Monaghan United entertain Finn Harps after two comprehensive performances away from home against Athlone Town and Waterford United respectively,  the previous game between these sides at Finn Park was the first game that Roddy Colllins took charge of United. Harps were then able to capitalise on the lack of knowledge and understanding in the new set up of United’s manager and team and they had some large slices of luck which they capitalised on which saw them get a share of the points on the night . United went behind to a penalty in the dying seconds of the first half, Martin Mc. Hugh dispatched the spot kick.

The second half was only ten minutes old when United were back on par.  Pressure from United forwards forced the keeper to spill a Sean Brennan free and Eric Foley pounced to slide the ball over the line.  When  Harps very influential forward Marc Brolly was stretchered off it caused a long period of stoppage time, immediately on the resumption Kevin Mc. Hugh got his second on the night taking advantage of the lack of concentration from United. But a sweet volley from 27 yards by Eric Foley had the sides level for the second time.  Ten minutes later the red mist descended when Thomas Bonnar received a straight red for a strike on Sean Brennan. Harps wisely went back into a blanke! t defence to preserve the point and they sustained constant bombardment from United to hold out.

Since that last game Harps have made a change of manager bringing in Peter Hutton in place of James Gallagher they had their first win under him against Athlone Town. Hutton has taken charge of Derry City in the past, he will now have the new Director of Football at the club Felix Healy who led Harps to the 1st Division title in 2004 in his corner.

.Monaghan United’s last outing was away to Waterford United on Friday, a game in which they dominated from start to finish with some most attractive football. A 25^th minute goal from Sean Brennan was all that separated the sides in the finish but Monaghan had plenty of chances two have got at least two more goals, but the Waterford defence must be credited to keeping it to one

With the benefit of a home ground and a good home support it would be surprising if United can’t replicate this performance.  Roddy Collins will be taking nothing for granted; he should have a strong panel to select from.

Kick off at Gortakeegan usual time 8.p.m.

Verdict: Home win.

Injuries  None

Suspensions    None

Last 5 Results

Next Five Games

Roddy says “ Welcome to Peter Hutton, his team and all associated with Finn Harps. Since our last home game we have had two excellent away results, the win in Athlone was comprehensive and indeed the score line didn’t flatter us.  The result in Waterford was much tighter but it was a game that we dictated from start to finish except for possibly the opening seven minutes of the second half.  Our opening game of the season was also against Wat! erford so it is a good indication of how we have progressed.

With the transfer window approaching I am sounding out some fresh talent, this is no reflection on either the squad or any individual player, but there is a lot of wear and tear to a panel over a season, one has to take account of injuries and suspensions and already this season two players have moved on.

Today’s opponents-Finn Harps comes into the game after a good  win against Athlone, already their management set up under Manager Peter Hutton and Director of Football Felix Healy appears to paying dividends, I expect them to  get to a position in the tables that is more representative of this great club. I have a soft spot for Finn Harps the club with which I made my League debut with many years ago.

I am looking forward to this game; the lads are playing with a renewed confidence, I see no reason why we can’t continue to display our form of recent games. Last week I had the unusual luxury of being able to start the same eleven for two games in a row and I believe this consistency makes a big difference.

With reinvigorated Harps I am expecting a good game.

I would like to thank the many fans who made the long trip to Waterford, the lads appreciated your effort and how you got behind them, well done guys, I am sure you will be out in full strength this evening, again looking forward to meeting you after the game”.

Yours in football.

Roddy Collins