Airtricity League of Ireland 1st. Divison
Match Preview
Wexford Youths v Monaghan United

Sunday next sees Monaghan United take the long trip to the sunny south east when they travel to Ferrycarrig Park to play Wexford Youths. The Slanneysiders have done slightly better than us as they have their first win under their belt having accounted for Mervue United in their last game. Similar to Monaghan United they had 1-1 draw against Shelbourne only they did it the hard way by having to come from behind. Considering that United felt that their draw against the Dublin side was a good result one would have to respect Wexford for their achievement and as in previous years any points gained against them will be hard earned. A share of the points would be a good result at Ferrycarrig.

In the three opening games Monaghan United have displayed some excellent football and were unlucky not to have won the first two games they also slipped up in the third game with a below par performance. Mick Cooke was unfortunate in seeing his side pick up so many injuries so early in the season especially having to miss out on the services of his captain Dom Tierney, his keeper Darren Kelly and his goal getter from last season Karl Bermingham. Hopefully the injuries will be short term.

The Monaghan team and officials always look forward to travelling to Wexford as Mick Wallace and his back room team's hospitability to visiting teams is legendary except on the field of play.
Mick Cooke would be hoping to get a draw and anything else would be a bonus.

Kick off at Ferrycarrig Park is at 2.p.m.


Monaghan United 0 -1 Finn Harps

Finn Harps got off to a dream start when they took the lead after only four minutes had elapsed in the opening half. The goal came from a free kick about 20 yards out and was very well taken by Matt Crossan who gave keeper Gabriel Sava no chance when the ball shaved his left-hand upright. It would be the only action that the keeper would see for the night. As the game progressed the Harps keeper would be the busier of the two custodians, but the wayward shooting by United’s forward didn’t see him over troubled. It was a game in which both defences were in control. United’s squad was diminished with injuries to captain-Dom Tierney, keeper Darren Kelly defender Shane Grimes. Midfield player Stephen Mc. Crossan and forward Darragh Hanaphy.


Up front Philip Hughes created most of the trouble for the Harps defence and it was he ho had the most efforts at goal. United finished the half strongly with two great attempts from Hughes. The half time whistle came at the wrong time for United, however on the resumption they continued with the high tempo for most of the third quarter but their final ball invariably let them down and the support wasn’t getting up fast enough to assist Hughes.


In the 70thminute they were offered a lifeline when they were awarded a penalty when the referee adjudged that Karl Bermingham was taken down at the end-line, it looked a harsh enough decision. The Harps supporters felt justice was done when their keeper stopped Hughes’s spot kick, unlike his converted strike last week it was a poor one. In 82nd minute Karl Bermingham came close to getting the equaliser following a free from the edge of the box, the keeper did well to save.


What ever chance United had of getting anything out of this game was dealt a severe blow when in the 85th. minute they were reduced to 10 men when Conor Mc. Mahon was sent off for a second yellow card- it looked harsh, but with so many yellow cards flashed in this game which was by no means dirty or over niggley it was only a matter of time before someone would pick up another yellow and see red. United continued to press to the end but Harps held out.

The verdict on this game was that it was a poor one but the travelling Harp supporters won’t mind as they have picked up their second win in a row, but it’s a game United will want to forget. They will have to pick themselves up quickly as Tuesday sees the visit of Shelbourne to Gortakeegan for the EA Sports League Cup.

Monaghan United: Gabriel Sava, Conor McMahon, Anthony Costigan, Aidan Lynch, Brian Gartland, Alan Byrne, Cathal O’Connor, Stephen Sean Brennan(Philip Donnelly 88), Karl Bermingham, Philip Hughes, Barry Clancy.

Subs not used : Niall Flynn, Stefan Mc. Kevitt, Darren Coleman, Dean Mc. Mahon.

Referee: C. Fitzgerald.

Under 15’s
Quay Celtic 0 - 2 Monaghan United
Monaghan United travelled to Clancy Park in Dundalk to take on local team Quay Celtic on Saturday last. After a slight hick up regarding the jerseys the match got under way on a breezy day beside the sea. Captain for the day Conor Forde won the toss and decided to play with the advantage of the strong wind. Monaghan may have been over confident coming into the game and found it very hard to break through the opposition. With little chance falling to either side it was scoreless at half time. Monaghan did find their rhythm but still couldn’t get on the score sheet. Some excellent work by Conor Mc. Carthy on the left wing and a superb pass allowed Evan Doherty to score the first goal for Monaghan in 71st. minute. United had to keep their shape and were rewarded for their efforts when golden boy Shane Loughran hit the net five out five. This was a tough encounter for Monaghan and their was relief in the dressing room that the points were secured. There were good displays by Conor Lavelle, Shane Owens, and Conor Mc. Carthy. Man of the match went to the ever consistent Fergal Mc. Mahon.

Team: Ryan Shields, Conor Forde, Conor Lavelle, Fergal Mc. Mahon, Shane Owens, Conor Forde, Evan Doherty, Shane Power, Shane Loughran, Conor Mc. Carthy, Benin Devlin, Kevin Loughran, Paul Byrne, Pauric Murphy, David Mc. Bride, Kevin Murray, Michael Galligan.

Managers: Paddy Owens and James Forde.
Coach: Brian Finnegan.

We have the next round of the Evans National Cup at home to Tullamore on Saturday in Gortakeegan. We will be providing refreshments for the travelling team so don’t forget to bring some sandwiches.

Under 11 MSDL
With the final round of matches in the inaugural Under11 MSDL this Friday we congratulate all 150 payers for their participation. This competition couldn’t have taken place were it not for the wonderful support of the adults involved who gave up so much of their spare time for the training and coaching the many other tasks that were involved.


2010 SEASON TICKET ON SALE NOW

Monaghan United Season Tickets for 2010 are now on sale. Prices for 2010 are the same as last year and they are available in the online shop also by cheque (made payable to Monaghan United FC)
Prices: Adult €140 Family €180 (2 adults & up to 4 children under 16 yrs)
1/2 Season ticket: Adult €70 Family €90
Season tickets offer great value for the fan who wishes to come to all or most of Monaghan United's home FAI League of Ireland games for 2010 season.
We would ask all promoters to have their tickets in as soon as possible.
Anyone wishing to purchase a ticket contact Clubhouse 047 84798 or contact any club member.

ASTRO

Both the main Astro pitch and the courts will be open all day for bookings on Good Friday. To make a booking on the Monaghan United Astro pitch.
phone Kevin @ 087 7665669 or Colm @ 087 2544682.