ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS AT MEL’S
Athlone Town seemed to have the dream finish to their tenure at St Mel’s Park sewn up last Friday night when Steven Feeney got them on the score board and Eric Lavine made it 2 nil to the home team. Monaghan had a poor first half and didn’t look like they were going to make Athlone sweat too much. In the second half however, United came our with a renewed sense of purpose and set about playing some more flowing football. Jimmy Fullam started the claw back when he found the back of the net in the 65th minute. It was the Monaghan Man of the Match Barry Burke though that will go down in history as the last goal scorer in St Mel’s Park in a League of Ireland Match. United were delighted with their comeback and the small travelling support could be heard out cheering the drums and singing of the Athlone Fans. Athlone can count their blessings that they didn’t actually lose the game as the now on fire United piled on the pressure. Paul Smyth came very close in a heart-stopping moment when a fine strike bounced off the inside of the crossbar and came out again and was sent back in, only for it to ricochet once more off the crossbar and be cleared.
It was a carnival atmosphere in St Mel’s as Athlone said farewell to their old lady of football in anticipation of a further 78 years in their new stadium down the road, but Monaghan were able to dampen their celebrations somewhat by leaving the last score in St Mel’s at 2-2.
Monaghan United : Horgan (McQuaid 82), Toal, Sheridan, McAuley, Burke, Lee (Heffernan 58), Whelan (Hussein 82), Fullam, Smith, Gannon, Smyth
SEASON ENDS SATURDAY
An up and down season finishes for United this Saturday when they take on Kildare County at Century Homes Park. The game is on Saturday as the FAI have requested that all First Division games be played on the Saturday with a 7.45 kick off so that the season ends for everyone at the same time. Mick Cooke will be without Darren Sargent and Michael Kerr who are both suspended but other than that, he should have pretty much a full squad to choose from. Mick said “I was delighted with how they turned the game around last Friday night and indeed we were unlucky not to win. I will be hoping that they can play like that from the minute they go onto the pitch on Saturday”
As is the tradition at the end of the season, Monaghan United will be holding their Player of the Year awards after the game on Saturday. This is always a fun occasion with much banter and slagging with the players in the Club bar. Everyone is welcome.
WOMEN’S TEAM HOST SUPPER DANCE
In celebration of their successful first year in football, Monaghan United’s Ladies team are holding a Supper Dance in the Greg Turley Suite at Century Homes Park this Friday night at 8.30pm. Tickets will be on sale on the night and all are welcome. The Supper will incorporate the Player of the Year awards for the women’s team and gives the local community a chance to show their support for the team.
UNDER 21’S CELEBRATE SUCCESSFUL SEASON
Monaghan United’s Under 21’s will hold their first ever Player of the Year awards and Supper in the Greg Turley Suite at Century Homes Park on Friday week (24th November). This is a great opportunity for the young local footballers to look back on a year where they came close to getting through to the next round of the Under 21 League and had successes at the Foyle Cup. Further details to follow.
LAST CHANCE TO ENTER MONSTER DRAW
Monaghan United’s Monster Draw is due to take place shortly and all ticket sellers are urged to get their ticket stubs and money into Monaghan United as soon as possible.
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.
