Local Derby Ends In Defeat For Mons
Monaghan United travelled to Oriel Park last Thursday night with the hope of going one better on their last encounter with their Louth rivals. Alas, it was not to be. Dundalk caught United on the hop and had 2 goals in the bag within 7 minutes of the game kicking off.
Mick Cooke was forced into changing the usual formation due to injury of Michael Kerr and the suspension of Kevin Williamson leaving him without a left back. The 3-5-2 formation raised a few eyebrows from both home and away support but he decided to pack the midfield to take the pressure off midfielder Peter D’arcy who was forced to play through the pain barrier having been out injured for the last month.
Christy Doran opened the scoring in 21 seconds when Monaghan midfielder Steven Feeney was easily dispossessed on his first touch of the ball. United were shellshocked and were hit again before they were able to find their feet and settle into the game. Monaghan lad Paul Smyth playing for the first time against his former team added to Dundalk’s tally by taking advantage of United’s uncertainty, putting Dundalk 2 goals ahead in the 7th minute.
Monaghan reverted back to a 4-4-2 formation and slowly started to take control of the game. Peter D’arcy’s fine corner found Steven Feeney’s head, Feeney sent the ball in but his sterling effort bounced off the bar. Another ex-Mon, Philly Hughes was almost on target for the homeside within minutes but his glancing header went well wide.
United had a clear penalty call denied when Willie Doyle was tackled late into his run in the box. Dundalk captain Aidan Lynch was the culprit but the referee just waved away the Mons protestations. Had the penalty been given, it would no doubt have given United the spur they needed and they may have been able to turn the game around.
Philly Hughes again went on an attack on the United goal but Hughes’ unconvincing shot went over the bar. Monaghan didn’t allow the fact that they were trailing by 2 goals to get them down and top scorer Robbie Farrell was denied a goalscoring opportunity by another former United player Thomas McGauley.
As soon as the whistle had sounded for the 2nd half, United were causing problems for Dundalk and the midfield stood up to all attempts to break them down. Mons ‘keeper Alvin Rouse made a magnificent save when called upon 10 minutes into the 2nd half sending a Shaun Williams’ shot out for a corner.
United went on the run having stolen the ball from the disastrous Dundalk corner and Steven Feeney almost put United back in the frame when he teamed up with Cian Mackey. Mackey had done the work and gotten the ball into the box but Feeney was unable put any real power into his shot leaving it easy for Chris Bennion to scoop the ball up.
Striker Willie Doyle was able to put his goal drought nightmare behind him in the 61st minute when he took advantage the disorganised mess in the Dundalk defence which had allowed Mackey beat the offside trap and send a cross in. United were on the up again and Dundalk were forced to make changes to strengthen their midfield to try and shut their neighbours down.
Some sustained pressure from Dundalk paid off when they were able to ensure all 3 points with a killer 3rd goal in the 90th minute. Hughes and Williams created the chance and Cathal O’Connor was on hand to slide the ball into the back of the net.
It was a very disappointing result for United who had worked hard under extreme circumstances. Manager Mick Cooke was pleased with how the team had fought back from their 2 down disadvantage and said that the spirit in the team is up.
The FAI eircom League of Ireland is now on its summer break and the next match that United fans have to look forward to in the league is at Kingspan Century Park on June 22nd when they take on the current League of Ireland champions Shelbourne.
Dundalk FC: Chris Bennion; John Flanagan, Aidan Lynch, Thomas McGauley, David Crawley; Cathal O’Connor, Paul Marney (Vinny Perth 64), Shaun Williams, Christy Doran (Tiarnan Mulvenna 58); Paul Smyth (Robbie Dunne 64), Philip Hughes.
Goals: C Doran (1), P Smyth (7), C O’Connor (90).
Booked: R Dunne (68).
Unused Subs: Shane Grimes, Neil Gallagher.
Monaghan United: Alvin Rouse; Barry Burke, Paul Whelan, Aaron Mooney, Darren Meenan; Brian Gannon, Stephen Feeney, Peter D’Arcy (Finbar Heffernan 53), Cian Mackey; Robbie Farrell, Willie Doyle.
Goal: W Doyle (61).
Booked: S Feeney (60), P Whelan (68).
Unused Subs: Tommy Toal, Aurimas Meidus, Darren McQuaid, Ian McCluskey.
Referee: Conor Fitzgerald (Dublin).
