SARGE SCORES BUT CATS CLAW IT BACK (Courtesy of www.monaghanunited.ie )
Monaghan United were defeated 3-1 by visitors Kilkenny City at Century Homes Park on Friday night. Despite opening the scoring through Darren Sargent, United went in level at the break and went down to second-half goals from Kilkenny's King and Tiernan.
Monaghan United manager Mick Cooke shuffled his pack again after a disappointing run of results and opted for a 3-4-3 formation as he sought a winning formula. Tadhg Murphy continued in goals behind a back-three of Darren Sargent, Barry Burke and Kevin Cronin. Regular right-back Jim Murphy played on the left-hand side of midfield with Brian Gannon on the right and Shane Harte and Stephen Finnegan in the centre. The attacking trio consisted of Paul Smyth, Robbie Smyth and Alan McNevin.
In the opening period the new formation looked effective as United played some attractive passing football. However, the frailties at the back remained, with the speed of Kilkenny centre-forward Conor Buckley causing the United defence a lot of trouble. Monaghan United had the perfect start when Darren Sargent netted after only 8 minutes. Shane Harte's free-kick from the left was knocked back across goal at the far post by Robbie Smith into the path of Sargent who knocked the ball home for his second goal of the season.
However, only 3 minutes later the visitors were level. Tadhg Murphy could only weakly punch a free-kick from the right under pressure and the ball fell to a Kilkenny player who headed it into the path of Kilkenny captain Aaron Mooney who had the easy task of heading the ball into an open goal.
United could have regained their lead midway through the half. Good work from Brian Gannon and Alan McNevin at the right corner flag allowed Gannon the space to cross the ball. His perfect cross to the far post had the goalkeeper beaten. However Paul Smyth and Jim Murphy appeared to get into each other's way and between them they knocked the ball just to the left of the post and wide. As the side-netting rippled the home fans were celebrating the goal before they realised that it was wide.
Kilkenny City almost took the lead just before half-time. Conor Buckley beat the United offside and his square ball into the box was blazed over by Paul Malone with an open goal at his mercy.
The second-half began with Finnegan and Harte probing for an opening in the Kilkenny City rearguard, while the visitors' more direct approach involved longer balls behind the United defence which kept the United defence on their toes. However, United failed to create an opening and the next goal came from the visitors on 65 minutes. Good work down the right by Paddy O'Hanlon saw him evade Shane Harte's tackle and Brian King turned and hammered his pass into the roof of the net from the right-hand side of the area.
Mick Cooke introduced David Lee for Alan McNevin in response, and while Lee won most of the ball in the air United could not forge an opening. Kilkenny City's third goal came from a disputed corner on 81 minutes. Kevin Cronin's tackle appeared to take a ricochet off a Kilkenny City player and the assistant referee awarded a kick-out. However, he was over-ruled by the referee who awarded a corner. Kilkenny City scored from the corner, Liam Tiernan's run to the near post was not picked up and his glancing header beat Murphy in the United goal.
Monaghan United: Tadhg Murphy, Darren Sargent, Barry Burke, Kevin Cronin, Brian Gannon, Shane Harte, Stephen Finnegan, Jim Murphy, Alan McNevin, Robbie Smith, Paul Smyth.
Sub: David Lee for Alan McNevin
PLAYERS VIEW by Darren Sargent
Well after losing a sixth game in succession, this was a must win game for us with a chance of jumping of the bottom of the table. We started brightly against Kilkenny pressing them from the kick off. After 9 minutes we took the lead from a Stephen Finnegan free kick, which was sent back across the goal by Ganno for myself to put away into an empty goal. Kilkenny came straight at us after we scored as we expected and it only took them 3 minutes to equalise. A corner which was only half cleared found the head of an unmarked Kilkenny player who made it 1-1. I felt we dominated the first half after they scored having the best chances and the more possession of the ball but failed to score.
Again we started brightly in the second half pressing Kilkenny and created a few half chances. Kilkenny went in front on 65th minute from a well struck shot into the top corner which I felt should have been dealt with. After that we pressed again with most the possession but failed creating few clear chances. Late on in the game Kilkenny made it 3-1 from a corner, the lineman gave a goal kick but was over ruled by the referee and we got punished from it again from an unmarked header at the front post giving no chance for Tadhg.
LEAGUE CUP MATCH AGAINST THE VIKINGS
Monaghan United take on Dublin City this Saturday in the FAI Carlsberg Cup Second Round at Dalymount Park. Kick off will be at 7.45 and a large Monaghan support is expected to attend this game. United will be hoping to turn the tide on their recent bad form by a good run in the Cup.
NEW PLAYERS ON THE WAY TO CHP
Monaghan United are currently looking at bringing in four or five players in an effort to sign some fresh legs in the upcoming transfer window. United are badly in need of a shake up and will be releasing a few of their current squad in a bid to change the fortunes of the Senior team. Further details will follow shortly.
LADIES PROGRESS TO NEXT ROUND OF CUP
Monaghan United Ladies took on Dublin’s Walkinstown on Sunday last at Century Homes Park in the first round of the FAI Junior Women’s Cup. United managed to record a 5-0 victory over the Dublin side despite the torrential rain and difficult playing conditions. If the weather had been less inclement, the women in blue (and later in yellow!) would have been sure to have put even more of their chances into the net. United impressed all who braved the stormy conditions with their skilful play and total command of the pitch. Orla Callan’s hat trick together with Suzanne Gordan and Charlene Graham’s one a piece were enough to ensure that Monaghan go forward to the next round of the cup and face the tougher opposition of St Francis.
United’s next match was due to be against Kildare Town next Wednesday in the League Cup but this game may not now go ahead.
SUMMER CAMP 2006
Monaghan United FC will be running their annual Summer Fun Soccer Camp starting on 3rd July to the 7th July at Century Homes Park and Astro Park. The summer camp is an important part of Monaghan United’s annual fundraising to provide great footballing facilities for everyone in the County. We would ask that all parents whose children play football at Monaghan United send their children to this camp to help ensure that your child has football in the future years.
Summer Camp Application forms must be in by May 31st to ensure that correct kit is made available for your child. Post to : Summer Camp, Monaghan United FC, Century Homes Park, Monaghan, drop in letterbox at Century Homes Park or give to Monaghan United Officials who will be collecting them at Mini Leagues on Sunday mornings.
MINI LEAGUES
Monaghan United Mini Leagues come to an end this Sunday at Century Homes Park after a long season. Mini Leagues will start up again in September for all kids aged between 6 and 10. Watch local press and web for details.
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 4th June 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.
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.
