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
17.
Pat Hoban - Just two starts and one goal, and just 32 minutes of football in the last 14 league games, Hoban has missed out due to injury and illness. It would be no surprise if he left the Brandywell next month. (Photo: Ben McShane/Sportsfile)
18.
Danny Mullen - Always reliable if he gets minutes, Mullen has scored five goals in just seven starts. The only one of City's strikers who regularly finds the net. (Photo: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile)
19.
Sean Patton - Despite a good pre-season, Patton has barely been used other than as a substitute. He has not played at all in City's last six games. (Photo: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile)
20.
Liam Boyce - Boyce has shown just glimpses of what he can offer. He has scored four goals in 15 appearances, but is not a regular goal scorer by any means. (Photo: Shauna Clinton/Sportsfile)
