Irish international striker Shane Long was on target in the English Premier League for the second week in a row for his new club West Bromwich Albion, but once again The Baggies didn't earn any points. Long got the fastest goal on Saturday, scoring in just under four minutes against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, but the Pensioners eventually won 2-1. With Robbie Keane now with LA Galaxy, Long might be partnering Kevin Doyle more often up front in the Irish attack. Doyle was also on target on Saturday as Wolves beat Fulham 2-0 to record back to back opening games for the first time since 1998. Damien Duff, who was in the Fulham side against Wolves, has signed a new contract that will keep him at Craven Cottage until 2013.
Meanwhile, after the exploits in the Champions League and Europa Cup the League of Ireland clubs are already back in the groove in the premier and first division, but this weekend it's the excitement of the FAI Cup. Cup holders Sligo Rovers should be too strong for first division Monaghan United at The Showgrounds on Saturday night. Shamrock Rovers, beaten finalists last year, were due to play UCD on Friday night, but that game will now be postponed as Rovers play Partisan in Belgrade tomorrow night in the second leg of their Europa Cup tie. The teams drew 1-1 in Tallaght last week and you would have to fancy Partizan to go through after getting the vital away goal.
