Waterford United v Monaghan United

Monaghan United travel to the RSC Grounds to play Waterford in their next round game in the Airtricity League on Friday evening.  Once again Monaghan will be putting their fine away record to the test, also at stake is 2nd spot in the table a position which Waterford hold at the moment but a victory for Mick Cooke’s side would see them share that position on 33  and seven points behind leaders Derry City.

On their previous visit to Waterford last season Monaghan had a rare but deserved win in the RSC, in the previous meeting between the sides this season at Gortakeegan the home side came out the correct side of 1-0 result, the goal came as early as the 7th minute when Barry Clancy picked out Cathal ‘Connor.  It was a very tight entertaining game and despite Waterford’s best effort which included bringing on their recent big signing – George O Connor they could not get back on par.

Like every season since they dropped down from the Premier Waterford are endeavoring again for promotion, they have recommenced the season after the summer break collecting four out of a  possible six points from a comprehensive win over Mervue United and a hard fought nil- all draw in Jackman Park against Limerick, so they definitely are on form.

Monaghan United’s take of points since the resumption has been similar to Waterford’s with the added victory in the FAI/Ford Cup against FC. Carlow.  However they haven’t they same sharpness that they were displaying early on in the season and their present form would not be sufficient to get a result in Waterford.   With the return from injury of Cathal O’ Connor and Barry Clancy Mick Cooke’s panel is near full strength and the fact that they are playing Waterford and a chance of reaching second place will help them up their game. It is definitely a fixture that will have goals scored in and Mo! naghan’s best chance of a result is to get the early goal

Injuries :- Niall Flynn.

Suspensions : none.

Previous 5 results

Next 5 Games

Manager Quotes

“We have a tough assignment ahead of us in the RSC.  Our win against Salthill Devon saw us reclaim 3^rd position and get us on course again as promotion contenders. If we are to achieve advancement it is sides like Waterford United that we will have to get past and who themselves are within striking distance in second place. Waterford have always looked like a premier outfit and each season they have looked like the side that would get promoted only to let slip at the end, there is a more determined demeanor about them this time.

Since the summer recess we have been slowly getting back to our previous form and digging out the results. But we will require a much better performance if we are to get anything against an in form side like Waterford. Once again the squad is near full strength.  An away point would be a good result for us.”