INTENT on impressing new manager Mick Cooke at Century Homes Park, Monaghan broke the deadlock in the 34th minute when new boy Brendan Kerley latched on to a clearance from 'keeper Vladimir Munteanu, slipped his marker, and lobbed Kildare 'keeper Danny O'Keary.
Two controversial incidents provided second half talking points. First, Trevor Vaughan appeared to be tripped in the box but referee Hugh Whoriskey waved play on and a minute later, the Dublin whistler allowed play continue when Philip Hughes appeared to be off-side before running through to score.
There was some consolation for Cooke as the result enabled Monaghan to move off the bottom of the First Division on goal difference from Kilkenny City.
MONAGHAN U - Munteanua, Gifford, Doyle, King (Treanor 71), McDonnell, Byrne, O'Keeffe, Shiels, Kerley, Vaughan, O'Connor.
