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
9.
Michael Duffy - Derry City would be in a bad place without Duffy, who scored six goals early on when the team was in desperate trouble. Since then, his goals have dried up, and the difference when he is not on form is noticeable for the whole team. (Photo: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile)
10.
Adam O'Reilly - A player who never stops, O'Reilly is also essential for Lynch's team. No none can do what O'Reilly does, and that makes him a certainty to start every game. (Photo: Seb Daly/Sportsfile)
11.
Carl Winchester - Perhaps the only new signing to make a real mark, Winchester offers experience, poise and control. He is a guaranteed yellow card however which means he will miss games. (Photo: Tyler Miller/Sportsfile)
12.
Dom Thomas - Dom has started only half of City's games, and while he scored a last-minute equaliser at Drogheda, he has not had the impact he may have hoped for. (Photo: Tyler Miller/Sportsfile)
