AFC Bournemouth aiming for Europe and much more

Eddie Howe is one man looking forward to a stellar season with his Cherries, after last season first half successful run, in the second half a sort of meltdown almost brought disaster for AFC.

However, for manager Howe since promoting AFC to the Premier League back in the 2015-16 season from Championship, these have been a fighting entity.

In spite of not having the big budgets like their competitors.

Still this team manages to put on exciting seasons for their faithful and escaping relegation in the end, this season promises to be another exciting and challenging in the confines of Dean Court Stadium.

Nothing big in the transfers market, with players to reinforce their defensive backfield in Jack Stacey from Luton Town and Lloyd Kelly from Bristol Town, so far these are the only players acquired by AFC.

Still the need to keep their top rated players healthy and in form to front in what seems another contested season in the ranks of Premiership as well looking forward to net one of the trophies in play in the EFL and FA Cups respectively.

In their preseason, the Cherries have a full agenda with West Brom, Brentford and its last matches before the season starts with SS Lazio and Lyon.

Then ready themselves to Premiership and brace against newcomers Sheffield United at home on August 10 and later or August 17 at Villa Park against Aston Villa.

For sure the aims and goals of manager Eddie Howe are to build a contender and not a sorry entity in the Cherries, but one this side excels is pride and determination and these for sure can be seen as spoilers.

As many considered manager Eddie Howe to be among the most promising of managers.

This season for sure he will re validate his credentials as that man that one day he can take over the English National Team or taking over the helm of a big club, who knows but the man has his magic.

In the end, AFC Bournemouth will be one serious contender, off curse not like Man City, Man United, Chelsea or Liverpool but for sure these will bee seen with respect and not a mockery.

A finish between seventh or ninth place will be considered a foremost season in Dean Court.

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Roberto Lopes goal delivers for the Hoops agaisnt a tough Apollon

The Shamrock Rovers thanks to a late Roberto Lopes goal in the 58' minute of the second half, gave the Hoops a valuable win and with prospects of moving on the third round of the European qualifiers.

However, this a little to early to call, as the Hoops still have to defend their lead and with a goal counting against them, they have to put an extra effort, to deliver a magnificent match in Tsirion Stadium.

Still the Rovers going back to Apollon they have somehow a slight lead over the Blue and White that saw one of its players getting a red card in the 83 and missing the second leg.


For the Theos manager Sofronis Avgousti not counting with Argentinian Esteban Sachetti, he will have a tough time in forming his starting eleven, by looking to contain and rally back against the momentum of the Rovers.

With a sold out Tallagth Stadium, the visitors immediately went to work and taking advantage of the Hoops backfield these went up the scoreboard with a goal from Fotios Papoulis in the 6' minute.

Still the Hoops were not out of this contest as their comeback was eight minutes later with the equalizer from Lee Grace in the 14' minute and going to halftime both sides tied with a goal apiece.

In spite of Apollon multiple nationalities in its lineup and the firepower, still the Hoops showed off their might and confidence in the course of the whole game, keeping the visitors strikers at bay.


As the locals defensive backfield playing a wondrous game, as the outcome for the Hoops playing against a more seasoned and pedigree filled initial eleven, in the end these showed off their confidence paying off in the end.

As that red card to Sachetti after his strong play against Jack Byrne, his absence in the second leg for sure will mark the difference in this upcoming match, favorable for the Irish side in the end.

The Shamrock Rovers going to Tsirion Stadium in Cyprus with the confidence and momentum that can lead them to the next rounds and maintain their drive to the stages groups this coming August 1.

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Leg two will expose the best game for Dundalk in Azerbaijan

Last night in Oriel Park, the Dundalk supporters saw how its Boys in the last minutes of the game, scored the equalizer by their scoring leader Patrick Hoban.

Opening the doors and hopes for a spoiler in Azerbaijani lands.

Going to Azersun Arena in Baku the Town will be playing against a hardened Atlilar looking at any cost to eliminate the Irish side and advanced to the third round of the Champions League qualifiers.

After a turnaround from an early goal the Lilywhites endured from Mahir Madatov early in the game with just four minutes, exposing a careless if not nervous defensive backfield that later recovered its game.


Still if we say this Qaradag side was to be a walk in the park, not in these stages!

As the mach became a very contested for both sides and in spite of the visitors lead going into intermission, the second half became what many foressen a disputes match in every minute played by both sides.

However, the Lilywhites determination and persistence in the end paid off, as in the 78' minute the whole of a sold out Oriel Park became a madhouse after their top gun striker Hoban gave his side hopes of a turnaround in Asian lands.

For Dundalk will be looking at any cost to show a ferrous defense against a fast and more technical prone Qarabag, looking to deliver the ultimate of upsets.

For manager Vinnie Perth seeing the harsh reality of this competition becoming a bit tough in every round and with the need to deliver if tey would like to advance to this competition third round.


As the Atlitar having the away goal in their advantage, anything can happen in the second leg as for sure both sides in the upcoming ninety minutes  for sure will show up a lot of efforts in order to assure a win.

Nothing s eay and for Dundalk overcoming the specter of a more physically filled side in Qaradag, in the end the moves and strategies put in by manager Perth will be the difference maker for the Lilywhites.

A draw with the feeling of a win was felt by the Town side and going to Baku on the Wednesday July 31, Hoban's equalizer assures them the hopes of making the ultimate of miracles.
 

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Burnley looking forward a grand season

Forget last season as Sean Dyche the manager of Burnley is not looking forward another mediocre campaign that almost lead this side the relegation.

For one of the most promising of young managers, Dyche has kept the turf Moor side afloat in the ranks of Premiership since their promotion in the 2015-16 as EFL Champions.

You may say no looking back at these years in the ranks of Premiership the Clarets made a successful one in the 2017-18 that the team finished in seventh place.

That earn them a European spot in the 2018-19 edition of the UEFA Europa League qualifiers a feat not done since that 1972-73 season, in spite of the good run these were eliminated in the playoff by Greek side Olympiakos.

However, last season ws not a picture perfect one and battling the relegation demons in the end their sheer perseverance made them came ahead for a fifteen spot finish and return to teh big top for another season.

As the challenges for sure will multiply for Dyche and company in a league known for every season steeping up its competition and with three newly promoted sides looking at any cost their permanency.

This when Sean Dyche must perservere with his Clarets and deliver results at Turf Moor.

So far, in the transfers market nothing spectacular in big name players but with four in West Brom forward Jay Rodriguez, the need of another serious striker with Rodriguez to reinforce this club attack. 

Other players in Erik Peters from Stoke, Joel Senior- Curzon Ashton and Ryan Cooney- Bury, have made the list for manger Dyche that for sure will find a spot in the team and compete for a starting spot.


As well the vision of manager Dyche for the club future in scholars Lewis Richards and goalkeeper Lewis Thomas to new contracts and with no doubt these can make it into the big team.


In the preseason, the Clarets have netted notable wins over sides like Fleetwood Town, Port Vale and Crewe Alexandra, by far the choice for manager Sean Dyche to complete his first roster will become a difficult one.

My conclusion this squad for sure would not offer us a fairy tale of a season but for sure as a small entity these can deliver us of some excitement and maybe make a dash among the top ten finishers.

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Brendan Rodgers and his Foxes ready to primetime

Brendan Rodgers is looking forward  to bring a winning mentality back in King Power Stadium, a possibility he is looking for seeing this club back in league prime time.

However, headlines are somehow something that manager Rodgers is not looking forward but seeking a competitive side in the course of the season, especially setting an identity in this squad game and demand a winning attitude.

As that 2015-16 squad, is no longer with the club as many of those players no longer with the club, still for the man from the Northern part of the Emerald isle, challenges will be a plenty!


Still the man is known to build contenders in the squads he has manage in the past.

Like the miracle or fairy tale of that 2015-16 magical season under Rainieri when nobody gave a damm for this club and in the end how they silence many mouths, winning the season.

A first for this club history, as manager Rodgers goals will be to see this club return not only to prime time but also give it an identity in its game and personality and character in the field.

Once again in these parts of Leicestershire, many a surge in their Foxes and in the mind and opinion from a seasoned veteran Wes Morgan, stating about this club heading into the right direction.


So far, in the preseason, with wins over Scunthorpe United and Chelteham, and with Cambridge United next, the Foxes squad report looks promising and positive.


The arrival of Ayotze Perez from Newcastle United to these parts of Leicestershire is motivating for Rodgers along with Youri Tielemans from Monaco both players coming with an expensive price tag.

Furthermore for City, these are beting on youth with Ali Reghba from Bohemians, James Justin- Luton Town, Vontae Daley- Arsenal and George Hirst- OH Leuvens.


In spite of the club headliners of their main man in Harry Maguire being the target of possible negotiations between Leicester City and Manchester United interest for the defender, for manager Rodgers this is not a distraction.

One thing this club will not be winning the league shield or be among the top four in the season, but in the end the Foxes for sure can seize a spot in any European competition as well make a decorous run in the end.

Leicester City, maybe they will be among the top five, but a finish around sixth or seventh, can earn them a spot in the qualifying rounds of Europa League, under Rodgers anything can happen.

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Norwich City looking forward to a long Premiership stay

Hail to Norwich City return to Premiership as flamboyant Champions of the 2018-19 edition of the EFL Championship, now its back to reality come this August.

However the Canaries are back in the big circuit and ready to rock its confines?

Nah, but in the mind of Daniel Farke, a man that his record speaks loudly of his achievements, from one of the worlds most proliic of academies Borussia Dortmund II, the man is ready to tackle another challenge.

So far, the man due to this club limited budget to net expensive and top ranked players to the the Yellows, still this club is betting on youth in the transfers market, paving for their future.

The way this club is reinforcing some areas of need like the midfield, forward, defense and goalkeepers, with the need to make an impact is a must in the upcoming season, to assure their permanency.

The arrival of Charlie Gilmor a man that can be a defenisve midfield and defender along with promising defender in this former Hammer Sam Byram and keeper Ralf Fahrmann from FC Schalke 04.

In addition of midfielder Patrick Roberts from Manchester City, Josip Drmic, the Swiss international forward from Borussia Monchengaldbach, City is solidyfing its roster.

Furthermore the way this club is building up as mentioned on youth, somehow tells you of its man vision in creating one day a top rated club a well players to debut in Norwich City.

With arrivals such as U-23 Daniel Ashead- Rochdale, U-21 Rocky Mashiri- K.V. Oostendee, U-18 Aidan Fitzpatrick-Partick Thistle, plus Archie Mair-Abeerden and Rob Nizet- Anderlecht, these latter ones going on loan.

In seventeen days the Canaries are ready for their debut in the big top and tackle a numbers of challenges this assocaition brings, in spite of very mellow transfers market in the EPL, still for their man in the helm is back to business.

Nonetheless they are bracing for a strong debut against league runner- ups and Champions League victors, Liverpool FC come August 9 at Merseyside.

Maybe this club will not win the league or maybe make a decorous run in Carabao or FA Cup tournaments, but the idea is for  a long stay in Premiership.

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League of Ireland recap in Europa League qualifiers

Dundalk being the highlight for the League of Ireland in UEFA Champions qualifiers with a win against Riga FC in Latvia in penalties, now they have a second side in the Shamrock Rovers.

With today's win in the second leg of the Europa League in Tallaght, the Hoops are the second squad to advance into the next stage, to face off Cypriot side Apollon Limassol FC.

Still for two other squads in the LOI, for Cork City and  Saint Patrick's Athletic, their Europa League qualifiers, came to an end today with both losing agasint their foes.

Dundalk with a first leg in Oriel Park tied at zero goals, many were brace for an exciting second leg in Riga were the Latvian side had the home field advantage to be their upper hand.

As the Town side seeing a goal annuled for offside and other chance s created by both sides, in the end this affair was decided by sudden death and by those always infamous penalties.

Riga FC 0-0 Dundalk FC (4-5 aggregate)

In Europa League qualifiers, in Tallaght Stadium the local Shamrock Rovers and SK Brann coming from a contested match were both sides came tied at 2 goal each in Brann Stadion.


In spite of the draw in Norwegian lands, the Hoops came with a slight advantage with two away goals, still this affair was to be decided and with goals from Jack Byrne 76' and Gary O' Neill 87' and for SK Brann Daouda Bamba 57'.

Shamrock Rovers 2-1 SK Brann (4-2 aggregate)

Back in Luxembourg the Rebel Army had the compromise to come fighting from the start in order to net a valuable win against Progres Niederkorn, with their lead of 2-0 in the first leg.

The need to net a positive result and a boost of confidence the Leesiders are in need after posting a not so memorable season, today they almost deliver the upset, but falling short.

For City early score from Gary Buckley 3' and later Conor McCarthy 47', as the Rebel Army almost pulling the unthinkable, in the end Issa Bah from Progres scored in the 67' to end the Leesiders rally and hopes.

Progres Niederkorn 1-2 Cork City (3-2 aggregate)

In Swedish lands the Pats were looking for the miracle and comeback from a 2-0 deficit the Saints endured when the Peking came to Richmond Field and netted a valuable win.

Still the outlook for the IFK Norrkoping to wrap this one was somehow on hold, in spite of the lead these had as anything could happen with the Saints not to allow of an easy defeat.

However, things did not went as plan for Pats manager Harry Keane, having a player seeing a red and in spite of a late goal in the 89' by Ciaran Kelly, the locals define wrap it with two goals.

IFK Norrkoping 2-1 Saint Patrick's Athletic (4-1 aggregate)


Next matches:

Champions League qualifers: Dundalk FC vs Qarabag FK, Wednesday, July 24, 2019 Oriel Park

Europa League qualifiers: Shamrock Rovers vs Apollon Limassol, Thursday, July 25, Tallaght Stadium

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On penalties Dundalk delivers a feat in Riga

Scoreless till the end, but in the end the sacrifice was well worth it for the visiting Dundalk FC, that after a scoreless first leg in Oriel Park, Skonto Stadium was to be the decider between these two sides.

For Vinnie Perth the win and moving on the second round of the Champions League qualifiers, going against Azerbaijani side Qarabag, with the first leg to play on July 23 at Oriel Park.

Going back to the game were Dundalk Patrick Hoban header would won it, the game official annulled the goal citing offside from the Town attacker and the game still tied at zero goals.


as this match went all the way to 210 minutes without a score and going to the tiebreaker to the always sudden death, in order to determine of what side was to advance into the next stages.

In a match that both sides showed some opportunities but neither side could resolve in the end this affair was to be decided by the always infamous penalties.

However, in the course of the week, the Lilywhites per their manager instructions these practiced for just in case this match went into the ultimate of deciders.

in the shootout both sides had their moments, with Roman Debelko, Tomislav Saric, Vladislav Gabovs, and Dennis Rakels scoring for Riga FC, but Felipe Brisola, Stefan Panic and Armands Petersons missing.

On the Dundalk side with Patrick Hoban, Sean Murray, Dean Jarvis, Jamie McGrath and Sean Hoare making their shoots, while Georgie Kelly and Dane Massey missing.

In the end the heroics of the Town goalkeeper Gary Rogers making three crucial saves, he became the man of the match after his defensive skills that uplifted his side to the next round.

This win delivers a hefty payday to the Lilywhites with 400,000 Euros atop 800,000 for participating, in the end for Vinnie Perth and company, what a day these had in Latvian lands.


Highlights

Gary Rogers defensive performance in the course of the match

For Dundalk goalkeeper Gary Rogers within one game of breaking the European record

Sean Hoare coming through and delivering the game winning goal on the shoutout

Vinnie Perth moves in his starting eleven in spite of not having Micheal Duffy

Man of the Match

Gary Rogers

Next Match: Dundalk FC vs Qarabag FK
Oriel Park, Dundalk County Louth, Republic of Ireland, TBD

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Aston Villa looking forward a long Premiership stay

For Aston Villa recently achieving their return to the the ranks of Premiership, netting it by  promotion via  the playoffs, after  a three year absence from the big circuit.

As Dean Smith he'll be looking forward to a long stay with his Villains.

Still the outlook in the big top with clubs of the likes of City, Reds, Manu, Tottenham being a bit conservative in the transfers market, for the Villains this summer, they have been busy.

As the so called league giants, not to bold in their recruitment, the Claret and Blue Army directives and manager are hard at work building in what looks in blue print a contender.

However, the odds of making it into the top four will be a challenge, but something seen as impossible, that in the end a finish among the top ten.

For many managers considered as all around achievement.

Still for a league considered as one of the most competitive and foremost in the world.

The need to make an impact and earn its respect from this association squads, will be a task that manager Smith to put his plan forward in building a winner in the confines of Villa Park.

In spite of netting important signings so far and with areas of need being reinforced in the market by Villa, so far the midfield and defense have been getting the most attention.

By the Lions, with two midfielders signed in order to boost this area in the field considered utmost vital for any manager to boost its strategies in its offensive and defensive games.

Two midfielders in Jota from  Championship side Birmingham and Anwar El Ghazi from French side Lille, in additon of getting a forward in Brazilian Wesley from Brugge.

With four defenders in Kourtney Hause from Wolves, Matt Target Southampton, Tyrone Mings AFC Bournemouth and Ezri Konsa Brentford, these foursome for sure will give a boost to the Lions defensive backfield.

In the end, Aston Villa can make a decorous run in the end, as for manager Dean Smith looking forward to see his side confidence build up and a succesful return to Premiership.

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A revival in the Bowl with the Students upseting the Bohs

UCD 1-0 Bohemians

Suddenly we are seeing a dramatic turnaround for the troublesome Students staging an upset over third place holder Bohemians at home, by the minimum difference.

With Yoyo Mahdi being the man of the match, after scoring the College only goal early in the game, exactly on minute 8', for UCD manager suddenly seeing the fruits of his work delivering.

The man is one happy chap to see his side after many predicted a debacle after the departure of some of its noted players to other entities, however tonight in the bowl these silence many of its doubters cold.

As a number of games put on hold due to several of the League of Ireland squads competing in the UEFA competitions qualifiers, UCD took advantage of playing as a local.

However, this is not over yet, but still this is a happy feeling and a boost of confidence for Collie O' Neill bunch that this winning streak hopefully does not stop but continue on its course.

Today's result so far has accumulated much needed points for the Students after a share of spoils with Derry City and before a notable win over Finn Harps in what many dubbed as the relegation derby.

This result puts UCD clear three points of last place Finn Harps in the bottom of the table with fourteen points versus the Students seventeen and a game against the Shamrock Rovers on Sunday, July 21.

In this match the Students defensive game arose to the occasion and not allowing the Bohs a repeat of last time these meet when they defeated them by 2-0, not today and in our Stadium.

Another Derby for the College side after today's grand win over the Phibsborough squad and now ready for another challenge and another possible upset in Tallaght.

 Hard work was the trait for today's win of the Students over the Gypsies in a less celebrated Dublin Derby, with the visitors manager Keith Long fuming and without explanations of today's result and upset.

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European competition recap of the League of Ireland squads

For the four squads of the League of Ireland currently competing in the qualifiers rounds of both UEFA competitions, Champions and Europa League.

For Dundalk representing the LOI in the Champions qualifiers, paired with Riga Latvia, for the Shamrock Rovers with Sportsklubben Brann, Cork City with FC Progress Niederkorn and Saint Patrick's against IFK Norrkoeping.

By far the Lilyhwhites are hoping for the upset in Latvian lands and after a draw of spoils and for both squads going scoreless in Oriel Park, the need to perform at Riga is a must.

As Dundalk, that draw at home, all eyes will be on the Town side going back to Riga and decide this tiebreaker on Wednesday July 17 at Skonto Stadium.

Dundalk 0-0 Riga FC

In Bergen, Norway the local Brann and Shamrock Rovers shared the spoils with a draw of two goals for each side and the second leg scheduled on Thursday July 18 at Tallagt Stadium.

This sets the stage for the Hoops to have the home field advantage and look for their pass, the goals of the game came from Amer Ordagic OG 34' and Roberto Lopes 90+4.

The home side of Brann both scores came from Taijo Teniste 12' and Veton Berisha 36' PK.

Sportsklubben Brann 2-2 Shamrock Rovers


In Inchicore the locals Pats could not took their advantage as locals and fell to a determined IFK Noorkoping beating the locals with two goals and going home with an advantage.

The Pats are in need of doing the ultimate of miracles at Ostogoporten in Noorkoping in the second leg on July 18 on the road and overcome that two goal lead going to Swedish lands.

Saint Patrick's Athletic 0-2 IFK Noorkoping

In Turner's Cross the local Leesiders could not stop the likes of FC Progrès Niederkorn push and exposing this squad sorry state its currently immersed and with no remedy in site.

With two goals from Belmin Muratovic 11' and Mayron De Almeyda 21' (P) were enough for the Luxembourg side to go home at Stade Jos Haupert at Niederkorn for the second leg on July 18.

Cork City 0-2 FC Progrès Niederkorn

The state of these four League of Ireland squads will depend on their second leg results, with the Town side the most with possibilities of moving on the second leg with a favorable result on Riga.

Another squad that can advance into the next rounds will be the Shamrock Rovers as both Cork City and Saint Patrick's outlook does not look to favorable for these squads, results will speak in the end.

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League of Ireland recap with many fronts sharing the spoils

With a number of draws in several fronts in the League of Ireland, the only wins came from underdog UCD over Finn Harps and Saint Patrick's over the struggling Blues.

As Dundalk up North in Derry sharing the points against Derry City, followed y the Hoops and Sligo along with Cork City and Bohemians in these three matches just netting a point each.

In Tallaght Stadium in Dublin, the local Hoops could not gain on the Town netting the same result and sharing the spoils with the Sligo Rovers at zero goals each.

Shamrock Rovers 0-0 Sligo Rovers

In Turner's Cross the local Leesiders host the Dublin side Bohemians, in the end this match saw the lack of seeing a finish to score from both squads, in a match that ended scoreless.


Cork City 0-0 Bohemians

Up North in Derry City both Candystripes and Dundalk showed off their offensive might, in a match that ended in a draw at two goals per side as well a point for squad.

For Derry City going up the score with a goal by David Parkhouse 41' and later Junior Chuckwuenka 90', for the visiting Town came from Georgie Kelly 57' and Patrick Hoban 90'.

Derry City 2-2 Dundalk


In RSC the local blues not even as locals cannot get positive results and not playing like last season when they got promoted and finishing in third place in the end.

However the visiting Saint Patrick's side with this win on the road, uplifts this side spirits for the better, an own goal by Pats Keving Toner 30' but later Conor Clifford 32' and Dean Clarke 62'.

Waterford 1-2 Saint Patrick's Athletic

In the Bowl of UCD up on Dublin, the local Students netted an important result over clear favorites Finn Harps, coming from a prolific run, this past Friday they were upset in the Capital.

A lone goal from Jason McClelland in the 8' minute was enough for the locals seeing their squad being dismantle with notable players going to other entities, but in the end came big for the win.

UCD 1-0 Finn Harps

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Ballymena United taking it one challenge at a time

NSI Runavik 0-0 Ballymena United

With an early lead an 2-0 agregate on the first leg and persevere on the road at Svangaskarð, Faroe Islands to advance to the first round of the Europa League.

With a score tied at zero goals, on the end, the Sky Blues advance to face off Swedish giants Malmo FC on Thursday July 11 at Stadion Malmo and the second leg on July 18 at Ballymena Showgrounds.

For the visiting side its multiple ocassions looking for the score and coming short, with a number of opportunities with Johan Davidsen, Bardur Hansen with number of free kicks.

In addition of Tony Kane and Kofi Balmer clear opprotunites, in the end the side of the North has clear its first hurdle and face Swedish side Malmo at Sweden, looking to strike first.

In the end, Ballymena United manager David Jeffrey is pleased with its side result and looking forward to a prolific run in the qualifiers of the Europa league as well its pay day of 240 pounds.

Goals

Even at zero

Highlights

Keeper Ross Glendinning clean sheet

Ballymena United defense stood tall and maintain its first leg lead

Man of the Match

Ballymena United defense

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