeper error leading to Boyce's strike and Patchings rasping shot with Toban on hand to finish. Not much control or creativity in the middle of the park but maybe last season's attempt to play slow ponderous football is being replaced with a more direct approach and licence to shoot on sight. Kelly looked bright when he came on and I can see him linking well with Toban as the season progresses.

Aside from all our ball possession Drogs will be kicking themselves at not taking a point down the road. Thought they had the better of the chances in the first half and then for the keeper to mess up his kick out and then to miss a penalty... lets just say we got the rub of the green. Mayer on good form for us and Connelly unlucky with the header but then (almost inevitably) goes off injured. As for the penalty it was clear cut and their free kick was top drawer. Mayer will need to watch it on the highlights because he didn't see it last night.

3 goals, 2 crackers, 1 penalty save... and 3 points. Not a bad start.

What game were you watching and Drogs will be kicking themselves? They barely got out of their own half first 45 mins and only really showed any real attacking threat last 10 mins or so. Hoban should have scored with header early on and also 2nd half he dragged one wide of the post inches from bottom corner. Bigger tests lay ahead but I thought it was job well done!

[marcoloco]

McMullan was bright (as expected) and patching the only one really capable of switching the play with those teasing cross field balls. Hoban has a presence in the box and the strength and awareness to make space and will get lots of goals. Thought the play was a bit more direct this season - less knocking it about at the back and more launching up the channels followed by lots of hopeful crosses into the box. No sign of any patient build up play or keeping the ball in front of their box but maybe we'll see more of that when Diallo returns.

Ironically the goals came about from a keeper error leading to Boyce's strike and Patchings rasping shot with Toban on hand to finish. Not much control or creativity in the middle of the park but maybe last season's attempt to play slow ponderous football is being replaced with a more direct approach and licence to shoot on sight. Kelly looked bright when he came on and I can see him linking well with Toban as the season progresses.

Aside from all our ball possession Drogs will be kicking themselves at not taking a point down the road. Thought they had the better of the chances in the first half and then for the keeper to mess up his kick out and then to miss a penalty... lets just say we got the rub of the green. Mayer on good form for us and Connelly unlucky with the header but then (almost inevitably) goes off injured. As for the penalty it was clear cut and their free kick was top drawer. Mayer will need to watch it on the highlights because he didn't see it last night.

3 goals, 2 crackers, 1 penalty save... and 3 points. Not a bad start.

What game were you watching and Drogs will be kicking themselves? They barely got out of their own half first 45 mins and only really showed any real attacking threat last 10 mins or so. Hoban should have scored with header early on and also 2nd half he dragged one wide of the post inches from bottom corner. Bigger tests lay ahead but I thought it was job well done!

Clearly you were watching a different game to the rest of us.

Here's a match report from RTE

https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2024/02 ... -drogheda/

[da-gama]

Tonight on Drive105 MNL we are attempting a new format. We are back to a three man commentary panel, thanks to Lawrence for sorting it. We are starting at an earlier time of 7:10pm from the Brandywell and we have a packed Pre-match buildup. We have exclusive interviews with Kevin Doherty (Drogheda Manager) Patrick McEleney, Gerard Grimes (DUFC PRO), plus Higgins & Higgsy's input from the club's press day.

At half time Mikhail Kennedy discusses Institute FC ahead of tomorrow's game with Dundela at the Brandywell. As usual we will remain on air until 10pm to analyse the game and react to other results in the country. If you are going to the match why don't you tune us into the car radio for all the build up and reaction on the way and back, if you aren't at the game then listen to us for the commentary too. 105.3fm, online and on DAB.

My co-hosts are Stephen McClelland and Eddie Seydak.

Was travelling to/from the brandywell/Derry so caught most of this extended programme. Thoroughly enjoyed it and, in all honesty, surprised it has taken so long as it's clear you guys know your onions, and get on well.

Positive, well researched and very productive, all concerned.

[Nige92]

https://twitter.com/Cunneen92/status/17 ... iLuBw&s=19

[TenaciousDee]

Was travelling to/from the brandywell/Derry so caught most of this extended programme. Thoroughly enjoyed it and, in all honesty, surprised it has taken so long as it's clear you guys know your onions, and get on well.

Positive, well researched and very productive, all concerned.

Thank you da-gama for your kind words. The club allowing us to have that extra body in the gantry means we are no longer rotating personnel on Match Days. It will allows us to get back to the basics of the pre-COVID broadcasts and find ways to enhance our output. Currently planning out Saturdays programme so I hope you tune in and enjoy it.