Mons Notes 30th July 2007

UNDER 21’S WIN FOYLE CUP
Monaghan United's Under 21 won the prestigious Foyle Cup in Derry last Friday when they overcame University of Ulster 4-0. This was their 2nd 4-0 victory in the competition having beaten German side TuS Altenberg by the same scoreline on Wednesday evening. Their 1-1 draw against Derry City in the opening game of the competition was good enough to ensure the overall victory.

MARK CONNOLLY CAPTAINS U16 FOYLE CUP WINNERS
Monaghan United player Mark Connolly helped bring the FAI development squad victory as he led them into glory at the Foyle Cup. The FAI squad beat South Belfast Youth League in the final of the Under 16’s section to bring home the prestigious cup. Mark has returned to Wolves to continue training with them before returning to Monaghan for the start of the season.

MONS LADIES STAY TOP OF TABLE
Monaghan United’s ladies sit pretty at the top of the Dublin Women’s League Inter 3 North Division and consolidated their strong position with a win 3-1 win over Trim Celtic at Kingspan Century Park on Monday last.

Early into the game United tried to get themselves on the scoreboard and in the 4th minute it looked like Orla Callen might oblige. Her screamer of a shot went just wide of the right hand post. Likewise Suzanne Gordon moments later was unable to find the target and the ball went wide of the left hand post.

Trim Celtic were the first to break the deadlock however when they sent the ball over the top and in a one on one situation Trim scored. Charlene Graham tried to repair the damage on the 17th minute but his shot went straight to the Trim ‘keeper. Charlene made another attempt on goal in the 35th minute as United continued to hunt the elusive equaliser, but again the ball went straight to goalie.

As United kept the pressure on, Orla again sent the ball in but the Trim netminder was up to the challenge and easily stopped it. As the first half came to a close, United won a corner but Suzanne’s header went over the crossbar.

In the second half United’s first real chance came with a Sharon McAree cross. Sharon sent the ball in but Suzanne’s shot went over the crossbar. It wasn’t until the 77th minute that United were able to restore parity. A Caroline Griffen free kick was delivered to Orla who drilled it home not giving the visitors goalkeeper a chance.

Sensing the victory was theirs for the taking, United went for the kill and on the 89th minute another free, this time taken by Orla was to yield a positive result. In a reverse of the previous goal Orla turned provider while Caroline had the pleasure of rattling the back of the net making it 2-1 to United.

With the lead now theirs, Mons went in for the kill and in the 90th minute a Charlene Graham corner set up Suzanne Gordon beautifully. Suzanne’s fine header found the target and sealed the victory for United.

It was a fine all round performance despite an early scare, showing the strength of character of the ladies involved and it seems that this team are definitely a force to be reckoned with in the league.

Next ladies training is Saturday evening at 6pm and the United Ladies face 2nd in the table St Mochtas at Kingspan Century Park next Wednesday evening.