Mons notes 14th Aug 2007 - Andy Cousin returns!

MONS TAKE TOLKA POINT
Monaghan United travelled to Tolka Park to play Shelbourne FC last Friday night in the FAI eircom League of Ireland First Division and came away with a point after a hard fought game. Shel’s looked the livelier of the two sides throughout most of the game with quality players like Anto Flood, Mark Leech and Glen Lacey putting the challenge up to United’s back four on many occasions. Luckily for United Luke Fitzpatrick was again on form and teamed up superbly with Aaron Mooney, Andrew Cousins, Kevin Williamson and Barry Burke to keep the Shelbourne strikers under a moderate control. United’s strength at the back frustrated Shelbourne continuously but a determined Shel’s made it through on a few occasions only to be met with a resolute Danny Woods in goals.

It took half time substitute Mark Leech to break the deadlock and but the former Drog couldn’t find the net until the 80th minute. It looked like there would be no way back for the Mons but there was a saviour in the form of new signing Jason McCartney, playing only his 2nd game for United due to injury, and making it 2 goals out of 2 games played. McCartney found the back of the net on the 85th minute and United held tight to the lifeline and the game finished 1-1.

This was a particularly satisfying draw for United considering the form that Shelbourne have had in recent weeks. Their new signings have given Dermot Keely’s team a whole new lease of life and they have been chasing the top teams with voracity. United have also shown their new look in the past few games and are bringing home the points.

United’s next opponents are down on their luck Athlone Town, who seem to be on the bounce back following a 4-2 drubbing of Kildare County at the weekend. Athlone have had a rough time of late and had fallen below United in the table despite their massive spending spree, but new manager Dermot Lennon seems to be getting a grasp on the game in the Midlands and seems to be turning their fortunes around.

As this weekend is a cup weekend, United have a rest until the game against Athlone Town on the 24th. Kick off at Kingspan Century Park is 8pm.

COUSIN’S RETURNS
Mick Cooke has welcomed back the talented midfielder Andrew Cousins to the Mons senior team having signed him from Premier Division side Bray Wanderers. Andrew came to United at the start of the 2006 season with a great reputation having not long returned from Leeds United, however due to some complications with paper work he was ineligible to play for the Mons.

Cousins made his league debut for United in their game against Shelbourne in Tolka Park last Friday night and put in an excellent performance, slotting right in with the current team.


U21’S DRAW WITH SALTHILL DEVON
A goal three minutes into injury time for Salthill Devon cost the Monaghan United U21 side three vital league points at Kingspan Century Park last Sunday night. Again United should have this game but a cruel mistake at the very end proved costly. Salthill Devon are the reigning U21 champions having defeated Cork City in last year’s decider. They still have 5 of that team along with the experience of ex-Galway United Senior players Quirke & Murphy.

The first half was a very drab affair with few chances. Following a Salthill corner 18 minutes into the 2nd half, Quirke rose high in the box to head home the lead goal. United now reshuffled their side and introduced Blaine Nugent. Nugent is the regular striker but he was not 100% fit. He still managed to have a huge influence on the game. He was joined in the United attack by Shane “Leggy” Reavey. Most people will remember a famous Liverpool sub David Fairclough but it is fair to say that young Leggy has an even bigger influence in this team.

With 12 minutes remaining, player/coach Thomas Heffernan picked out Reavey and from 22 yards out he beat the advancing keeper to draw level.

Five minutes from time debutant Brian “Spongy” Dolan scored a superb goal to put United ahead but with time almost up Salthill stole in for an equaliser.

United had outstanding displays from coach Thomas Heffernan and Niall Flynn in defence while Captain Anthony Breslin worked well in midfield. Newcomer Spongy Dolan also looked like a very decent player.

Next up for United U21’s is a home game against Galway United on Saturday 18th August with the kick off at 2pm. On Wednesday 22nd August United play Letterkenny Rovers at Kingspan Century Park with an 8pm kick off.

MONS CAMP – LAST CHANCE
As the summer holidays come to an end and everyone prepares to return to school, wouldn’t it be nice to spend a few days playing football with your friends at Monaghan United’s Mini Fun Football Camp?

Following the success of Monaghan United’s Fun Football Camp in early July, it has been decided, at the request of many parents, to run another week of football. The camp will run from 20th until the 27th August and will consist of a week of coaching and an Astro Park Futsal Blitz.

The cost of the camp is €50 and each child will be given a football to take home. Book NOW to avoid disappointment. Contact Colm on 087 2544682 or Thomas on 086 1081572 for bookings and more information.

UNDER 16’S LOSE ON PENALTIES IN UMBRO CUP SHIELD FINAL
Monaghan United's under 16's under the guidance of Kieran McMahon & Eamon Reilly took on Roscommon District League in the Umbro Cup U17's Shield Final last Saturday in Galway. Despite the young lads “punching above their weight” they took the strong Roscommon side to penalties and were then beaten 4-2.

United had beaten Canadian side Aurora Friday in a 3-1 thriller and on Thursday they were beaten by Belfast team Hollywood Boys 5-4 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in normal & extra time.

The fact that United held 2 teams to draws and were only beaten on penalties is testament to the sterling efforts put in by all as they competed with teams a year older than them. Kieran McMahon and Eamon Reilly had fundraised with the boys to go to the trip and everything was really well organised by the two men.

Well done to Kieran, Eamon and the Squad on their outstanding performance and good luck in the season ahead.