Goalkeeper

Peter Cherrie (Dundalk)

Cherrie could do little to prevent Dave Scully’s goal as Dundalk suffered a surprise 1-0 against Bray but he turned in an outstanding solo display from start to finish and were it not for his efforts in the Lillywhites goal, the margin of defeat would have been greater.

Defence

Simon Madden (Shamrock Rovers)

The rampaging right back turned in a fine attacking display against Drogheda. His overlapping runs down the flanks stretched the Drogs throughout and his deliveries from out wide led to two Rovers goals.

Alan Keane (Sligo Rovers)

Sligo’s revival continues apace and their newly rediscovered defensive solidity has been a big factor. Keane impressed against Limerick, always quick in the tackle and positionally astute, as well as helping in attack.

Jeff Henderson (Sligo Rovers)



Like Keane, Henderson was solid at the back in his side’s victory over Limerick. Less prone to venturing forward, Henderson was always in the right place at the right time and was able to help snuff out several Limerick attacks before they could develop.

Midfield

Billy Dennehy (Cork City)

The midfielder has been in excellent form for Cork City of late and was one of the Leesiders' main threats throughout the rain-soaked clash with Bohemians. He was calmness personified for City’s latest penalty kick and gave Lee Murphy no chance with his powerful, well-placed strike.

Dave Scully (Bray Wanderers)

Several eyebrows were raised when Alan Mathews decided to deploy the striker on the wing a couple of games into the season but Scully continues to impress in his new role. His industry and willingness to track back went along way to minimising the threat of Daryl Horgan while his header proved to be the difference between the sides.

Cathal Brady (Drogheda Utd)

A real live-wire for Drogheda on the right flank, he gave young Rovers full-back Sean Heaney a testing first half, to such an extent that Heaney was replaced by Luke Byrne at the interval. Brady provided the cross for Gavin Brennan’s header which struck the post.

Ronan Finn (Shamrock Rovers)



Rovers weren’t firing on all cylinders against Drogheda, but as ever their midfield maestro Finn was a joy to watch, not least when he fired the Hoops into an early lead with a peach of a strike.

Forwards

Jason Byrne (Bohemians)

On a tough night for Bohemians Byrne helped his side take a point in Cork. The veteran striker was at his very best for his goal when he ducked the constant attention of Dan Murray to get his head on the end of an excellent ball from Paddy Kavanagh. He was involved in almost all of his side’s attacking play and also forced Mark McNulty in a decent second-half save.

Chris Fagan (St Pat’s)

The stand out performer in his side’s 4-0 victory over bottom side Athlone, Fagan claimed a brace of goals and was a constant threat. His intelligent movement not only saw him get on the score-sheet but helped to create time and space for others.

Ismahil Akinade (Bray Wanderers)



While he didn’t get on the scoresheet in his side’s triumph against Dundalk, Akinde played a big role in that win. A strong and willing target man, he worked tirelessly to hold up the ball and bring his team-mates into play and would have scored himself were it not for some fine Peter Cherrie saves.