Shelbourne   2  -  3     Monaghan United

The good travelling support for Monaghan United was awarded with an excellent away win at Tolka Park.  Shelbourne got a dream start to both half when on each occasion they had the ball in the back of the net with less than thee minutes of the respective halves elapsed.  The manner in which the United side responded especially to the second goal demonstrated a maturity in the Monaghan side.

Monaghan United had to start without two of their stalwart defenders Alan Byrne and Dave Rogers and when that first goal went in after three minutes it looked like their absence would be critical, a lapse of concentration allowed Philly Hughes cross the ball in the area and David Cassidy had a simple tap in. Despite the fact that Cassidy could have had his second goal two minutes later when he was picked out again by Hughes only to strike the bar, Monaghan settled quickly and that score seemed to remove whatever pre-match nerves were there.  What followed was a half hour of open but scrappy football.  Shels main plan was to send in high balls into Hughes expecting him to either out turn the defenders or hold it up for his in running forwards, but United ! are well aware of Hughes style and potential and dealt well with him. Both Paul Whelan and John Reilly had half chances for United.  Declan Fabio O’ Brien had the best chance for the visitors after doing all the hard work including rounding keeper Dean Delaney only to see his attempt hit of John Reilly’s knee deflecting it over the end line but it was probably the spur that United required as for the final 15 minutes of the opening half they came to life combining some beautiful ground football  with some quick high balls in each of which O’ Brien won to cause Shels all kinds of problems and it wasn’t surprising when they got back on par in 45th minute. The move that led to the goal started when Shane Grimes picked up the ball at the left corner flag in his own half and moving up the left side of the field nearly every United player got a touch on the ball before it was moved i! nto the centre to Sean Brennan who from the edge of the area  shot low and hard to the corner of the net. A minute later Shels came close to regaining the lead again only for some excellent defending denied Conan Byrne, it was the last action of the opening half.

Immediately on the restart Monaghan forced a free kick out side of the area but Sean Brennan’s attempt was weak.  Shels moved the ball quickly down the field and David Cassidy from six yards got on the end off a cross only to skim the crossbar.  A minute later Cassidy turned provider when he collected the ball in what appeared to be in an off-side position on the wing he raced forward to pick out Brendan Mc. Gill who had a simple tap in.  The fare on offer from both sides was much better than in the opening half. Sean Brennan was having probably his best game in the United colours. Shels Kevin Dawson struck the woodwork and Fabio had another good effort at the other end.  Philly Hughes should have made it three for Shelbourne when one of the United defenders lost his footing Hughes was through on goal but some excellent defending from Conor Mc. Mahon and the keeper Gabriel Sava saw Hughes attempt hit the woodwork, it was a miss that Shels would rue. United broke down field quickly, John Reilly cut in from the wing before passing to Sean Brennan leaving him with a simple tap in for his brace.  United were now controlling the game and the home crowd was silenced in the 76th minute when United cleared the ball out of defence into the Shels half Fabio raced forward the keeper advanced from goal and Fabio from all of 20 yards lobbed the custodian and United were in the lead which was well deserved on the night.

United were unfortunate to loose their two goal hero of the night Sean Brennan when he was carried off on 80 minutes he was replaced by Dom Tierney.  With Shels desperate to get back on terms we had some exciting end to end stuff.  How well the United rear-guard of  Whelan Grimes Mc. Mahon and Collins stood the test.  Shels hit the crossbar a couple of times in those closing minutes and the best attempt came from Lorcan Fitzgerald and we also saw a fine reaction save from Sava. The fourth official held up the board to show four added minutes which stretched to six. Monaghan United were reduced to ten when Fabio O Brien was sent off for a second yellow on 91 minutes, f! or the amount of attention that Fabio had received in this game both cards looked harsh. Shels tried desperately to take advantage of the extra man, but United prevailed.

Monaghan United picked up what might yet prove to be tree valuable.  The defeat knocked Shelbourne off top spot bringing United to a second place just one point behind Cork City who have played one game more than United.

United are now undefeated after six starts under manager Roddy Collins and this had the most pleasing result for him, immediately after the final whistle Collins took his charges over to the far side of the ground where the good sixed Monaghan support were gathered.

This was an all-round performance from Monaghan United, apart from the excellent performance mentioned earlier by the back four up front there was some great combination play between the Brennan brothers, Jason Marks  and Fabio, it is not surprising that we have  been getting goals in all games so far. Eric Foley and John Reilly were very solid in the middle, again Sava made some of the saves that we now take as routine from him, it would be unfair to single any of them out but that said the Extratime Man of the Match selection went to Sean Brennan.

Shelbourne FC: Dean Delany; Ian Ryan, Barry Clancy, Andy Boyle, Lorcan Fitzgerald; Kevin Dawson, David ( Colm James '8), David Cassidy, Brendan McGill, Conan Byrne (Karl Bermingham '73), Philip Hughes.

Subs not used: Paul Skinner, Sean Byrne, Gareth Matthews, Ray Scully, John Sullivan

Monaghan United: Gabriel Sava; Paul Whelan, Shane Grimes, Conor McMahon, Aidan Collins; Eric Foley, John Reilly, Ryan Brennan, Sean Brennan (Dom Tierney'90), Jason Marks; Declan O'Brien

Subs not used: Shane Fitzgerald, Michael Isichei, Philip Byrne, Jake Rossiter, Jimmy Fallon, Andy Haran

Referee: Phil Caschera:

Attendance: 784.

Airtricity League 1st Division.

Match Preview

Monaghan United   vs    Wexford Youths

Easter weekend will be a busy one at Gortakeegan, first up on Good Friday Monaghan United entertain Wexford Youths in the 1st.Division and then on Easter Monday it’s the visit of neighbours Dundalk in the 2nd Round of EA Sports Cup.

Unfortunately for Mick Wallace he hasn’t as yet brought the success this season to his Wexford Youth side that he has had in the political field.  The Youths are second from the bottom a point ahead of Salthill Devon.  Last weekend they were defeated at home at Ferrycarrig Park when Athlone Town’s Tommy Barrett scored in 87 th minute.   It was by all accounts a poor scrappy affair with none of the type of football that Wallace strives for.

Monaghan United performance wise are on the crest of a wave, they went to Tolka Park last weekend where they had an excellent win over Shelbourne and did it the hard by having come from behind twice before Fabio O’ Brien got the winner. That win saw them knock Shels off top position to drop to third behind United who are now in second position which is the first time they have been so high this early in a season.

There are no certainties in sport, but if there was Monaghan United should easily pick up the points, but Wexford Youths without getting the points always perform well in Gortakeegan, so we can expect more of the same on this occasion. Wallace who has had a busy year away from football will now have the Easter break to give more attention to the beautiful game.

Roddy Collins main problem will be keeping his side focused and there is no one better at doing so. Apart from winning against  Shels Collins will also be satisfied that he achieved this  win without a number of his first team players particularly defenders Alan Byrne and Dave Rogers, Byrne is still doubtful but Rogers will be available again.  Another worry for him was Sean Brennan went off injured at Tolka Park, so fingers crossed he should be available. 

Mick Wallace who has always been a popular character at Gortakeegan when he was only famous in football will no doubt get a big welcome at Gortakeegan on his first visit here since entering Dáil Eireann.

Since the start of the season the local support is coming out both at home and away games, hopefully their numbers will be well swelled this weekend.

EA Sports Cup  2nd Round.

Monaghan United    vs      Dundalk FC

All followers of football in the Farney County were delighted when their side were drawn against Dundalk in the round of the EA Sports Cup.  It’s the closest we get to a derby match at Gortakeegan. Both sides are performing well, United are second in the 1st Division, Dundalk haven’t had the greatest start to their season but this week saw them complete their two legged semi-final of the Setanta Cup in which they had convincing wins over Northern Ireland side Cliftonville.  Going into this game earlier in the weekend Dundalk will have a tough Louth Derby to get over against struggling neighbours Drogheda United while hopefully United will have a less stressful game at home against Wexford Youths.

Without doubt Dundalk should be the clear favourites but they have never found Gortakeegan a happy hunting ground.  Dundalk always brings out the best in Monaghan United at Gortakeegan where the home side usually punch about their weight. Last season saw United dump Dundalk out of the Cup when the Louth side went into the game as clear winners.  If United require any extra inspiration they have Roddy Collins in their corner.

The game has to be decided on the day so extra time and penalties might be on the menu for the expected large crowd.