1^st Division Airtricity League of Ireland.

Cork City  v  Monaghan United

For what should be their biggest test so far this season Monaghan United travel to Turner’s Cross to play Cork City. It was a venue that United performed well in last season as they had victories there in both the league and Cup. Last season was a rebuilding one for Cork as they had dropped down from the Premier due to events away from the playing arena and with the side folding they had to reinvent themselves.  Ironically Roddy Collins, United’s manager had only taken over the Cork side just two months before they collapsed and hadn’t an opportunity to take charge of them in a competitive game .Cork have recovered well and should be one of the sides seeking promotion again this season. In their four outings in the league this season they are unbeaten having home wins against Wexford Youths and Li! merick scoring a goal in each game, away from home they have shared the points with Mervue United and Athlone Town and would be disappointed that they  haven’t  collected maximum points in all games.

Having played one game less than Cork, Monaghan United are also unbeaten.  Through injuries and suspensions Roddy Collins has been unable to field his strongest selection. This week he welcomes back Ryan Brennan and Fabio O’ Brien should make a welcome debut. Unfortunately he will be without his captain Dom Tierney whose hand is still in plaster and Alan Byrne has a hamstring injury. Shane Barrett has been released by the club Nonetheless Roddy is starting to get a shape about the side, he is getting them to play some neat football. Defence wise they are not altogether as strong as last season but on the positive side they are scoring up front. This is a tough away fixture, Collins would probably be pleased with a draw and a share of the points would be a good result.

Verdict – a draw.

Kick off at Turners Cross is on Friday at 7.45.p.m.

MONAGHAN UNITED 3 - 0 SALTHILL DEVON

This game was over as a contest after nine minutes when Salthill Devon were reduced to 10 men with the sending off of their No.6 Mike Quirke who received a straight red card for striking Sean Brennan in the face. Brennan had given Monaghan United an early lead after three minutes when he gather the ball in the opponents area, dribbled past three defenders before striking across goal and inside the foot of the far post. The sending off caused the game to loose it's momentum for the next 25 minutes. Monaghan again upped the pace and on 36 minutes a cross in from the left found Sean Brennan who laid it on to Jason Marks and his crisp strike from ten yards found the roof of the net. With just a minute of normal time left in the first half Sean Brennan completed his brace; he received the ball on the edge of the area and unleashed a strike that ! gave the keeper no chance.

The second half was again one-way traffic and United's keeper Gabiel Sava made his only save of the game in 67th minute, a good run and strike by Etenda Nkololo was straight at the keeper. Paul Whelan had the first strike of the half when after getting into a good position he struck wide from 6 yards. John Reilly attempt at the foot of the post was smothered out.  Another good move ended with Andy Haran striking wide of the target. The move of the second half saw Sean Brennan pass the ball out to Paul Whelan on the wing who in turn picked out Shane Fitzgerald who blasted over.

Monaghan United brought on talented Under-16 player - Kevin Loughran and for the short time he was on the pitch he had two good attempts. Despite all the pressure from United in the second half they failed to add to their half-time tally Salthill Devon crowed their defence and managed to keep the scoreboard reasonably respectful.

The sending off killed the momentum of the game but Roddy Collins wont be complaining, his side has taken seven out of a possible nine points and in each of the three games he has been missing key players.

Next week it's away to Cork City which will probably be Uniteds toughest test so far.

Monaghan United: Sava; Whelan, Rogers (Haran half-time), Collins ( P Byrne 64), Grimes; Foley (Loughran 76), McMahon, Reilly, Marks; Brennan, Fitzgerald.

Subs not used: Rossiter, Fallon, Isichei, McKenna.

 Salthill Devon: Forde; Conlon, Whelan (Quinlan 76), Fadden, O Leidhinn; Nkololo, Quirke, McBrien, Greaney; Straut (McConnell 83), Collins (Lyons 84).

 Subs not used: Dolan, Geraghty, Howley, Power.

 Referee: John Grimes

Boys Under 16

Bay United v Monaghan United.

The final game of the season in the under 16 Fast Fix Premier League, between Monaghan United and Bay Rovers(Dundalk) has been refixed for Sunday next.

United have already won the league and their main function will be collect the silverware.

The game will be at the Rock Rd. Dundalk with kick off at 2.30.p.m. We expect that there will have a good support.

Congratulations to the squad and managers Paddy Owens and James Forde.