Finn Harps-v-Monaghan United
Saturday next sees us travel to Ballybofey for our Ulster Derby against Finn Harps. By their own standards the Donegal side have made a poor start to their season and indeed their performance somewhat mirrors our own and just lie below us in the table, although the have a game in hand against Shelbourne. In their last league outing against Limerick in Jackman Park Harps had a credible draw considering that they were missing a number of key players including their leading striker and keeper. Harps received a bit of a set back on Monday when manager Paul Hegary announced his resignation, he is being replaced on a temporary capacity by James Gallagher.
Monaghan always find Finn Park a tough ground to get a result in and Saturdays game should be no different. However United are playing well at the minute having collected 7 out of the last 9 points. Mick Cooke would be fairly confident of getting a result on the present form in Ballybofey.
With little counter attractions Monaghan are hoping for a good turn out of supporters to travel north for the 8.p.m. kick off.
Injuries and Suspensions
Suspended : none
Injured: none
Results of Last fixtures
Div 1 Monaghan United 0 0 Wexford Youths
Div 1 Athlone Town 2 3 Monaghan United
Div 1 Monaghan United 5 1 Kildare County
Div 1 Waterford United 6 0 Monaghan United
League Cup Monaghan United 1 2 Sporting Fingal
Next 5 Fixtures
Fri May 22 Monaghan United v Longford Town 8.p.m.
Fri May 29 Shelbourne v Monaghan United 7.45.p.m
Fri Jun 5 Monaghan United v UCD 8.p.m.
Fri Jun19 Mervue United v Monaghan United 7.45.p.m.
Fri July 3 Monaghan United v Limerick 8.p.m.
Managers Quotes” Last weeks draw gave us our third unbeaten game in a row so hopefully we have turned the corner and can continue with this run. The eight goals accumulated from these games are also reassuring, and the seven points has moved us well up the table.
This Saturday we travel to play Finn Harps away. The Ballybofey grounds have always proved a difficult venue for us. Harps have had a similar start to the season as us; during the week they were unfortunate to loose their manager Paul Hegarty. I hope Paul will be able to return to football in the future because the game cannot afford to loose people of his calibre. For the moment James Gallagher takes over the managerial role and I wish him the best of luck and look forward to meeting him.
We will travel in a confident mood as I believe that if we can replicate our recent form we should at least gain a point but I believe we have a good chance of getting our first victory at these grounds for a number of years.
We will have a full squad to pick from with no injuries or suspensions.
I believe that we could have a good support with us as many of our supporters view this as a derby match."
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