Monaghan United -v- Kildare County
Monaghan 6 – 1 Kildare County
On paper this appeared to be a game that Monaghan United would win easily but when they failed to score in the first half it looked like it was going to be another frustrating night for the loyal fans. Indeed United were lucky not to have conceded a goal as early as the 7th minute when Liam Tierney’s lob from close in appeared to have caught out keeper Brendan Kennedy who was relieved to see the ball rebound off the crossbar.
It was a half in which United were dominant. Monaghan had some good efforts from in particular Cathal O’Connor, Barry Clancy, Paul Whelan and Alan Byrne. Philly Hughes had Kildare’s best chance when he was played through and Craig Purcell looked dangerous anytime he got on the ball. But despite all their pressure and dominance United failed to score in the first half.
As in the first half the first scoring chance fell to the visitors after 4 minutes and this time they made it pay when a fine individual effort from ex-United player Philly Hughes gave them the lead. This goal shocked the home crowd but it was a wake up call for their team and they took the game by the scruff of the neck and from there to the end there was only one team in the game and that was the home side although Paul Whelan was fortunate not to score an own-goal when his back pass hit the upright.
Coming close to the hour mark Karl Bermingham made a great move from mid-field with the ball deep into Kildare’s penalty area the keeper blocked his attempt on goal, it was the first of about 5 rapid fire strikes that were saved in the move until finally Bermingham crashed the ball to the net for what would be the first of his hat trick on the night.
Five minutes later he would score his second with a pile-driver from 18 yards and he completed his hat-trick 2 minutes later with the best of his three goals, he gathered the ball just outside the corner of the opposing penalty area, advanced, drew the keeper and slotted the ball past him. The Kildare keeper then brought off a terrific save from Barry Clancy.
Not to be out done Brendan Kennedy also had a fine save at the other end. David Freeman then got in on the scoring act with a brace of goals his second was probably the best score of the night when he hit a brilliant strike from outside the area he scored in the 76th and 81st minutes.
Cathal O’ Connor rounded off the scoring on 86 minutes, when the ball was crossed in and he was in the right position to take advantage and drill the ball home.
Before the final whistle United had a couple of further chances to add to the score line the best one falling to Darragh Hanaphy but the keeper denied him.
When United fell behind by a goal early in the first half few would believe at that stage that they would go on and record one of the highest score lines in the club’s history
Monaghan United : Brendan Kennedy, Paul Whelan, Shane Grimes, Niall Flynn, Brian Gartland, Alan Byrne, Cathal O’Connor, Stephen Mc. Crossan, Karl Bermingham, David Freeman, Barry Clancy.
Subs used Darragh Hanaphy
Subs not used: Ronan Mc. Gann, Sean Brennan, Conor McMahon, Stefan McKevitt.
Referee: R. Rogers
