Airtricity League 1st Division

Monaghan United  v  Salthill Devon

Another side makes their first visit to Gortakeegan when we see the arrival of Salthill Devon, newcomers this season to the 1^st. Division.

It’s the second meeting of the sides, in the previous encounter the Galway side made a spirited start to but United killed off the tie with a two goal blitz between  the 13^th and 14^th minutes, three more United goals followed before Salthill Devons got on the score sheet with a well taken goal following a brilliant move out of their own defense. United responded with their 6th of the evening.

Before the summer break Monaghan had been displaying some of the best form ever produced by a team representing the club, however in their last outing against Athlone some of the players lacked the sharpness that we had come to expect from them, they conceded four goal which was very uncharacteristic of them but displayed great grit and determination in fighting up to the final whistle to get a share of the points.  Prior to this game against Salthill Devon, United will be playing FC Carlow in the FAI and if they get the result expected it should bring them back on course.

Mick Cooke has all his squad with the exception of Barry Clancy who will be out for a couple more weeks at his disposal.  On both teams forms so far this season United should easily take the points, but there must be no return of some of the performance displayed in Athlone.

Although in their first season Salthill Devon are bottom of the table they have yet to get their first win on the pitch although they were awarded the points against Wexford Youths in their first meeting they have had three draws and scored 10 goals, so they are making progress.

Athlone Town 4 – 4 Monaghan United

When Athlone scored in the 65^th minute to go 4-0 up it looked like Monaghan United’s impressive away record had come to an end, United were on the ropes but not beaten.

Although Athlone had a couple of early chances the best being a save by Gabriel Sava off the head of Gordon Watson it was the visitors Monaghan United who played the more impressive football in the opening quarter and they should have been at least two goal up if Sean Brennan, Karl Bermingham and Alan Byrne converted some of the chances they had.

It was Robert Benson who put the home side ahead much as against the run of play.  The goal followed a good move out of defence the ball reached Niall Scullion at the their right corner flag and he swung in a powerful pass to find Benson on the penalty spot and he powered the ball past United’s keeper Gabriel Sava.  United returned to attack mode and should have got on the score sheet, a powerful run by Conor Mc. Mahon up the wing he forced his way in to the penalty area, sent a perfect pass to the feet of Sean Brennan who unfortunately scuffed what looked like a simple tap in. Seven minutes later Benson completed his brace again it followed a move down the right wing after a sustained period of pressure from United in which their player Gary Costigan! picked up an injury which left him ling prostrate along a side line, the referee allowed play to continue, Mark Nolan swung a pass in to the head of Benson and he crashed it to the back of the net.

Athlone were now playing with confidence, however in the closing minutes of the half United were back in dominance and one felt that the half time whistle at the wrong time for them but an early goal in the second half would get them back in contention.

Anthony Costigan still suffering from the affects of the earlier injury was replaced at the interval by Shane Grimes who made a welcome return after a long lay off through injury and on his performance on the night he has lost none of his old form. The second half was barely a minute old when Gabriel Sava was collecting the ball for the third time from the back of his net.  The third goal came from a United kick out the ball was kicked forward from the Athlone half, Athlone’s Gordon Watson was the quickest to react and outrun everyone else to find himself one-on-one with the keeper and he coolly side footed it past the custodian.

Mick Cooke sprang Darragh Hanaphy from the bench and he would have a role in everything positive that  followed for United. But the worse wasn’t over yet, United’s ever reliant keeper will have to take the blame for Athlone’s fourth goal, a high ball was punted out from deep in the Athlone half, Sava who was at the front of his area rushed out field, missed the flight of the ball which bounced over him, Athlone’s Noel Scullion raced past him and when he caught up with the ball had a simple tap into an empty net.

In the 70^th.minute Hanaphy was taken down for a penalty which Philip Hughes converted and although Athlone were still three up they seemed to panic and looked more like a side that was defending a one goal lead.  The pressure from United was relentless and did it pay off. Mick Cooke sent on Brian Gartland and his presence made a difference. In 85^th minute Hanaphy raced to the corner flag to retrieve the ball and keep it in play he controlled it well before passing down the side line to Sean Brennan who sent in a brilliant pass to the head of Alan Brennan who crashed it to the back of the net.

In the final minute of normal time Darragh Hanaphy got his head to a United corner and there was the minimum between the sides.

The fourth official signalled 3 added minutes and in the dying seconds of this additional time United were awarded a second penalty when both Brian Gartland  and Darragh Hanaphy were pushed in the square, the referee instructed the taker Philip Hughes that he had to score direct as time was up and Hughes duly obliged and United’s away record was kept in tact.

In the final 20 minutes United showed just how good they can be and indeed had the game gone on for another 5 minutes they would probably have won.  Both sides had glaring misses.

With almost his full panel available to him the strength in depth was very apparent in the three subs introduced in this game. it was good to see Shane Grimes back after a long lay off through injury and displaying all his old form.

Athlone Town: C Bennion, M. Nolan, S O’ Connell, S. Relihan, D. Hope, E.O’ Shea, K. Williamson, N. Scullion, G. Watson (S. Dolan 85), R. Benson D. O’ Riordan 71), T. O’ Halloran(S. Place 66)

Subs not used : M. Schlingermann

Monaghan United: G. Sava, C. Mc. Mahon, A.Costigan(S. Grimes 46), A. Lynch(B. Gartland 68), N. Flynn, S. Mc. Crossan, A. Collins, A. Byrne, K. Bermingham (D. Hanaphy 63), P. Hughes, S. Brennan.

Subs not used: C. O’ Connor, S. Mc. Kevitt

Ladies Premier League

Monaghan United ladies next action will be at home next Monday evening when the take on Raheny in the Premier League of the DWSL

Kick off 7.30.p.m.

Monaghan United Supporters Club

The supporters club have organized a fun match for the evening of the World Cup. Several local legends are coming out of retirement to join in the action.

Kick off will be at 6.p.m anyone wishing to take part in the game which is a fund raise contact Pauric @ 087 6333503.

Afterwards  there will be a Bar-B- Q at the club house and everyone is invited to come and join the crowd afterwards and watch the World Cup final.

Summer Camp -  5 – 9 July

With an excellent take up for the summer camp everything is in place for it’s commencement.

The camp is aimed at both boys and girls from 5-10 years. Children participating will receive expert in coaching in all the skills of the game and they will also receive a pack that includes a Monaghan United/Nike top, football, drinking bottle.

The coaches for the competition will be the Monaghan United Senior team members with a number of VIP coaches.  The manager Mick Cooke will be in attendance to impart tactics and advice.

The camp which runs from 5 - 9 July costs €70.

For application forms or information contact Julie-Ann @ 0860417009

ASTRO

Bookings

The Astro pitch is now available for hire as either a full or two half courts.

Timely booking is essential to avoid disappointment.

Phone Kevin @ 087 7665669.

Anyone requiring booking the 5-aside Astro pitches can contact Colm @ 0872544682