Mons off to winning start

Monaghan United's womens team took on St Mochtas of Clonsilla last night in their opening game in the DWSL Inter 3 North League and came away victors with a 5-0 scoreline.

A NEW LOOK Monaghan United ladies side began their league campaign for the 2007 season with a comprehensive 5-0 win away to St. Mochtas of Clonsilla. With a new management team and the addition of some new players to last season’s panel, it was a journey into the unknown for the whole squad, having moved up a division to Inter 3 North in the Dublin Women’s Soccer League.

United started off slowly with St Mochtas pushing the United defence back at every opportunity. They weathered this storm and then United got on top of the game. St Mochtas conceded their first corner on the 16th minute and an inswinging corner from Charlene Graham was deflected into the back of the net by one of the St Mochtas’ defenders.

United continued to have control of the game after this and on the 32nd minute scored again with another corner from Charlene. This time the ball was met by the new centre half signing Caroline Griffin whose thundering header sent the ball into the back of the net. United didn’t relax despite the 2 goal lead and continued to push forward forcing the St. Mochtas ‘keeper to make a couple of great saves to deny Suzanne Gordon and another new signing, Leona McConnon from adding to United’s lead. Half time saw United going in 2 goals ahead.

As the 2nd half commenced, St. Mochtas pushed hard and challenged United’s defence but Captain Pamela Treanor, together with her 2 full backs Michelle Gillanders and Caroline Kavanagh soaked up any pressure, leaving goalkeeper Deirdre McAleer with only the basic tidying up to do.

On the 60th minute another fine run by Charlene cut through the St. Mochtas defence and she sent in a low ball across the box which fell perfectly for Orla Callen. Orla controlled the ball well and coolly slotted past the ‘keeper.

Left winger Michela Newell’s cross on the 62nd minute set Suzanne Gordon up nicely and her glancing header scraped the post. As they continued to worry the Dublin team’s defence, a clever flick from Suzanne was gathered by Charlene who found the back of the net with ease on the 66th minute.

United still didn’t let up and midfielder Nakita Cassidy was impressive as she controlled the middle of the pitch. Time after time Nakita broke up any attack that St. Mochtas tried to muster. With 68 minutes gone, Charlene got her first hattrick of the season when she beat 3 defenders to blast the ball into the top corner of the net leaving the keeper with no chance of saving.

As the game came to a close, Nakita was replaced by another new signing, Christine Meinenberg from Germany. Christine moved to the left wing and immediately caused problems for the St. Mochtas defence. The game finished with a 5-0 win for United and a management team happy with the efforts of the team.

United face Kilbarrack next Monday evening in Dublin and the team bus leaves the clubhouse at 4.30 sharp.

Best wishes and a speedy recovery from everyone at the club to Leona McConnon who picked up an injury in Monday’s game.