Mons Notes 8th April 2008

THE YOUTHS ARE NEXT FOR MONS AT KINGSPAN CENTURY PARK
Monaghan United will have to dust themselves off after last Friday’s defeat if they are to gain anything from their upcoming encounter with Wexford Youths this weekend. Mick Wallace and his team return to Kingspan Century Park a more experienced side than last season and will have every intention of trying to turn the Mons over on their home turf.

Last season Wexford Youths opened their eircom League of Ireland history book with a draw 2-2 at KCP but United went on to dominate the rest of their meetings by beating them 3-2, 2-0 and 3-2. This season will be different as Wallace has strengthened his side and they are better equipped for the world of the League of Ireland.

Youths currently sit at the bottom of the table with only 2 points to their credit so far this season. This however does not make them an easy target as last week Athlone Town were bottom of the table prior to their victory over United. Wexford’s two draws have come against Kildare County and Shelbourne whilst their defeats have been at the hands of promotion hopefuls Dundalk, Waterford and Limerick 37.
Kick off at Kingspan Century Park on Friday is 8pm. Come out and support YOUR Magic Mons!


MEENAN THE MON FOR NORTHERN IRELAND UNDER 21’S
As previously reported, Monaghan United’s talented midfielder Darren Meenan had his obvious skill acknowledged once more by Northern Ireland when they selected him for their Under 21’s friendly game against Romania in recent weeks. Darren played 60 minutes of the tough game and was delighted to have had the opportunity to start. “I was thrilled that I started but I wouldn’t have started if I wasn’t able. I hope to play against German in September in the Euro Championships” Meenan said.

Meenan’s appearance for the Northern Ireland saw him receive his 3rd cap at this level, joining his Under 20’s cap. Darren’s dad, Terence, is from Derry and it is through him that he qualifies to play for the North.

“I was happy with my performance. It is great to experience a different tempo of game compared with my club football. I will now concentrate on rest of the season for Mons.” He continued.

Chris Turner is the only other eircom League player to make the U21’s squad and he is currently plying his trade with Premier Division bigshots Bohemians. This makes Darren’s achievements even more astounding having been selected from the First Division.

“The squad is made up of 2 Linfield, 1 Glentoran, Turner and myself and the rest of the lads are from English Clubs”

“I would like to thank Mick Cooke, Doyler (Graham Doyle) and the staff at Mons for pushing me along” he concluded.

Congratulations Darren and we hope you get selected for the Germany game.

FAI LAUNCH THE SUMMER SOCCER SCHOOLS AT KINGSPAN CENTURY PARK
Monaghan United were delighted to host the launch of the 2008 National Irish Bank FAI Summer Soccer School Programme for the Monaghan and Cavan areas. Monaghan United players joined the FAI and some local school children to launch the programme on Tuesday (8th) at the United home ground.

Three schools will run in Monaghan this year at Emyvale, Monaghan and Carrickmacross with dates from 7th July until the 22nd August. Cavan will play host to four programmes based in Kingscourt, Cootehill, Cavan and Ballyjamesduff.


MINI LEAGUES CONTINUE AT ASTRO PARKS
The Monaghan Credit Union Mini Leagues continue at Astro Parks at Kingspan Century Park this Sunday and will be the last opportunity to pay for the remainder of the season. Any child who is not fully paid up will not be allowed to play.

Children aged 5-8 on courts from 11am and children aged 9-12 from 12pm.


SYMPATHY
Monaghan United FC would like to extend their heartfelt sympathy to Monaghan United Women’s team captain Pamela Treanor and her family on the recent death of her uncle Paudge Treanor. May he rest in peace.

JUVENILE NOTES
FALLON’S HAT-TRICK KEEPS MONS IN TOUCH
Monaghan United Under 16’s dominated in the first half of their game against St Dominics but they were unable to find the back of the net. Niall Hahassey went close but his shot went over the bar. Jimmy Fallon also came close but his shot went inches wide of the target. United’s quality of play meant that they squeezed St Dom’s hard and reduced them to long range shots as they were unable to get out of their own half which ended 0-0.

United started the 2nd half well pressing on for goal. Stevie O’Connor should have opened the account but the Dominic’s goalkeeper saved his shot. Against the run of play, St Dominics surprised United with a goal as a cross from the right was headed home putting them 1-0 ahead.

United kept their heads up and were rewarded 5 minutes later. A four man move from the back saw Paul Sherlock find Martin Hanley who crossed to Niall Hahassey on the right. Hahassey chipped the back four and found a perfectly placed Jimmy Fallon waiting. Fallon took the ball onto his chest and fired it home to the top corner to even the game out.

St Dominics came back at United and scored when a shot from 25 yards out went under Kevin Martin in the Mons goal leaving United to play catch-up once more. United pressed for an equaliser and it came through a “Bend it like Beckham” free kick by Jimmy Fallon putting them back on an level par.

With 4 minutes to go, United got another free kick in a similar position. St Dominics put their wall up but Jimmy “Becks” Fallon curled it around the wall and into the top left corner for a vital winner.

Team: P Sherlock, D McMahon, D Connolly, P Leddy, M Hanley, S O’Connor, C Callan, J Fallon, N Hahassey, C Toal, C McDonald, A McAnespie.

Manager: K McMahon

JUVENILE ROUND UP
Monaghan United’s juvenile squads were kept busy at the weekend with almost all teams participating and winning their fixtures. United’s Under 12’s drew 3-3 with Quay Celtic at home leaving them joint top of the table with Rock Celtic but with a game in hand. The Under 13’s beat Rock Celtic 5-2 away and also have 2 games in hand over some of their rivals which should ensure they move well up the table.

The Under 14’s Premier Division side beat Seatown 1-0 at home to put them one point ahead of Shamrocks but the Dundalk side have a game less played and things are really spicing up in the league as the battle for victory looks likely to go to the wire.

The Under 15’s side are keeping it tight at the top of their table too as they are joint top with Quay Celtic. They recorded 2 victories in the league recently with a 4-1 win away to Rock Celtic and a 3-0 defeat of Bellurgan also.

The top of the table is in sight for the Under 16’s thanks to their 3-2 win over St Dominics at home over the weekend. (see match report elsewhere).

On Saturday the Under 13s and Under 15s play home games against Walshestown and Quay Celtic respectively while on Sunday the Under 12s are away to Rock Celtic and the Under 14s Premier side take on Glenmuir at home.

UNDER 17’S FAI CUP SEMI FINAL THIS SUNDAY
On Sunday the Monaghan United Under 17 side face their stiffest test to date when they face the reigning All Ireland Cup holders WFTA (Dublin) in the FAI Cup semi final. WFTA were Under 16 Cup winners last season and beaten finalists at Under 15’s level . They are closely associated with Bohemians FC and a number of their players will join Bohs for the eircom Under 20’s league.

United have come through six rounds to date and will go into Sunday’s game in confident mood having beaten one of the favourite teams, South East United, in the quarter finals. United will need all eleven players who start to be on their game as WFTA are currently clear at the top of the Under 17 TSB DDSL League. They are unbeaten since Under 15 level and have strengthened their squad for this season. This team also spent their Easter holidays at a tournament in the USA.

That said, there will be a determined local side on Sunday taking to the pitch at Kingspan Century Park for the 1pm kick off. Good luck to the team and manager John Heffernan from all at Monaghan United FC.