A week is a long time on football, as Derry City discovered just before the mid-season break. From two points off top spot in second place to nine points off top down in sixth place, reality hit hard at the worst possible time. So far, the only consistency in Derry City's season has been inconsistency and therein lies the great frustration for supporters and no doubt for City boss Tiernan Lynch. Currently, Shamrock Rovers deservedly sit top of the table and worryingly for everyone else, manager Stephen Bradley and his squad don’t look like they will be moving out of pole position any time soon. They have been here and done it on multiple occasions, and it will take a huge effort from any of the pretenders to dislodge them now. Champions Shelbourne currently sit nine points behind the leaders, but so far they have not looked capable of mounting a real defence of their title. The surprise package this year so far has been Drogheda United, who sit in second place, six points behind Rovers; as Kevin Doherty’s side have used last season’s FAI Cup success as a springboard in 2025. Bohemians will be hoping to be the team to challenge Rovers, as they, too, are six points adrift of their nearest rivals, but crucially have played a game less. They take on Rovers at Dalymount Park in a few weeks’ time, in a game which the Gypsies will be confident of winning, as they have won their previous two encounters this season. Another team who has disappointed this term, has been Stephen Kenny’s St Patrick’s Athletic, predicted by many to canter to the league title at the start of the season. The Saints finished the 2024 campaign in amazing fashion winning their last nine league games in a row, but while striker’s Mason Melia and Aidan Keena have been amongst the goals, fellow attack-minded players Zach Elbouzedi and Jake Mulraney have disappointed, and defensively they are conceding too many goals and that will have to change if they have hopes of becoming a title contender. Galway United, who currently sit in
The only consistency in Derry City's season has been inconsistency
5.
Ben Doherty - Ben's season has not been able to get going due to injury problems and they struck again at Bohemians just before the break. (Photo: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile)
6.
Sam Todd - Perhaps surprising many, Sam Todd has been a regular under Lynch, fitting well into his preferred system. Todd has made 16 appearances, including 10 starts. (Photo: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile)
7.
Shane Ferguson - Ferguson has struggled for form since coming to the club and has lost his place as a result. Limited to just six starts so far. (Photo: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile)
8.
Hayden Cann - Cann has gone under the radar so far, but has been pretty much a regular with 11 starts. He has been consistent if not spectacular. (Photo: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile)
