Oct 16 2007 Mons Notes

[Magicme]

UNITED SHOW SPIRIT IN DUNDALK DEFEAT
Monaghan United took some comfort from a return to form despite going down 1-0 to Dundalk on Thursday last. A tighter United defence and midfield caused problems for Dundalk and it took ex-Mon Veteran Trevor Vaughan to break the deadlock.

United were without first choice goal keeper Alvin Rouse but Louth man Danny Woods did his club proud by managing to keep the wolf at bay until Vaughan took advantage of Woods being unable to see through a crowded box by sliding the ball into the back of the goals on the 67th minute.

United came close to equalising on a few occasions but they were unable to finish the opportunities that they had. United’s Kevin Williamson and Luke Fitzpatrick stood out as they worked the field from end to end and stunted every attempt by Dundalk.

Whilst the result wasn’t what United would hope for, the team finding their feet again and playing as a cohesive unit was heartening and if Mick can inspire the team to play like this again on Friday, Shelbourne will struggle.


€10,000 UP FOR GRABS IN UNITED’S ANNUAL DRAW
To win €10,000 just before Christmas is many people’s dream and if you buy a Monaghan United FC Supporters Club ticket, you might just make your dreams come true! Tickets for the draw are limited to 300 entrants and are selling fast, so make sure your name is in the hat for the big money by getting your hands on one now. Tickets are available from any Monaghan United Committee member or at the Club Office Mon-Fri from 10am to 5pm. Phone 047 84788 for more details.

MONAGHAN UNITED LADIES
A meeting will be held in the Clubhouse this Sunday (21st) at 6pm. All players are to attend to finalise arrangements for the Flag Day on Saturday 27th October and the League Presentation Night at the Lucan Spa Hotel on Friday November 9th. Next Season’s training arrangements will also be discussed.

MONS UNDER 15’S GOALIE MAKES THE GRADE
Monaghan United Under 15 goalkeeper Aaron McCarey has been called up to Vinny Butler's Republic of Ireland Under 16 squad for an upcoming game against Northern Ireland. This is a phenomenal achievement for the young goalie who has been the focus of some keen interest from clubs in England and Scotland over the past year and shows that his hard work and training is really paying off.

The club are delighted for Aaron and are also thrilled to have 2 schoolboys making Republic of Ireland squads this year with Mark Connolly also making the grade. Aaron has always shown great talent and was part of the Under 12s squad that went to Korea to represent Ireland a few seasons ago in the Under 13s World Cup competition.

The Republic of Ireland U16s take on Northern Ireland on the 22nd of October in Holm Park, Armagh and hopefully Aaron will be gaining his first cap on the night.

The Monaghan United Under 15’s manager, Brian Finnegan is very proud of Aaron and said “I would also like to take this opportunity to wish Aaron all the best next Tuesday when he puts on the green jersey of Ireland. This is a great chance for Aaron who has been outstanding for Monaghan United for the last few years.”

“This is the second time that Aaron has represented his country as he was also in the mini World Cup in South Korea two years ago when Monaghan United represented Ireland.” Brian continued. “Aaron has also been picked to play for the Ulster Schools this weekend and we all look forward to the week ahead.”

Best wishes Aaron from Brian, Bernard, Kieran and all your team mates and everyone at the club.

[Magicme]

UNDER 15’S GET OFF TO A FLYING START
Monaghan United Under 15’s got their season off to a flying start when the beat Glenmuir 4-1 away in the Dundalk District Schoolboy League. This was not going to be an easy game for the team to start with, especially when they were trying to blend in 5 new players to the team. It proved that way when Glenmuir took an early lead after some poor defending by Monaghan. After conceding that silly goal however, United stepped up a gear and really started to play some great football. Captain Jack McCarron was leading by example in the middle of the park.

United soon got back on level terms when Brian McQuaid fired home a wonderful goal letting Monaghan go in at half time with the scoreline at 1-1.

In the second half it was all Monaghan and it wasn’t long before Philip Donnelly made it 2-1 with a superb individual goal. United soon made it 3 when new boy James King won the ball in midfield and laid it off to Cillian Coleman who played a wonderful 1,2 with Philip Donnelly and then Cillian rounded the keeper to fire home for the goal of the game. Jack McCarrron soon made it 4 -1 when Shane Kelly found Damian Smith on the left, who whipped in a great cross for Jack to finish in style.

This sealed the Man of the Match performance for Jack McCarron in a very good performance from the whole team in their first game of the season. The back four of Conor Campbell, Cillian Coleman, Darren Coleman and new boy Anthony Brady all did very well bar the one mistake that led to the goal. Aaron McCarey was solid in goals and coped well with anything they could fire at him. The midfield of Daniel McKenna, James King, Jack McCarron and Damien Smith were too good for Glenmuir while up front Brian McQuaid and Philip Donnelly formed a great partnership. Shane Kelly, Dermot Smith and Ronan Lannigan all did really well when introduced using the new system of roll on roll off.

TEAM: Aaron McCarey, Conor Campbell, Cillian Coleman, Darren Coleman, Anthony Brady, Daniel McKenna, James King, Jack McCarron, Damian Smith, Philip Donnelly, Brian McQuaid, Shane Kelly, Dermot Smith, Ronan Lannigan.

MANAGERS: Brian Finnegan

UNDER 15’S CONTINUE THEIR WINNING WAYS
In Monaghan United’s Under 15’s first game in Belgium Park United were very happy with an 8-1 win over a very defensive Morhevnamuir side. Monaghan attacked right from the very start and might have gone 1-0 up by new player Dean Nugent only for some fine keeping from the Morhevnamuir keeper. This was the same right through the first half with United bombarding the Dundalk team’s goals and Monaghan could have been 6 goals to the good only for the wonderful saves pulled off by the keeper. Dean Nugent, Philip Donnelly, Jack McCarron, Brian McQuaid and Daniel McKenna, all had one-on-ones with the keeper, but the keeper stood firm. Eventually a goal did come but was against Monaghan when the ball, from a nothing back pass from Darren Coleman, took a bobble on the pitch and bounced into the Monaghan net. Straight away United responded and Cillian Coleman laid the ball off to Conor Campbell. Campbell found Jack McCarron in the middle of the pitch and Jack, sidestepping two defenders, unleashed a superb shot from about 25 yards into the top corner of the Morhevnamuir net giving the keeper no chance. The half time score was 1-1.

Monaghan totally dominated in the second half and it was just a matter of getting an early goal to break the deadlock. It took only a few minutes for Mons to do this when a great ball from Darren McKenna to Brian McQuaid, who’s super pace took him past the Morhevnamuir defence, and Brian fired home a rocket of a goal. Brian soon added a second to his tally when new team mate Ronan Lannigan slipped another through ball and Brian, who is playing the best football he has ever played, coolly slotted home from 10 yards.

The goal of the game however, came when a clever free kick by Jack McCarron was met by Philip Donnelly. Donnelly beat the keeper from the edge of the 18 yard box. Philip added a second goal shortly after when once again Darren McKenna was the provider. Dean Nugent scored the next for United from the edge of the 18 yard box and Philip Donnelly got his hattrick after some great work down the left by Damian Smith.

Brian McQuaid also claimed a hattrick after some good work in midfield by Shane Kelly who had slipped an inch perfect pass through. Shane is another new addition to the team and he is settling in well and was possibly United’s best player in the National Cup game last week.

Well done to the lads and we can look forward to playing Rangers next Saturday. Man of the match was Brian McQuaid.

TEAM: Aaron McCarey, Conor Campbell, Cillian Coleman, Darren Coleman, Dermot Smith, Daniel McKenna, Jack McCarron, Shane Kellly, Philip Donnelly, Dean Nugent, Ronan Lannigan, Damien Smith, Darren McKenna and Brian McQuaid.

MANAGER: Brian Finnegan

UNDER 16’S – THE ROCK CRUSHERS
Following a good 4-0 win over Albion Rovers last weekend in the National Cup, Monaghan had a home game in the league, at Kingspan Century Park where they welcomed Rock Celtic for a 2.00pm kick off, hoping to keep up their unbeaten record. The huge pitch would certainly suit United’s passing style of play. The game started well for the home side, good passing and movement, and Rock Celtic were chasing shadows in the opening minutes. This was a crucial game for the new look Monaghan United team as no fewer than 10 players were absent from last year’s squad.

Stephen Murray again was impressive in the holding-role, spraying the ball around the slick surface. Marty Hanley and Conor McEnaney on either side of Murray also played some nice passes while Conor Toal and Darren Coleman at centre back were largely untroubled.

After 11 minutes Stephen Murray found Kevin Tierney on the left and after a great run he fired a cracker just over the bar with the keeper beaten. Tierney was tormenting Rock with his runs down the left and United took the lead after sixteen minutes. Top scorer Jimmy Fallon grabbed a goal as he finished well from inside the box after the ball broke to him after some neat work by Hanley and Kevin Morris.

United were happy to try to keep possession while Rock Celtic found it difficult to get a hold on the game. Goalkeeper Kevin Martin had to deal with a few back-passes, but little else, while fullbacks Paul Sherlock and Dean McMahon won their headers well but had no real defensive work to do of any significance. Kevin Morris and Jimmy Fallon up front were a handful for the Rock defence and young Morris never gave up and ran his heart out. United went in 1-0 up at half time and looked comfortable.

The second half started and United seemed to just do enough and then they gave away a silly penalty, which Johnny Breen converted. United upped their game and after a great through ball from Paul Sherlock, Jimmy Fallon’s good control and turn on the edge of the box led to a shot from 18 yards. The goalkeeper made an excellent save down to his left.

United were piling on the pressure now and were coming at Rock in waves. Fallon hit the bar with the keeper stranded and then Kevin Morris and Kevin Tierney were both unlucky with shots before McEnaney found Fallon. Fallon connected with a pile driver to the bottom corner for a 2-1 lead and with 5 minutes left Tierney eventually got the goal he deserved when he slotted a Morris pass to the corner past the outstretched keeper. Ryan Courtney came on as a sub and did well and he also got through the game without a card.

Team: K.Martin, P.Sherlock, C.Toal, D.Coleman, D Mc Mahon, M Hanley, S Murray, C Mc Enaney, K Tierney, J Fallon, K Morris, C Mc Donald, R Courtney, D Tierney.

Monaghan United Under 16’s are kindly sponsored By Metropolitan Finance