QuoteMonaghan United U - 15's V's Ballincollig F.C.
S.F.A.I. National Cup
Monaghan United U -15's suffered the cruellest blow when they exited the National Cup via a last minute penalty decision in their National Cup tie against Ballincollig F.C. on Sunday last.
United hoping to go through to the last 16 showed no fear against last years finalists as they calmly set out their stall forcing two excellent saves from the Ballincollig keeper early on. The Cork side responded well however seeking their star international striker Thiofack at every opportunity.
Monaghan's direct approach began to cause problems for Ballincollig particularly in the set pieces where Cian Byrne, James Clarke and Conor Moynagh dominated. Ballincollig took the lead against the run of play in the 28th min when a fortuitous rebound from a corner kick hit the crossbar and ricocheted off a Ballincollig head into the back of the net. Monaghan were stunned by the goal and were further demoralised 3 minutes later whenever they appeared to stop playing to allow the Ballincollig left winger saunter through to fluke a goal past Andy Fallon.
The second half saw a rejuvenated Monaghan throw abandon to the wind and totally dominate the 1:1 battles. United were rewarded in the 45th min when James Clarke muscled home a header from a corner kick.
Monaghan with their tails up pressed forward and began to outplay the Cork side with Gatis Logins, Colin Clerkin, and Shane Larkin combining well in attack. The home - side levelled in the 65th min when Conor Moynagh headed home from a superb Shane Mc Kiernan free kick.
Seadh Deeney replaced the injured Shane Larkin and added an extra bite to the United midfield. The final 10 minutes was a frantic affair with United pushing forward pressing for the winner. Extra - time and penalties looked to be on the cards until the referee signalled a penalty kick in the 3rd min of injury time. Ballincolligs Thiofack made no mistake in dispatching the penalty to end United's dream.
United's managers Seamus Deeney and Kevin Maguire were full of praise for their team. The team has developed into a formidable force well able to compete with the top U -15 teams in the country. United were praiseworthy of their opponents and congratulated them on their win and sportsmanship throughout the game.
Team: Andy Fallon, Tommy Doody, Paul Mc Conkney, Cian Byrne, Shane Mc Kiernan, Colin Clerkin, Conor Moynagh, Leigh Dunne, Shane Larkin, Gatis Logins, James Clarke, Seadh Deeney, Francis Smyth, Shane Hannon.
MONAGHAN UNITED U-18s’ ADVANCE TO LAST 16 OF YOUTH CUP
RIVERVALLEY RANGERS 0 -1 MONAGHAN UNITED
Monaghan United’s U-18 side advanced to the last 16 of the FAI Youth Cup with a hard fought victory over their fancied Dublin opponents at the Oscar Traynor Grounds on Sunday last.
Playing on the astro surface was a drawback to the Monaghan side as their opponents play here on a regular basis. However United started brightly and should have taken the lead in the first minute when a fine move saw Philip Donnelly and Dermot Malone exchange passes before Malone saw his blistering shot well saved by Murphy in the Rivervalley goals.
United were playing into the teeth of a very strong cold wind but they created plenty of goal scoring chances but if there is a fault in this side it is surely their inability to take even a small number of the chances they create. On 20 minutes United had a narrow escape when the Rivervalley No.9 Ryan blasted over when he looked sure to score and within minutes the same player saw a fine effort strike the crossbar and rebound to safety. Then Marty Hanly cut through the Rangers defence only to see his shot come back off a post with the advancing keeper beaten.
Five minutes before half time United lost influential defender Cillian Coleman with a leg injury. This resulted in a reshuffling of the defence with Darren Coleman going to right back and Vinny McKenna coming into centre back.
Playing with the wind in the second half United dominated for long periods with Dermot Malone outstanding in a central midfield role. Rangers defended in numbers and restricted the United attack to a few chances.
On 25 minutes United created an excellent opportunity but Craig Sheridan put his effort just wide. Malone drew a splendid save from the Rangers keeper as United upped the tempo in a effort to find a winner. Just when it looked like extra time and even penalties would be needed to separate the sides the Monaghan side struck the all important goal and what a strike it was.
Darren Coleman drove forward from his defensive position and when he picked the ball up on the right edge of the penalty area he had only one thought in his mind. He went past the covering defender, cut back onto his left foot and unleashed an unstoppable shot high into the roof of the Rangers net. A superb match winner but United almost extended their lead as Ray Lee raced clear but was denied by a splendid save from the Rangers keeper.
This was an excellent Cup tie played in a great sporting spirit with both sides playing some excellent football. United’s reward is an away tie against Dunboyne or UCD. Beaten in the semi-final last season this side can play a lot better than they did for long periods on Sunday but they continue to fly the flag for the club in the National Cup scene.
Kevin Martin did all that was asked of him in the United goals, the back four of Cillian and Darren Coleman, Niall Flynn and Dean McMahon were all solid with Vinny McKenna showing up well when he came on in the first half for the injured Cillian Coleman.
In midfield United have a real driving force in Dermot Malone and he is a real talent in the Roy Keane mould. He was ably assisted by Jimmy Fallon, Craig Sheridan and the hard working Marty Hanly.
Upfront Philip Donnelly and Jack McCarren caused all sort of problems for the overworked Rangers defence. Raymond Lee was excellent over the closing 30 minutes. Charlie McDonald completed the United lineup.
Well done to this team as their hard work has paid off and good luck from all at Monaghan United as you progress to the last 16.
Originally Posted by charliesboots
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