January 29th
Australian A-League
Former Irish international Simon Cox came up against Roy O’Donovan as Western Sydney Wanderers took on the Newcastle Jets. The game finished all square with O’Donovan finding the equalizer from the penalty spot in the 81st minute.
January 30th
English Premier League
A run of 11 games without a win came to an end at Goodison Park for Newcastle on Saturday as they deservedly beat Everton by two goals to nil. Jeff Hendrick played the whole game while Ciaran Clark remains absent through injury.
There was another setback for James McCarthy in Crystal Palace’s win over Wolves. The Irish midfielder was withdrawn at half-time after picking up an injury.
Dara O’Shea didn’t even make it to half-time in West Brom’s draw with fellow strugglers Fulham. The defender was hooked off after 24 minutes for tactical reasons with West Brom one nil down at the time. Callum Robinson was also withdrawn at half-time.
English Championship
Two goals in two games now for Conor Hourihane who is certainly enjoying life at Swansea so far. The Corkman found the bottom corner with a swerving volley just inside the box. A brilliant finish from the Irish international! The Swans are now unbeaten in nine games as they push for the top spot in the Championship.
Adam Idah returned from injury to play the final few minutes in Norwich City’s draw with Middlesbrough.
Darragh Lenihan put on another impressive display in Blackburn Rovers’ win over Luton Town. A performance worthy of a place in the Whoscored.com Championship ‘Team of the Week’ alongside Conor Hourihane.
Kieren Westwood got his second clean sheet since his reemergence at Sheffield Wednesday. They beat Preston by one goal to nil.
Elsewhere, Jayson Molumby, Alan Browne, Cyrus Christie, James McClean, Nathan Collins, Jason Knight, James Collins, Scott Hogan and Danny McNamara all started for their respective clubs.
English League One
In the third tier, four goals were scored in the clash between Sunderland and Gillingham but neither team could find a winner with the game finishing 2-2. Aiden McGeady opened the scoring for Sunderland with his third of the season.
Former Cork City and Waterford FC man Aaron Drinan was introduced in the 75th minute as Ipswich Town searched for an equaliser against Crewe Alexandra. Seconds later the 22-year-old striker found the net to level things up and score his first goal for the Tractor Boys. Drinan will now face stiff competition for a starting spot from fellow Irishman Troy Parrott after his loan move to Ipswich on deadline day.
Warren O’Hora picked up his first clean sheet with MK Dons since making his move there permanent. Their game with Wimbledon finished 2-0 to the visitors.
After celebrating his 10th goal of the season last weekend, Anthony Scully had the chance to snatch a late equaliser from the spot in Lincoln City’s game with Doncaster Rovers. Unfortunately Scully’s attempt was saved and the game ended in defeat.
In a weekend filled with injury upsets, you can add Jack Taylor to that ever-growing list. The midfielder was substituted just before half-time, however since then Peterborough manager Darren Ferguson has revealed that Taylor should be fit for next weekend’s tie with Crewe.
English League Two
Another Cambridge United win and another Wes Hoolahan masterclass. The midfielder maestro assisted the first and scored the third in a 3-1 win over Crawley Town. Hoolahan is now on four goals and six assists for the season and Cambridge remain top of the table, albeit having played four more games than second placed Carlisle United.
Eoin Doyle netted his 10th goal of the season in Bolton’s 2-0 victory over Leyton Orient. Meanwhile, Bradford City centre-half Paudie O’Connor set up their first in Saturday afternoon’s win over Barrow.
Scottish Premiership
Celtic’s inconsistent run of form continued on Saturday. St. Mirren beat the champions 2-1 and Dylan Connolly set up the first. Shane Duffy lost his man which led to a second from St. Mirren and ultimately another poor result for Neil Lennon’s men.
Cypriot First Division
Jack Byrne started his first game for APOEL before being substituted at half-time in their 1-0 defeat to league leaders Apollon Limassol.
January 31st
English Premier League
It was a tough day at the office for Robbie Brady at Chelsea who had the task of dealing with an in-form Callum Hudson-Odoi. Chelsea won the game 2-0, marking their first victory under new manager Thomas Tuchel. An afternoon to forget for Brady that was comically summed up by Athletic writer Liam Twomey’s tweet.
Aaron Connolly, a late substitute, came close to doubling Brighton’s lead against Spurs but was denied by a brilliant Toby Alderweireld block. Brighton rightfully went on to claim all three points.
February 2nd
English Premier League
Sheffield United made it five wins from seven in all competitions as they continue their fight for survival. Callum Robinson’s shot was eventually bundled in by Matt Phillips to open the scoring for West Brom, however Sheffield United’s comeback was completed late in the second half when John Egan forced the ball to Billy Sharp who slotted home the winner.
Ciaran Clark returned from injury to start alongside Jeff Hendrick in Newcastle’s defeat to Crystal Palace.
English Championship
Nottingham Forrest picked up their first win in four against Coventry City. Cyrus Christie’s cross was turned into his own net by Michael Rose which clinched the win for Forrest.
English League One
Marcus Harness made an immediate impact as a substitute in Portsmouth’s victory over Charlton. The winger set up Tom Naylor for their second of the evening, taking his goal contributions up to 10 for the season (five goals and five assists).
Accrington Stanley ran riot against Bristol Rovers with the game ending 6-1. Seamus Coneely chipped in with an assist for the first of Dion Charles’s three goals.
There was a first clean sheet for both Mark Travers and Conor Masterson since moving to Swindon Town on loan. Their clash with Wigan finished 1-0 to the home team despite playing with only 10 men for the final 25 minutes.
English Football League Trophy
A host of Irish players were involved in the quarter-finals stage of the Football League Trophy on Tuesday night. Lee O’Connor’s performance earned him the ‘Man of the Match’ award as Tranmere Rovers knocked out Peterborough United to advance to the semi-finals.
Lincoln City also progress to the next stage of the competition after beating Hull City on penalties. Anthony Scully’s cross found Harry Anderson who slotted home at the front post for Lincoln’s first of the night.
Aiden McGeady continues his fine run of form for Sunderland. The 34-year-old scored his fourth goal since the turn of the year in their quarter-final victory over MK Dons.
And last but not least, we head to the Kassam Stadium where Oxford United beat Wimbledon 3-1. Olamide Shodipo assisted the second, putting it on a plate for Sam Winnall, and scored the third with a driving run and a superb finish into the bottom corner after Mark Sykes laid him off. Oxford have now won nine games on the bounce, a new club record.
Scottish Premiership
Dylan Connolly’s assist for Jonathan Obika’s 74th minute strike was not enough for St. Mirren who lost 2-1 to Hibernian.
February 3rd
English Premier League
There was a second start for Caoimhín Kelleher in the Premier League with Alisson missing through injury. Liverpool remain fourth, seven points behind leaders Manchester City after they lost 1-0 an in-form Brighton side.