Monaghan United News 14th February

ARMAGH CITY 1 – 1 MONAGHAN UNITED
Monaghan United FC travelled to Armagh City last Friday night and played a very entertaining match to come away with a 1-1 draw. In the first half, Monaghan had the measure of Armagh and played some very good passing football. Monaghan created a few good chances and were rewarded on the 18th minute when Paul Smyth slotted home from 6 yards much to the joy of the large following support. The game settled into a fairly even affair but with Mons making more chances. David Lee made a few attempts but was unlucky not to score. His biggest disappointment was when he hit the ball over the bar from 6 yards. Robbie Smith also made a nuisance of himself by making darting runs into the Armagh defence and giving the goalie a lot of work. Paul Smyth showed his delight at being back in United’s colours by making the Armagh defence quake everytime he had the ball. Armagh had few chances due to the solid back four of Paul Whelan, Darren Sargent, David Cronin and Eddie Keys.

In the second half, Mick made 8 substitutions including bringing on goalie Tadhg Murphy to replace Robbie Horgan. Eoghan O'Shea and Shane Harte also got a run out in the second half. Tadhg didnt get much chance to settle in goals before Armagh capitalised on the unsettled defence and slipped a header past Murphy. The game lost most of its momentum but Monaghan still managed to put in a good display.

The 1-1 result was a fair enough reflection of a pretty even game, but Mons definately showed potential. Manager Mick Cooke felt that “the game went well. It was competitive which was needed after the last 2 games, it was a real game.” Mick said “I was delighted that they still held their shape even with all the substitutions in the 2nd half. I felt that Paul Smyth and Paul Whelan did really well and Stephen Finnegan was great despite being tired having just come home from Jersey playing for the Northern Ireland Schools team. Andy Cousins has settled nicely and played some good football and its great to see David Lee improving and getting back into it after his long lay off.”

Monaghan United’s next friendly is this Sunday (19th February) in Belfield against UCD. Kick off is at 2.30pm. Cooke said “I am really looking forward to the UCD game as it is another step up in our preparations. UCD have established themselves in the premier division and with them and Waterford and Dublin City ahead, we have 3 very exciting friendly games to come.” “I would hope,” he continued “that I will have a better idea of my starting 11 by the time we play Dublin City. We have a squad of 20 players so there is a lot of competition for places”

Mick also confirmed that Monaghan United had signed Eddie Keys, (Leeds United and Kildare County), and Ciaran Friel, (Irish Defence Forces) last week.

STEPHEN’S ON STANDBY
Monaghan United’s Stephen Finnegan has once again been put on Standby for International Duty. The Republic of Ireland Under 19’s squad travel to La Manga in Spain on the 25th February for an International Tournament and Stephen has been requested to be on standby should his country need him. Stephen had the honour of being called into the squad to play in Bulgaria the last time he was on standby and it is hoped that he gets the opportunity to don the Green and White in Spain too.

Monaghan United FC are very proud of Stephen’s achievements and wish him all the best as he continues to receive the call ups for International duty.

GIRLS MINI LEAGUES
This Saturday Monaghan United Under 16’s girls are part of two County Representative sides who will be traveling to the MDL in Navan to take part in an Under 16’s Blitz. This Blitz has been organised by Tom Mohan with the help of the Monaghan United Co-ordinating committee of Enda Fields, Barry Dolan, Julie-Ann Sherlock and Liam McCarey. The aim of the Blitz is to try and find a way forward to develop a girls league in the North Eastern Counties of Monaghan, Cavan, Meath and Louth and to provide as much footballing fun for the females of the area as possible.

All girls participating are reminded to be at Century Homes Park by 9am sharp on Saturday morning and any parents willing to drive the girls to Navan should contact Julie-Ann Sherlock on 085 7147500 or Tom Mohan on 087 4108079.

There will be no mini leagues for the Under 13 girls on Saturday but will resume again the following week. All new members welcome. Please bring runners (not studs/blades/mouldies) and shinguards.


CAR BOOT SALE
Don’t forget that Monaghan United FC now hold a monthly Car Boot Sale. The next sale takes place at Century Homes Park on Sunday 5th March from 10am. The cost of entering a Car is a measly €10 and a Van a pathetic €15. Come along and sell everything from books to baths! Get there early so you don’t miss the bargains.

WEBSITE
Wondering where you can find out all you need to know about Monaghan United FC? Want to keep up to date on the latest news and Schoolboy Match Reports? www.monaghanunited.ie is the place to go. Recently revamped with added features and easier access, Monaghan United FC are proud to have such an informative and comprehensive website.

Now there is even more to see with the new Women’s football section and the recent addition of an Online Shop for all your Monaghan United Merchandise.

So visit www.monaghanunited.ie and make sure you are kept in the picture.

GREG TURLEY SUITE AND BAGSTER LOUNGE
Having a party? Need somewhere for a meeting or conference? Monaghan United have the facilities you need. The Greg Turley Suite is perfect for meetings or conferences and when combined with the Bagster Lounge it provides the ideal setting for parties. The new Patio area with outside tables and bar-be-queing facilities adds another alternative to this versatile venue. Also remember the Bagster Lounge is open Monday to Sunday for a quiet drink or to watch sports on our big screen T.V.s. For further information and bookings contact Martin Kelly at 086 8937562.