POOR MONS PERFORMANCE LETS HARPS TAKE THE POINTS
Once again Senior Manager Mick Cooke was left with a skeleton squad to choose from for the game against Finn Harps last Friday night. Suspensions and injuries to key players left Mick with a depleted selection and Monaghan found it a struggle to match the Donegal men. That said, Harps were no great shakes themselves and were lucky enough to bag the victory in the second half thanks to a goal from Davitt Walsh.
Mick hopes that he will have a better selection available to him in the next game at Century Homes Park when Monaghan United take on Dundalk in the last local derby game of the season and what could possibly be the last league derby for some time! Dundalk are poised to win promotion this season and sit at the top of the table with only Shamrock Rovers and Galway United a threat to their status. They will undoubtedly be out to ensure their Premier dream when they come to play at Century Homes Park.
Ex-Monaghan United player Philly Hughes will also be on a mission to consolidate his position as top First Division scorer in the eircom League and it will be up to the newly returned to form goalie Robbie Horgan and his back line to try and thwart his ambition.
The Monaghan United – v – Dundalk game always brings great rivalry and with Dundalk riding high the Louth team will be bringing at least 600 supporters to the match. Monaghan United fans, come out in force and you will be guaranteed an exciting atmosphere and a dogged game of football. Kick off will be 8pm on Friday 3rd November.
UNDER 21’S CHASE PROMOTION
Monaghan United Under 21’s take on Dundalk on Friday night at 8pm at Century Homes Park in a bid to move up into the top 4 places in their league. If Monaghan can manage a win against Dundalk and Drogheda get beaten in their next game, they are in with a chance of coming out of the Northern Section. This is their last game in the Northern Section.
ANOTHER FINAL FOR THE WOMEN
Monaghan United’s women’s success rate continued last Sunday when they overcame Cabinteely in a hard fought battle to progress to the Final of the Leinster Junior Cup. United traveled to Dublin without regular team members such as Caroline Kavanagh (broken wrist) and Mary Croarkin (broken ankle) among the key players missing. Despite this, United’s women were able to beat the Dublin side 6-4 with the help of an Orla Callan hattrick. The other goals game from Republic of Ireland Internationals Charlene Graham and Michela Newell. Charlene put 2 away while Michela got the other to bring the total to 6.
United had struggled against the strong Cabinteely side and were on the back foot in the latter part of the game but managed to score 2 goals to bring them the victory they deserved. Yet again it was a gutsy performance from the team.
The final takes place in the AUL grounds on Sunday 5th November where the Mon’s take on Wexford Team Kilmore. Kilmore are a strong side who came second in the Premier B Division this year but if the strength of character shown by the Monaghan Ladies in previous games comes to the fore again, Kilmore will have a battle on their hands. Well done to Liam, Chris and the team and best of luck on Sunday week.
CONNOLLY REPRESENTING IRELAND AGAIN
The continuance of Mark Connolly’s presence in the Republic of Ireland’s Under 16’s team is testament to this young man’s talent and dedication. He won a starting position on Vinny Butler’s “A” team for the game against Northern Ireland on Tuesday last as a result of his impressive game against Wales (1-1) recently when he came on as a substitution. The Clones lad has figured in many of Vinny Butler’s teams of late and it looks like he is there to stay.
MONAGHAN CREDIT UNION MINI LEAGUES UNDER WAY
The 2006-2007 season of the ever popular Monaghan Credit Union Mini-Leagues started in earnest last Sunday with over 100 children aged 5-11 participating in the training sessions. The new season is set to be the most exciting yet with Monaghan United’s Under 21’s coach Thomas Heffernan taking charge and helping the coaching parents develop their children’s skills while ensuring they have fun. Thomas is a favourite with the Children who know him from his times running the Summer and Halloween Camps at Monaghan United, but what they may not realise that as well as being “Mister Fun” Thomas has a wealth of coaching experience under his belt and is due to complete his UEFA B coaching badge in the near future.
Another part of the Mini-Leagues revamp is going to be the introduction of the latest footballing craze – Futsal. Futsal is the method which helped Brazillian team members like Ronaldo on the road to success. It is a football game which is played with a heavier ball designed to encourage passing rather than “hoofing” and it is part of the FAI’s current programme for Development of football in Ireland. Monaghan United are among the first clubs in the Country to introduce this as part of their training and feel that the children at Mini-Leagues will benefit greatly from the new programme.
As with every season the registrations for Mini-Leagues have come in thick and fast and unfortunately there are only so many children who can be accommodated on a Sunday morning. Therefore, this Sunday, 29th October will be the last chance to register. So if you have a child aged between 5 and 11 who loves to play football, bring them along to Astro Park at Century Homes Park this Sunday between 10-11 for 5 to 7 year olds and 11-12 for 8 to 11 year olds for their last chance to join the Mini-Leagues.
CHRISTMAS IS COMING!
It may seem like a long time off but Santa Claus and all the trimmings are only around the Corner. We at Monaghan United are determined that you and your footballing Children will have a merry season of good will by offering to take your children aged 5-15 off your hands for 3 days after Santa’s visit. Monaghan United are running a Christmas Football Camp from Wednesday the 27th to Friday the 29th December to give your Keanes and Duffs a chance to run off all the turkey and junk food consumed and to try out the new football boots and shinguards that they found under the Christmas tree. Or maybe the Camp would make the perfect gift for your child. If so, keep your eyes on the Northern Standard and www.monaghanunited.ie for more details in the coming weeks. Monaghan United Jerseys, scarves, fleeces, hats and Season Tickets also make the perfect presents for the football mad person in your life. A full selection is available online or from Century Homes Park.
24/10/2006, 4:46 PM
Magicme
B]JUVENILLE JOTTINGS[/B]
Clean Sheet for Monaghan United U12’s in National Cup.
Ratoath was the venue for United’s National Cup tie game on Sunday. Ratoath Harps started in determined fashion with a number of good passing movements in midfield. Monaghan broke down one such movement. Sean Mohan intercepted a pass, executed a quick one two with Edward Stewart and blasted the return pass into the net in the 11th minute.
The Monaghan midfield of Jason Carey, Darragh Connolly, Edward Stewart and David McBride kept up the supply to strikers Ruarai Sheehan and Sean Mohan who used their pace to good effect. Monaghan central defender Andrew Myles joined the attack and had two near misses .Just before half time, Ruarai Sheehan’s blistering shot was parried by the keeper and Sean Mohan was first to the ball to claim a second goal to leave the score Ratoath 0 Monaghan 2 at half time.
Ratoath launched a number of attacks on the Monaghan defence of Pauric Murphy, Niall Donnelly, Andrew Myles, Fergal Malone and Michael McCrarren. Monaghan gained and kept possession well. The Mons soon went on the attack. Sean Mohan roaming on the left made a diagonal pass to impact substitute Evan Doherty who controlled it and shot to the back of the net.
Fresh legs for United came in the form of Ciaran Neeson, Shane Power and Darren Gallagher who from fifteen yards out on the left curled the ball over the defenders and into the top right corner of the goals. This was a great display of non stop unselfish teamwork from Monaghan. Man of the match has to go to the Ratoath Harps goalkeeper who made at least five point blank saves, one in particular from a lovely shot by Jason Carey who hit a long ball over the defence, which had goal written all over it until the keeper soared high to tip it over the bar.
Final result Ratoath Harps U12’s, 0 – 4 Monaghan United U12’s.
TEAM: Michael McCrarren, Pauric Murphy, Niall Donnelly, Andrew Myles, Fergal Malone, David McBride, Darragh Connolly, Edward Stewart, Jason Carey, Sean Mohan, Ruarai Sheehan, Shane Power, Evan Doherty, Darren Gallagher, Ciaran Neeson Matthew Kavanagh, Callum Maguire. Brendan Smith.
MANAGER: Tommy Myles.
Under 13’s into next round of National Cup
Monaghan United Under 13’s had to work hard to overcome a determined, well organised Clontarf side to win 2-0 and progress to the next round of the National Cup. The Dublin side playing on their home pitch started brightly and it took a well marshalled defence by Cian Byrne to hold them scoreless. Monaghan got their breakthrough on the 20th minute when the Clontarf keeper fumbled a raspng Seadh Deeney shot to allow Colin Clerkin tap in with the follow up shot. Monaghan dug deep in the second half and withstood sustained pressure from Clontarf by controlling the game through their passing movements. Upfront James McAllister and Shane Larkin caused problems with their speed and skill on the ball. Shane Hannon ensured the win for United on the 23rd minute with a brilliant individual goal when he chipped the advancing Clontarf keeper. All in all Monaghan were worthy winners and look forward to a good run in the Cup.
TEAM: James Allister, Andy Fallon, Paul McConkey, Dylan McMahon, Cian Byrne, Seadh Deeney, Conor Moynagh, Donal Courtney, Colin Clerkin, James McAllister, Shane Larkin, Niall Greenan, Shane Hannon, Myles Dwyer, Adrian Prunty, Elliot Maguire.
MANAGER: Seamus Deeney
Under 15: Monaghan United 9 Rush Athletic (NDSL) 0.
Monaghan United had total control of this game from the start, time after time they opened up the Rush defence through quick, incisive passing and off the ball movement. The away side couldn't live with the Mons and the scoreline of 5-0 at half-time could even have been greater with Jimmy Fallon hitting 4 again for the second week in a row.
The opening goal came after 10 minutes when with the Rush defence switching off, Fallon peeled away from his marker and Kelvin Mc Entee picked him out with a perfectly flighted pass over the top. Jimmy’s first touch was excellent and he finished off in style. Minutes later the Mons increased their lead, a long ball from Kevin Martin found Conor o Gorman free and he laid it off for Nial Mc Keown to slot home. The third came after a Mc Keown shot was miskicked by the keeper to the awaiting Fallon to finish. Uniteds fourth came after good work from the impressive Hanley in midfield who crossed and Fallon rifled one to the top corner for his hat trick. Just before half-time a neat lob over midfield from Barry Reilly found Fallon free to score his fourth and Uniteds fifth.
The second half started as the first finished with the Mons swift movement of the ball a joy to watch and it wasn't long before number six arrived.The Mons were having great success down the left hand side with, Kevin Tierney, Barry Reilly and Beraat Turker linking up time and again to good effect and it was from one such move that the sixth goal arrived. Kevin Tierney made a telling run from mid field and crossed for Beraat Turker who met it beautifully on the volley at the near post to flick the ball past the advancing Rush keeper. Beraat scored again when after beating the Offside Trap, he cooley slotted home a Barry Reilly pass.
Kevin Tierney scored himself with an unstoppable left foot cracker to the top corner after a mazy run from his own half. United finished off the game when a Reilly cross from the end-line looped out to the edge of the box for Marty Hanley to fire home.
The Mons midfield duo of Marty Hanley and Barry Reilly were excellent all afternoon. Their clever use of the ball allowed the Mons to control the pace of the game with O Gorman, Mc Entee, Hahassy and Tierney raiding up the flanks. The back line of Farrelly, Connolly, Toal and the impressive Sherlock were very solid and Kevin Martin was alert to any danger. The strikers Fallon, Mc Keown, and Turker were a menace to the Rush defence all afternoon.
TEAM: K. Martin, B Farrelly, C Toal, M Connolly, P Sherlock, C O Gorman, M Hanley, B Reilly, K Mc Entee, J Fallon, N Mc Keown, K Tierney, B.Turker, N Hahassy, D McMahon, C Callan
MANAGER: Kieran McMahon
REMINDER TO MANAGERS: Please have all match reports in the letterbox at Century Homes Park or emailed to julieann_sherlock@hotmail.com by Monday evening.
