Meenan Makes It Even In Last Game Of The Season

Monaghan United salvaged a point in the final game of the 2007 FAI eircom League of Ireland First Division season when Darren Meenan’s deflected shot flew past Limerick 37 ‘keeper David Ryan to level the scores last Saturday night at Kingspan Century Park. Limerick 37 had gone in front on the 39th minute thanks to Derek McCarthy’s nimble dance around the United defence. Meenan brought the Lims back down to earth with a bump moments later when he clocked up his 6th goal of the season with 42 minutes gone on the clock.

Limerick had started off the brighter of the 2 sides and Paul McGee’s side had an early chance easily saved by Danny Woods in the Monaghan nets. John Tierney had a chance moments later but sent the ball wide in what should have been an easy shot. Limerick continued to press for an opener but Woods showed his skill in goals and saved yet again.

Woods was grateful of his defence moments later however when Aaron Mooney save his skin. Woods was beaten but Mooney got him out of the sticky situation by clearing the ball. Danny found his form again straight away and made a fine save with his foot when the Monaghan defence were floundering and almost offered Limerick a goal on a plate.

With 23 minutes gone, it seemed like it might just by Monaghan’s night. Meenan’s astounding skill was showcased once more when under pressure by the closing defence he managed an over head kick to send the ball rattling into the back of the net. Unfortunately for the Mons the referee’s assistant on the line had his flag up for off side and the goal didn’t count. It did however seem to spur United into action in what had thus far been a lacklustre affair and the home side stepped up the pace a little.

Robbie Farrell almost put himself in 3rd place in the goal scorer’s league table when he sent in a thunderous shot in the 27th minute. Lims goalie Ryan got a hand to the ball and managed to push it out for a corner. Meenan took the corner and sent the ball back in and Farrell’s head met it but he put it over the bar.

Limerick headed back down in search of goal but their attempt was sent over the bar for a goal kick. United turned the tables and defensive hero Paul Whelan almost turned goalscorer when he sent in a long shot but the game remained scoreless until Limerick’s McCarthy found the net.

As the 1st half came to a close the onus was on United to reign in Limerick and Aaron Mooney, Dom Tierney and Luke Fitzpatrick did just that as they pushed the marauding Lims strikers back. This good work in defensively and in the midfield allowed Meenan to make his way forward and find the equaliser 3 minutes before half time.

When the game kicked off again it was a more resolute United that came out onto the pitch. Cooke’s men seemed to take the game in their stride and almost straight away Ian McCluskey had an opportunity to put the home team in the lead. McCluskey had picked up a well passed Brian Gannon ball and managed to make his way past 2 Limerick defenders but his shot was wide of the target.

Meenan had another chance to put his name on the scoreboard with a curved corner but it skimmed the players and went out for a goal kick. As Limerick tried to get back into the game Tierney ran onto the ball but was swiftly dispossessed by Gannon who sent the ball back to Woods. An injured Gannon was replaced by Mark O’Connor who didn’t waste any time in making himself known on the pitch. Immediately he was on the backs of Limerick 37 players and his hassling won United a throw well into Limerick’s half. United sustained their intensity and both O’Connor and McCluskey came close within minutes of each other. Tierney and Fitzpatrick vied for the chance to find the winner but as United pushed further forward they allowed Limerick room to come back at them.

As the clock ticked down Limerick started to find their rhythm again but they were stalled as they sought victory by a classy United defence. With both teams searching for the elusive winning goal, United pushed themselves forward once more but time ran out before either team could get the goal that mattered.

Monaghan United: Woods, Gannon (O’Connor 55), Whelan, Fitzpatrick, Mooney, Tierney, McCluskey, Burke, Farrell, Byrne, Meenan

Limerick 37: Ryan, Colbert, Buckley, Barrett, Purcell, Hayes, Cosgrave (Danagher 70), Harrington, Tierney, Watters, McCarthy (Grant 70).