The League Of Ireland has exploded into action, and with the largest number of promoted teams for a number of seasons in action it was inevitable that the new sides were going to draw attention early on.

However, it seems unlikely that anyone really expected the story we have seen, least of all Romero FC.

The ‘bies, having come up from what is often described as the ‘weaker’ Division 2 opened their campaign by dealing with their fellow promoted side Kilkenny City in a more convincing manner than the scoreline suggested. They then took a 2-0 victory against Buggleskelly Swifts AFc which left The Ejits feeling more than a little aggrieved, Sean Doyle proving the difference for Romero.

So far, so good but next the champions came to Georgetown. Surely the home fans wouldn’t be too disappointed if things didn’t go their way? To their delight they didn’t have to settle as Shamrock hoops, marshalled by ‘Jayyysus’ Miller found themselves unable to break the newcomers resolve before their defence was wrong footed by Anbjørn Kjølstad who netted the winner.  One week into their LOI debut and they took another hard-fought victory over former 2.3 rivals Athlone Town to leave themselves sitting on top of the division, having still to concede a goal.

That record will undoubtedly be tested this week, as Shay Duffy is the next up followed by Athletico Teabag and Le Sharks, who both have work to do…

The most prolific sides in the LOI are in hot pursuit. Elland Rovers fell afoul of The Yarrrghs but managed to dispense with Cavan Celtic, Lepers United and Kilkenny City FC (who have had the toughest start of the promoted clubs) by single goal margins to stay in second, a point ahead of a rejuvenated looking Askeaton side. After a patchy season defending the title, the Tribesmen are top of the scoring charts although the draw against Athlone must have rankled.

As is the norm for the League Of Ireland, the majority of the league is immensely close with three points covering the places from Lepers United at the foot of the table to Athlone in sixth. The number of draws so far has been striking, and while the trend seems unlikely to continue it reflects the competitive nature of the league.

Already teams at the bottom will be conscious of the need to move up the table early to relieve the pressure which can and does build so steadily on the top managers. As your reporter has been keen to stress in the past, form is all-important in the League Of Ireland, will Romero be able to maintain theirs?

Game of the Week – Shamrock hoops vs. Askeaton – The two most recent champions meet in a game that had everything but annoying noisemakers.

Player of the Week – Sean Doyle (Romero FC) A stunning start to his top flight career.