Airtricity League of Ireland  –  1^st Division.

Monaghan United  vs  Everton (Cork)

Monaghan United are at home to junior-league side Everton from Cork inThird Round of the FAI/Ford Cup on Friday. This was one of the competitions that United did so well in last season being knocked out eventually in the quarter final by Sligo Rovers.

In 2008 Everton AFC celebrated 50 years in football

Until recently Monaghan United had a tendency to get caught out by non-league sides, fortunately in the last few seasons they turned this around.  There is no doubt but that the Cork side who may not be as well known around these parts as the Mersey side of the same name have plenty of form. Roddy Collins is too experienced a manager to let his side take anything for granted.

Last Monday United  had a narrow 1-0 home win against Finn Harps, it was a poor scrappy game with whatever football was played was done so by the home side. The score line doesn’t reflect the amount of possession United had.  Roddy Collins will be hoping that his side can again replicate the style of football displayed in the previous two games against Athlone Town and Waterford United respectively.

Again Collins should have a strong panel to select from. Unfortunately he will be without Conor Mc. Mahon who suffered a fracture to his leg against Finn Harps. It would be a surprise if United don’t advance.

Verdict: Home Win.

Kick off: at Gortakeegan 8.p.m.

Roddy says “A warm welcome to Pat Brown and his team Everton AFC  for tonight’s game on their long trip here from Cork. Unfortunately the make up of their side which will be turning out against us is an unknown quantity to me. From my time in Cork I am familiar with the club, founded over 50 years ago they have a good history especially in underage football .Everton are fortunate in having a good catchment area especially around Togher to recruit in. Everton will go into this game wearing the under dogs tag, they will play for the pride of the club and jersey, with nothing to loose they can afford to give it a lash.  Like all managers I detest the title of ‘favourites’,  cup competitions are littered with the skeletons  of such creatures.

We got the required result but not the entertaining football especially in the first half that the fans would have liked to see against Finn Harps.  It was obvious that the Donegal side came on a containment mission. It is very hard to play attractive attacking football against such tactics, however I always felt comfortable and they never put us under any serious threat. The goal coming just before half time set us up nicely for the second half. The second 45 minutes was much more entertaining and again the winning margin didn't flatter us.  Conor Mc. Mahon was unfortunate to pick up a leg injury, thankfully it is not as bad as we first feared, I wish him a speedy recovery.

The team is gelling well and there is a great spirit of comradery in the dressing room.

I am looking forward to this game.  Cup ties always have their own magic and can throw up the occasional surprise – though we don’t need one this evening. With a strong panel available to me I will be taking nothing for granted and will be sending out my strongest eleven”.

Again I am looking forward to meeting the fans after the game”.

Injuries: Conor  Mc. Mahon

Suspensions :  None

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