Monaghan United take on Kildare County in the FAI eircom League of Ireland First Division this Friday at Kingspan Century Park. This is a crucial game for Mick Cooke & his team as they try to consolidate their mid-table league position. County sit 4 points below United with a game in hand and hold the upper hand from the previous clashes. Early in the season United and County took a point apiece on a wet and windy St Patrick’s day in Station Road, Newbridge with a 1-1 draw.
Kildare then tore United apart on their last visit to Kingspan Century Park when they beat the home side 3-1. Mons extracted a partial revenge when they returned to Newbridge and took a hard fought point through a Willie Doyle goal. This game was the start of the turning point in United’s fortune having had a shaky start to the season.
Since the last time these teams met, United have lost only 2 games out of 8 and have beaten Dundalk, Limerick, Athlone, Kilkenny and Wexford Youths along the way. Mick Cooke has improved the side with astute signings such as Luke Fitzpatrick, Andy Cousins, Jason McCartney and Wayne Byrne and things are very much looking up for the Blues.
Mick Cooke said today “I was obviously delighted with our win in Wexford and with our performances in the last 4 matches, I would expect to get 3 points out of this game.”
He continued “As the Kildare Manager said earlier in the week, this is like a mini league of our own behind the top 4 and myself and the team are very aware that 5th place is up for grabs and that is what we are working towards”
Kick off at Kingspan Century Park is 8pm and a cracker of a game is on the cards with both teams in fine form and fighting for points as the season draws near a close.
Injuries:
Brian Gannon (Thigh muscle – late fitness test)
Robbie Farrell (Ankle)
