SHAMROCK SHAMBLES
United’s hopes of holding regaining their season’s earlier form by going to Tolka Park last Friday and gaining some points took a full on battering. Shamrock Rovers put a dampener on their plans from early in the game when Dave O’Connor put them 1 nil in front with 6 minutes gone on the clock. Despite going a goal down, the Mons held their nerve and launched an attack when Brian Gannon won a free kick. The ball went out for a corner and was subsequently crossed in but Robbie Smith was unable to make use of it and Rovers made another surge for the Monaghan half. They were foiled again though when Monaghan earned another free but again were unable to make it count. The game continued with some to-ing and fro-ing between the sides and Monaghan’s defence stood solid to prevent Rovers from scoring again until the 30th minute when Tadhg Purcell slotted an edge of box free kick past Murphy in the Monaghan nets.
Tadhg Murphy was caught on the hop 5 minutes later and was well beaten by David Cassidy who added a 3rd goal to the Rovers tally before the half time break. Despite being 3 down at this stage, Monaghan tried to create something and it almost came to fruition when David Lee got a head to a ball from a McNevin free on the edge of the box. The big striker won the ball but was unable to control it properly and it went out for a goal kick. United continued to try and resurrect their chances and played some good passing football which resulted in Michael McCann getting a chance to score. Unfortunately Michael’s shot went just wide and Mons were still in negative equity.
United had a few corners and throws which they failed to take full advantage of and in spite of their revival and much better play in the last 15 minutes of the first half, Monaghan went in goalless at half time.
A rejuvenated and more determined United emerged in the second half and David Lee had a good chance hit the crossbar in the 54th minute. After this latest effort though, Monaghan United died off and didn’t look very likely to score. Rovers added salt to the wound with a 4th goal in the 83rd minute when Tadhg Purcell scored his second of the game having beaten the Monaghan goalie in a one on one situation.
United left Tolka Park bitterly disappointed but hoping to turn things around when they face Dundalk this Friday at Century Homes Park. Kick off 8pm. Monaghan then face Athlone Town on Tuesday at St Mels Park.
WOMEN RATTLE RATOATH (Courtesy of www.monaghanunited.ie)
Monaghan United Ladies kept up their 100% record with a 6-1 win away to Ratoath on Monday evening. This was an important result for the ladies who were without several players due to work commitments. Aine Mulligan, Michaela Newell, Orla Callan, Charlene Graham and Pamela Treanor all got on the score sheet with Captain Pamela’s goal coming from a penalty.
Next week sees the ladies play 3 games that could make or break their season. On Monday they host Albion Rovers in the league at Century Homes Park, kick-off 7.30pm. Wednesday sees them take on Rush Athletic in the League Shield quarter-final also at Century Homes Park but this time with an 8 pm kick-off, while the weekend is the big one when the ladies take on Drogheda United away in the WFAI Cup, date and time to be confirmed.
UNDER 21’S VICTORIOUS IN DUNDALK
Monaghan United's Under-21 side defeated Dundalk 3-2 on the artificial surface at Oriel Park on Monday evening. Following a defeat to Drogheda United in their opening match, this was an important win to avoid dropping off the pace for a place in the last 16 at this early stage. See match report elsewhere.
CAMP FUN FUN FUN!
Monaghan United’s Fun Football Summer Camp kicked off this week with approximately 100 children enjoying coaching sessions and a mini tournament as they upped their skill levels while having fun. The wonderful sounds of happy children could be heard from Century Homes Park from Monday to Friday as they soaked up the sun-filled soccer camp. They all looked wonderful in their very cool Monaghan United gear and every child seemed to have the time of his or her life. Thank you to all the Thomas Heffernan (Head Coach), his coaching staff, and the Camp Co-ordinators for making the week such a success. Thank you also to all the children who attended for supporting their local club and helping keep the future of football in County Monaghan safe!
CONGRATS TO AARON
Monaghan United’s Under 13’s goal keeper Aaron McCarey has sparked a 5 club trial frenzy with Manchester United, Manchester City, Celtic, Reading and QPR all interested in having Aaron come over for a further look at his talent. McCarey was spotted by the scouts during his time at the Kennedy Cup when he was playing on the Dundalk Schoolboys League representative side with 5 other Monaghan United Players. Aaron follows in the footsteps of fellow Monaghan United Juvenile Goalie Kevin Martin who has spent some time with Wolverhampton Wanderers and also has earned caps with the Republic of Ireland Under 15’s development squad under Vinny Butler in the past year. Kevin’s team mate Mark Connolly has also come under the scrutiny of English clubs and has spent some time with West Bromwich Albion in recent weeks. The successes of these young men is no doubt testament to the hard work and dedication put in by the fine coaching they have received from their managers. Well done to all concerned and good luck to Aaron as he looks to his undoubtedly bright future.
CAR BOOT SALE
Don’t forget that Monaghan United FC now hold a monthly Car Boot Sale. The last sale was a major success with many people wheeling and dealing in the sun! The next sale takes place at Century Homes Park on Sunday 6th August 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. For further information and bookings contact Martin Kelly at 086 8937562.
442
Monaghan United FC’s 442 draw in association with McChesney Opel comes to an end this week with the final draw taking place on Friday after the Monaghan United – v – Dundalk game. One lucky winner will drive off with the keys to a brand new Opel Corsa while other winners will take home cash prizes. Monaghan United would like to thank everyone who supported the draw in the past year and wish all ticketholders the best of luck on Friday.
