Training and friendlies are underway for the newly formed squad with Mick Cooke pushing his young talented lads to the maximum with 3 training sessions a week. United played their first friendly against strong Leinster League side TEK on Saturday and despite only salvaging a draw from the encounter, a lot was learned and the team showed the makings of a competent side. It was difficult for the side to settle down in the second half as Mick had made 8 changes at half time and TEK took advantage of this and 1 minute after the game resumed, TEK were 1-0 up. Brian Gannon scored the equalizer about half way through the second half to open his account with Monaghan United. All in all Mick was very positive about the game and said “I felt the team played well and are beginning to get used to each other”
Monaghan United and Newry City played out an entertaining friendly match in the Showgrounds on Tuesday night. Mick Cooke's new squad played well, taking the lead in the first half through David Lee, and it took 2 superb strikes from Newry City to win the game.
After weathering some pressure from the home side, United took the lead when David Lee deflected a free-kick past the Newry 'keeper. It was a goal against the run of play, and Newry were level minutes later thanks to a superb strike from ex-Linfield, Rangers and Shamrock Rovers' striker Lee Feeney, who left Tadgh Murphy in the United goal with no chance with a powerful shot from outside the box. United could have re-taken the lead when left winger Rob Smith turned and shot, but the Newry 'keeper saved well. Newry City had several chances before half-time and United could consider themselves fortunate to go in level at half-time, with Newry hitting the bar and blazing over an open goal.
It was an improved performance by United in the second half as they passed it around playing some entertaining football. Paul Smyth came on the left wing, and after a terrific run his low cross across the goalmouth was just out of the reach of the onrushing forwards. Andy Cousins came on at midfield and showed some neat touches, alongside Jimmy Fullam who had an impressive second-half. Also impressing for United were, Darren Sargeant in the centre of defence, Shane Harte and Brian Gannon who switched between right-back and right-wing, and Paul Smyth on the left.
Brian Gannon had a chance when he broke the offside trap and the goalkeeper fluffed his clearance, but his shot at the open goal from a narrow angle was cleared off the line. Newry City won the game with another terrific strike, a free-kick from outside the box into the top righthand corner of the net which left Robbie Horgan, who replaced Murphy at half-time, with no chance.
Thereafter, the game was very stretched. The pace of former Finn Harps striker Damien Whitehead caused the United defence a lot of trouble, with Robbie Horgan denying him in one-on-ones on a couple of occasions. At the other end, United pushed men forward in search of an equaliser, but couldn't break through the Newry defence. In the final minute, Paul Smyth picked up the ball on the left and whipped another terrific ball across the goalmouth. Brian Gannon's first effort was saved but then the Newry 'keeper pulled him down for a penalty. However, Shane Harte's spot-kick was well saved by the 'keeper diving low to his right.
Tomorrow night (Friday) Monaghan United FC take on Armagh City in Armagh at 7.45pm. This is a good opportunity for fans of the Mons to go and check out the new team.
LICENCE TO THRILL
Monaghan United FC were delighted when they received the much anticipated news that we were successful in our application for an eircom League Licence. 21 of the 22 eircom League clubs received the go ahead to play football and Monaghan United were thrilled to make the cut. Club Licensing Officer Colm Mahony said “there is a serious amount of work involved in the Licence application so it is a great relief when you get the nod that everything is how it should be.”
Monaghan United would like to thank Colm for his hard work during the past year to ensure that we received our licence. Thanks also to all committee members but especially Jim McGlone, Eamonn White, Kevin Carroll, Julie-Ann Sherlock and Paul Oliphant for their input.
