Airtricity League of Ireland 1^st Division

Match Preview

Monaghan United  vs   Limerick

Monaghan United saw their very good unbeaten start of the season come to an end last weekend on their first visit to Fahy’s Field against Mervue United.  Next Friday sees them play their penultimate game of the first series of League matches against Limerick at Gortakeegan.

Only three points separate the sides in the table leaving Monaghan United just one position ahead of Limerick. Going into this game limerick at home had a 3-0 win over Athlone at the weekend. A 9th minute goal from Jeffrey Judge got Limerick off the mark and two minutes after the restart of the second half Brian Mc. Carthy made it 2 -0 and the insurance goal was scored by Shane Tracy in 82nd. It was a game that Limerick was always comfortable in.

Monaghan United’s record against Limerick has been good in recent seasons. Last season the encounters between them were very tight, in the opening game of the League against Limerick at Gortakeegan a 9th minute Philly Hughes goal got United off the mark and that was added to an hour later by Cathal O’ Connor. Limerick finished strong and got a goal back from substitute Hickey. In the return game at Jackman Park, United never featured in the first half and found themselves a goal down at the interval, it was a different story in the second half where United were in control, were back on term 16 minutes in and should have collected all points on the second half performance. The final game of the League was a tough encounter at Gortakeegan,a lot was at stake with United within touching distan! ce of promotion and Limerick endeavouring to avoid relegation, it ended scoreless.  In the EA Sports Cup at Jackman Park, United had a comprehensive 3-0 win.

Roddy Collins will hope that his side can bounce back quickly from the Mervue defeat. Collins will have to start without the suspended Declan (Fabio) O Brien and Paul Whelan. There are a number of contenders for Whelan’s position but Fabio’s ability up front will be sorely missed, he has scored in every game he has played in for United. Alan Byrne, defender/ cum mid field has been absent through injury for the past number of games, however he was on the bench on Friday, his return would be welcome. Otherwise Collins should have a strong panel to select from.

Easter weekend saw an excellent turn out of home supporters for both games, hopefully a good home crowd will be out again for what promises to be a very good game.

There are only a few points separating the top four teams and win in the next two games could see Monaghan United in top place entering the second series of games.

Kick off at Gortakeegan 8.p.m.

Injuries

None

Suspensions:

Paul Whelan, Declan O’ Brien.

Last  5 Results.

Next Five Games

Manager Roddy says  ”Our first visit to Fahy’s Field was disappointing. I felt that the Dundalk game going to extra time would take its toll later on us in the week. Unfortunately we got off to a poor start against Mervue United and our concentration levels especially in the first half weren’t anything near what is required. Nothing clicked for us on the night, I felt that when we got the equaliser that it was the spur ! required to get us back into our recent form but they got the goals at the vital times and the two sending offs killed off any hope of our revival.  But let’s keep it in perspective; it is our first loss in nine starts. On the positive side I probably learned more about the side in that game than I did from the previous eight outings. Results like this should be character building for a side.  I have great belief in the lads and one poor result doesn’t turn us into a bad side. We must now concentrate on this next game.

Limerick will come here after an excellent winning performance away to Athlone Town.  Although Monaghan United took most of the points against them last season I am reliably informed that there was never much between the sides. Limerick is just one place behind us in the table, so it looks like it’s going to be close again this season and we’ve drawn them in the Cup again.

Once again I will be missing some vital players from the squad, however I believe we can bounce back and put in another good performance, but nothing less will sufficed against Limerick, I am looking forward to a good game.

Yours in football,

Roddy Collins.