‘DUN OVER BY THE MONS (courtesy of www.monaghanunited.ie)
In a season low on highlights, Monaghan United gave their fans something to cheer about while putting a major dent in Dundalk's title ambitions with a 1-0 win over their local rivals at Century Homes Park on Friday night. In front of a massive travelling support, Dundalk had gone 19 games unbeaten before Friday's clash. Indeed, were it not for a disasterous start to the season which saw them lose their first 4 games, the Lilywhites would be home and dry by now. However, United put an end to this run thanks to an excellent finish from Paul Smyth from an Austin McCann cross in the 7th minute.
Without their injured top scorer and former United star Philip Hughes, Dundalk pushed hard but created few clear-cut opportunities, and when they did they found United goalkeeper Robbie Horgan in top form. Horgan denied Rob McAuley on the hour mark with a fantastic save from his goalbound header. But for the most part a well-organised United back-four, with Thomas McGauley back from injury and Barry Burke back from suspension at the heart of the defence in top form, kept Dundalk at bay. Meanwhile, upfront David Lee and Cian Mackey played very well, Lee winning his share of ball in the air and Mackey unlucky with a few touches that just didn;t fall right for him.
The end of the game was held up when Robbie Horgan was knocked out cold follwoing a collision with Dundalk's Paul Marney. We are glad to report that after an overnight stay in Cavan General Hospital, Robbie is recovering well and should be discharged on Saturday evening.
United held on for 12 minutes of injury time following Horgan's injury, during which Dundalk's Robbie Dunne saw red for a second bookable defence.
ROVER AND OUT
Monaghan’s last game against Shamrock Rovers in the League took place on Tuesday night in Tolka Park. With Rovers gunning for the title and looking very likely to win promotion to the Premier Division, this would be Monaghan’s last opportunity to play Rovers for some time, unless we meet them in Cup competition next season.
Mick Cooke was again without some of his key players who were out through injury and suspension. Robbie Farrell, Thomas McAuley, Shane McGeown and Stephen Finnegan are all injured. This however was not going to stop Mick’s optimisim. “We played a great game last Friday and we are not scared of Rovers. We have drawn with them twice at home this season but were badly beaten by them in Tolka last time out. That said, we will be hoping that our current form will stay with us until the end of the season.”
(update score when becomes available)
ST MEL’S FAREWELL
Over the past 20 odd years that Monaghan United have been playing in the League of Ireland, they have made many trips to St Mel’s Park, Athlone. This Friday sees the last trip to this, one of the oldest League grounds in the Country, for Monaghan United and indeed for any League team. Athlone Town FC are nearing completion in the building of their new Stadium and Friday night will be the last Senior football game to be played at Mel’s. United will be hoping to deliver a “surprise” to Athlone as they celebrate the closing of their old ground, with David Lee hoping to add to his already excellent tally of goals against Athlone. His hattrick against them in Mel’s earlier in the season have the Town faithful in fear of “The Blonde Bomber” and Lee will be eager to get on the score sheet once more. The last visit to Mel’s will give the Mons fans a chance to say goodbye to a ground that has offered some good and some not so good results in the past, and it is hoped that we can go out on a high.
This will be the second last game of the season with Kildare County being the only remaining game. Mons take on Kildare in Century Homes Park on Saturday 18th November and it is hoped that there will be a good crowd to close off the season. Player of the Year awards will be given after this match.
WOMEN CELEBRATE END OF SEASON IN STYLE
Monaghan United’s women’s team ended their first year in football by bagging the prestigious Leinster Junior Cup on Sunday last. Despite a plethora of injuries, the Maiden Mons made it 2 trophies out of 2 competitions by beating Premier B team Kilmore from Wexford in the final at the AUL grounds.
Pamela Treanor set out her defensive stall early in the game by clashing heads with a Kilmore player within minutes of the game kicking off. Treanor had been so determined to get the ball that she failed to see the danger and both players had to receive medical attention before the match could recommence. Orla Callen put the smiles back on the Monaghan fans’ faces by powering through the Kilmore defence and scorching the ball into the back of the net past a helpless Kilmore goalie. With United on the score sheet so early in the game, Kilmore stepped up the pace in a whole hearted effort to redress the balance. They fought hard and United seemed a little swamped at times. Without the valiant efforts of Deirdre McAleer and her solid defence, United may have thrown it all away. Kilmore’s efforts paid off and they managed to put one past the stalwart Dee who had managed to get her hands to the ball only for it to bounce over her finger tips and into the net. The half time whistle was met with relief and United were able to regroup and catch their breath.
A re-invigorated Mons took to the pitch and swiftly put their stamp on the game. United pushed forward with renewed determination and as the chairman said “their fighting spirit came out”. Kilmore were on the back foot for the best part of the second half and United were unlucky to have had Jacinta Treanor’s inspiring run on goal deemed offside. Orla Callen was also unlucky not to add to her goal tally when she was also flagged off side in another dubious call. Sharon Boyle was wrestled to the ground and the resulting free kick from approximately 25 yards was to give Charlene Graham the glory of putting United back in front. Charlene stepped up and her star quality shone through as she curled the ball into the top corner leaving the Kilmore keeper floundering, in a textbook perfect free kick. Yet again Kilmore used their disadvantage to spur on the team and came back at Monaghan in the dying minutes of the game. They were unlucky that the final whistle blew just seconds before they kicked the ball into the Monaghan net, leaving the final score 2-1 to United.
This was a super team effort and although they were tired from their long season, United were once more able to prove that they are a force to be reckoned with in Women’s football. Congratulations to Liam, Chris and all the girls on their stunning first season in football. Thank you to all who have sponsored or helped the women’s team throughout their year together, especially Esprit, The Squealing Pig, An Poc Fada and Peter Vance.
UNDER 15’S CALL UP FOR AARON
Hot on the heels of his return from a week in Glasgow Celtic, Monaghan United Under 15 Goalie, Aaron McCarey, trained with the Republic of Ireland Under 15’s in the AUL grounds last Sunday. Aaron is hoping that he did enough to impress Vinny Bulter and that he will receive the news on Saturday that he will make the squad for the upcoming games against Switzerland. Over the summer Aaron spent some time with teams in England and also at Celtic and was delighted to be invited back to Celtic for some more training sessions during the Halloween break. Best of luck Aaron and we hope that you get some good news from the Republic of Ireland squad.
GIRLS FAI WINTER FOOTBALL CAMP
All girls in the 12-15 age group in Monaghan interested in playing football are welcome to come along and take part in the FAI run Winter Football Camp being held every second Saturday at the Astro Parks at Century Homes Park. The sessions take place from 2 – 4 pm and there is a fee of €55. For your €55 you get a jacket, hat and excellent coaching from FAI coaches. The next session is Saturday 18th November. If you have any further queries, please contact Julie-Ann on 085 7147500.
