Pre-season friendlies

[HarpoJoyce]

Here's the highlights of the kidare game

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RO-eD8tej4g

Christo/Davidatrb,
Thanks again for shooting that game. I've said it before, it's a joy to watch the Kildare County footage. Quality recording, ball stays in the middle of the frame and unlike some defenders I don't think you guys miss a tackle.

You have a nice little industry going promoting Kildare County.

If I may (selection of videos)

http://www.youtube.com/profile_videos?user=davidatrb

[DmanDmythDledge]

Beat Monaghan 1-0 tonight, Forsyth with the goal.

[pineapple stu]

Awful game, ruined by the strong wind. Derek Doyle's back though.

[monutdfc]

caught a chill there last night, dying today. Who was the tall blond guy upfront for you, dropped back into midfield in the second half? Handy player.

[Schumi]

caught a chill there last night, dying today. Who was the tall blond guy upfront for you, dropped back into midfield in the second half? Handy player.

Paul Byrne, quality striker when fit. Did he drop into midfield?

[John83]

Derek Doyle's back though.

Very good news. We were playing Fitzgerald there out of position before, and Doyle's worth a few goals too.

[pineapple stu]

A late goal frmo Darren Forsyth saw UCD end their pre-season on a winning note, but a game dominated by the strong wind will be more notable for the return of Derek Doyle after a six month lay off with a broken leg.

UCD were playing into a strong wind in the first half, and Matt Gregg was struggling to reach half way with his kicks. It was UCD who had the first chance of the game though, when Timmy Purcell was played through on 12 minutes, rounded the keeper but from a narrow angle, could only hit the post.

Ten minutes later, a slip from Conor Kenna nearly saw Monaghan take advantage only for veteran Dom Tierney to fire wide from six yards.

A minute later, the wind was nearly UCD's undoing when Monaghan keeper Brendan Kennedy - brother of former Irish international Mark - saw his clearance catch the breeze, and Matt Gregg had to scramble back to get a hand to the ball to avoid a remarkable goal. Monaghan were happy to try from distance when they got the chance, and had an effort from 30 yards on 34 minutes, but the accuracy was lacking. Two minutes later, a good cross from Alan Mahon was scissors kicked wide by Timmy Purcell, while the Mons' keeper had to be sharp to save from Paul Byrne after a deep cross from Brian Shortall.

With the wind at their backs, UCD had more of the second half and Byrne was again causing trouble just before the hour, but Kennedy was out to deny him one-on-one. Four minutes later, John Reilly took advantage of hesitant play in the Monaghan defence to rob a defender and curl inches wide, while Ronan Finn was denied by a superb last-ditch block.

The only goal came with ten minutes to go - Killian Gallagher got down the left and put in a low cross, which Darren Forsyth tucked home from close range.

All in all, not much to be learned given the weather conditions, but a win is a win, and it's now all systems go for the visit of Derry City to the UCD Bowl on Friday.

UCD - Gregg; Mahon, Gallagher, Shortall, Kenna; McNally, Reilly, King, McWalter; Purcell, Byrne. Subs used - Brennan, Finn, Forsyth, T Doyle, D Doyle.

[Martinho II]

what do you think of john reilly so far lads?

[pineapple stu]

OK, but he's no Conan. Goal he scored was a tap in, but at least he was there. Nearly scored a lovely curler against Monaghan. Can't take frees.

[Schumi]

Seems to have a decent first touch but his crossing has been poor so far.

[John83]

He's quick with the ball at his feet, which I always like. I think he could come goodbut I'm deferring judgement.