SEASON ENDS FOR MONAGHAN UNITED (courtesy of www.monaghanunited.ie)Monaghan United ended a disappointing 2006 Season with another home defeat, this time at the hands of Kildare County.
United went behind after just 8 minutes to a goal scored by former United forward Ger Robinson, while a late strike from Paul Rigney made the points secure for the visitors. United had their chances, with Paul Smyth hitting the post after a great run down the left, while Robbie Smith should have done better when he blazed over after Kildare 'keeper Brendan Kennedy failed to hold on to Robbie Farrell's strike.
Manager Mick Cooke was forced in to a couple of changes for this game, with Brian Gannon and Michael Kerr unavailable. Paul Whelan moved to left back with Tommy Toal at right-back, while Robbie Farrell made his comeback from injury to partner David Lee upfront.
United were behind after just 8 minutes. Some good combination play down the left allowed Ger Robinson to latch on to a ball over the top and he finished calmly past Horgan. United fans may remember a brief spell Robinson had at the club when Bobby Brown was in charge, and this was far from the first time over the past couple of seasons that a former United player has scored against the Mons.
United could have been level shortly afterwards. Paul Smyth showed superb skill to beat his man down the left and as he bore in on goal his well-struck shot cannoned off the post.
The second-half saw Khalid Hussein come on for Jimmy Fullam in the centre of midfield. United pressed hard in the second half. The best chance came when Brendan Kennedy failed to hold on to Robbie Farrell's well-struck shot, but Robbie Smith blazed the rebound over from close-in.
Kildare County made the points safe near the end. As Paul Rigney advanced into the United half the defence pushed out in anticipation of Rigney playing a through-ball. Seeing this, Rigney advanced straight into the United box and was left with only Tommy Toal between him and goal and he finished well passed the advancing Darren McQuaid, McQuaid having replaced Robbie Horgan midway through the half.
Centre-back Barry Burke was awarded both the Club Player of the Year and the Supporters' Player of the Year at the end of season awards after Saturday night's game versus Kildare County. It was due reward for some stirring displays by Barry all season, following his comeback from a career-threatening ankle injury sustained in the previous campaign. Barry made a slow start to the season at right-back and midfield, but when he was moved to centre-back he found his role in the team and galvanised a leaky United defence. Team captain for much of the season with Robbie Horgan out injured, Barry led the team from the back and we congratulate him on his awards.
Meanwhile Paul Whelan won the Young Player of the Year Award. Paul had to wait his chance to break into the team this season, having missed the early part of the season while away on international duty with the Irish Colleges. When his chance came he took it, and put in convincing displays at right-back, left-back, right side of midfield and centre-back.
UNDER 21’S FUNCTION THIS FRIDAY
The Monaghan United Under 21’s celebrate the end of their season on Friday night with their Player of the Year Awards and Supper Social in Century Homes Park. This should be a great night out and is well deserved after their hard work all season.
WOMEN HAVE A FUN NIGHT
Monaghan United Ladies had their medal presentation and Supper Social in the Bagster Lounge and Greg Turley Suite at Monaghan United’s clubhouse last Friday night. A wonderful night of fun and dancing was had with Chairman Jim McGlone presenting the medals to the squads of both the Dublin Inter League Shield and the Leinster Junior Cup winning teams. The Chairman was delighted to be able to congratulate the ladies on their magnificent first season in football and wished them all the best for next year.
UNDER 15 GIRLS LEAGUE ROUND 2
This Saturday the Monaghan United Under 15 girls will take part in the 2nd round of the Metropolitan Finance Cavan/Monaghan Girls Football League. This follows on from their very successful debut in Cootehill at the 1st round two weeks ago when they won 1 game and drew 2 leaving them 2nd in the table. This week’s games will be held at the Astro Parks at Century Homes Park from 12pm to 2pm and all Monaghan United girls are asked to be early.
The Metropolitan Finance ‘Cavan/Monaghan’
U15 Girls Soccer League
League Tables As At 11/11/2006
Under 15’s
Team P W D L Pts
Drumlin Youths 3 2 0 1 7 Monaghan Utd 3 1 2 0 7
Cavan Shamrocks 3 1 1 1 6
Cootehill Harps 3 1 0 2 5
Carrick Rovers 2 1 1 0 5
Clones Town 2 0 1 1 3
Lavey Utd 2 0 1 1 3
Note
3pts Win
2pts Draw
1pts Lose/Turn up
