MINI LEAGUES ARE BACK
The Monaghan United Monaghan Credit Union Mini Leagues have returned for the spring/summer sessions. All children aged between 5-11 are welcome. Children aged between 5-8 should arrive for the 11am sessions with 9-11 year olds attending the 12pm sessions.
Strictly no football boots allowed as it will be on Astro pitches. Registration this Sunday for the new season (€30).
JUVENILE ROUND UP
Monaghan United’s two Under 14’s were the star of the weekend’s fixtures when Monaghan United’s Premier team beat Clones Town 3-2 and the First Division team (Celtic) recorded a well deserved 1-0 victory over top of the league Rock Celtic.
The Under 12’s were disappointed to be knocked out of the National Cup by a strong Shelbourne team and despite putting in a spirited performance 3-1.
The Under 15’s game against Rock Celtic was postponed.
UNDER 14’S BEAT TOP OF THE TABLE TEAM IN 1ST DIVISION
A fantastic result for this Monaghan Celtic team against table toppers Rock Celtic and one that was thoroughly deserved. After a four game unbeaten run with 3 clean sheets, this team has developed a self-belief built on a great attitude, discipline and team spirit with no little skill. The hard work on the training ground with 20+ regularly attending is paying off and confidence is growing.
Despite missing 2 or 3 of the regulars, the strength of the squad showed. In blustery conditions Rock started brightly with some good possession play without creating anything. This was mainly down to the well organised defence and midfield. This allowed Monaghan to break and the pace and dribbling skills of Niall Skinnader caused panic in the Rock defence. Two clear opportunities were created one going wide, the other was thwarted as the Rock keeper was very alert to prevent a certain goal when “Skinny” was through one on one.
This lead to a good passage of play from Monaghan with Stephen Keenan and Mark Caulfiled working hard up front. Sean McGonale breaking well from midfield and Michael O Murdu marshalling midfield. Rocks only opportunity came late in the first half when a cross was miss-hit by Rock’s dangerous number 8 and hit the post even though Stephen Rooney in goal had it covered. This was another assured display by Stephen, whose handling and decision making were first class.
Monaghan started the second half well and could have scored early but for good work from the Rock keeper. As the game progressed one score looked like it would settle it as few clear cut chances were being created. Shane McQuaid and John McPhilips were excellent in the centre of the defence and have emerged as an excellent partnership.
As the game entered the final stages, Monaghan worked the ball well out of defence and down the right wing. The ball was crossed in behind the Rock defence for the onrushing Niall Skinnedar who lobbed the keeper. Monaghan celebrated but still had five minutes to go. Rock players began to get frustrated and resorted to ungentlemanley conduct, but testament to Monaghan Celtic players, they didn’t respond.
In the last few seconds of the game, a free kick was given against Monaghan Celtic on the edge of their area, when the ball hitting a defenders back, was adjudged to be a handball. Justice prevailed however and the free was sent high over the bar. A fantastic result and performance with too many star displays to highlight one. Well done!
TEAM: S Rooney, A Prunty, K Mooney, M O’Murdu, J McPhilips, S McQuaid, S McGonale, N Skinnader, D Mullen, M Caulfield, S Keenan, B McQuaid, R Sherry, C Blacklock, C Brennan, C Boylan, D Connolly, D McCarron, D McPartland
