Ten games into the SSE Airtricity League season and some familiar faces are starting to exert their influence on the division.
Stephen Kenny’s Dundalk lead the way from Cork City, with Shamrock Rovers and Bohemians not far behind. Bray’s mini revival has been nipped in the bud and Limerick are in danger of being cut adrift.
April has featured a number of thrilling encounters and a bundle of superb goals, with Bohemians’ Kealan Dillon the pick of the bunch.
Here is the SportsJOE SSE Airtricity League Team of the Month for April.
Goalkeeper
Dean Delaney (Bohemians) was instrumental in his side’s 2-1 win over Derry City at the weekend and kept clean sheets against Longford and Drogheda.
Comfortable under the high ball and a fine shot-stopper, Delaney holds off strong competition from Conor O’Malley of St Pat’s.
Defenders
Ger O’Brien (St Pat’s) was part of a stingy Saints defence this month but also proved an offensive threat. Brian Gartland (Dundalk) is the only of his team’s backline to feature but Kenny’s men have excelled this month. We have drafted the wily Derek Pender (Bohemians) in as centre back. The Dubliners have made each of their four April opponents scrap for every sight at goal. 20-year-old full-back John Kavanagh (Cork City) is a shoo-in. Indefatigable in attack and defence. Old head on young shoulders.
Midfielders
We need to start by talking about Richie Towell (Dundalk). Nine league goals this season from the former Celtic midfielder. Five goals this month, including a hat-trick against Galway and scores against Drogheda and Cork City in the 2-1 win at Turner’s Cross.
Chris Shields (Dundalk) has provided the calming presence in centre midfield and was superb against Cork in the top-of-the-table clash last Friday. Billy Dennehy (Cork City) has been lively and productive for his side and is revelling in the Rebel county since his 2014 return. Rounding out the foursome is Ronan Finn (Dundalk), who edges out Greg Bolger by dint of his assured performance away to Cork.
Strikers
Enda Curran (Galway United) rammed in a double against Drogheda and has led the Galwegians line well all season. The 22-year-old followed it up with a hat-trick against Bray.
Aaron Greene (St Patrick’s) ensured his team kept on the coat-tails of Dundalk by scoring a fine brace in a 3-0 home win against Sligo Rovers.
