OUR GAME IS ON THE BALL
The Dugout
Ronan O’Flaherty
Alan Mathews & Stephen O’Donnell
We came close to getting off to the perfect start to the season. With just minutes remaining and the match scoreless, a point away to the defending champions looked like being a decent outcome. However, the manner in which the closing minutes unfolded meant we came away from Tallaght Stadium disappointed. After taking the lead in the 87th minute, it's not unreasonable to hope to win. However, Shamrock Rovers are champions for a reason. Even though it was a poor goal to concede from our perspective, they showed good character to equalise and, in the end, we had to make do with a point. There were a number of positives to take from the game and, while we were disappointed not to win, the draw was probably a fair outcome, all things considered. We had a number of debutants on the pitch last Friday and we were happy with how they performed, as well as those who have been at the club for longer. There is always some room for improvement, no matter who you are, but everyone who played for St Pat's last Friday put in an honest, hard shift. You cannot find fault with that. For fans, we appreciate that the viewing experience remains a strange one. It goes without saying that you would prefer to be in the ground, cheering on the team as the action unfolds before your eyes. By the same token, players and managers look forward to the return of supporters, whenever that may be.
UMBRO TEAMWEAR
TO FIND OUT MORE VISIT UMBRO.IE OR CONTACT RICHY ON 086 0317672
Usually the epicentre of match-day atmosphere, stands and terraces across the country are now eerily silent places. That silence will disappear one day, and when it does, it will be replaced by the buzz of expectant supporters. That buzz can spur
2021 Season • Vol. 33 • No. 1 • St Patrick’s Athletic v Drogheda United
players on and help them soar to greater heights. Richmond Park is one of the most atmospheric venues in the League of Ireland, so it is in our interest to want crowds back at games. We won't fully appreciate just how much supporters have been missed until it is safe enough for them to return. In the meantime, we are all endeavouring to do our best for St Patrick’s Athletic and we hope you enjoy the games from your home. This evening we welcome Tim Clancy and his Drogheda United players to Inchicore. Drogheda are a team in good spirits following their victory over Waterford on the opening day. They had been knocking on the door of promotion for a couple of years and, now that they're back in the Premier Division, we expect them to cause plenty of problems for teams. We are very happy with the squad of players at our disposal and everybody is working hard in training. It's a positive environment in which to work and hopefully that is apparent on the pitch. We started with a draw against the champions. Now the objective is to kick on in our first home game of the season. Enjoy the game, Alan Mathews and Stephen O'Donnell
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