| Airtricity League of Ireland – 1st Division. Longford Town v Monaghan  Both sides go into this game feeling that each let two points slip from the grasp last weekend. Longford Town had been expected to defeat near neighbours Athlone Town and having taken the lead and totally dominating the game allowed a very much below par Athlone back in with a late goal. Similarly Monaghan United who were by no means most pundits favourites for getting anything out of the game gifted Cork City with an away point. It was an outstanding performance by United who only allowed Cork at most three chances in the first half and then went on to deny them any opportunity whatsoever in the second half. Cork had to play with 10 men for the final half hour of the game and from there to end they went into defence mode even though United continued to create numerous chances. In the previous encounter between United and Longford at Gortakeegan the only goal scored on the night by United was all that separated the sides. In that particular game all attention was on Longford’s new International signing Keith Gillespie and in the end United were fortunate when the ex Manchester United striker didn’t deprive them of their win with an equaliser. At that point in the season there was nothing between the sides in the Table, since then Monaghan United has retained second position whereas Longford has drifted back to a midway point. But such positions will count for nothing on the night. Geographically Longford Town are the closest to Monaghan United in the 1st Division, so therefore games between the sides have a derby edge without any of the rancour or negativities often associated with such ties, conversely there is actually a good relationship between the two outfits. If Monaghan United can replicate their recent good form they should in the end have a positive result and are more than capable of getting an away win. Longford’s manager Tony Cousins will have a different opinion. Roddy Collins and his side have the added distraction of the EA Sports Cup Quarter Final away to Limerick on the following Tuesday to contend with. Monaghan are expected to have a big travelling support with them. Kick off at Flancare Park on Saturday @ 7.30.p.m. Injuries: Conor Mc. Mahon, Suspensions : None Last Five Results Monaghan United 1 1 Cork City Salthill Devon 2 5 Monaghan United Monaghan United 4 1 Everton Cork Monaghan United 1 0 Finn Harps Waterford United 0 1 Monaghan United Next Five Games Tue Jun 28 Limerick v Monaghan United 7.45.p.m. Fri Jul 1 Monaghan United v Shelbourne 8.p.m. Fri 8 Jul Wexford Youths v Monaghan United 8.p.m. Fri 15 Jul Monaghan United v Mervue United 8.p.m. Fri 22 Jul Limerick FC v Monaghan United 7.45.p.m. Manager Quotes “Our display again Cork City confounded most of the pundits. However both I the players and the regular supporters were confident going into the game. I was disappointed for the lads for the effort that they put in that they didn’t get the win that their performance more than deserved. I know we can replicate the form displayed in that game in Longford on Saturday. We had a really productive weeks training joined by some potential new signings, the present squad are working extremely hard and will appreciate the help from some new additions. We have lost four senior players since the beginning of the season so to be maintaining a title challenge is a massive achievement by the lads, they ! are getting stronger and more confident every week- a very dangerous combination and we are relishing every challenge especially our visit to Longford Town; a defeat will finish their season and make the a championship a four horse race with us as outsiders behind the big spenders, so roll on Sat' the Mons are coming to Town.. Thankfully most of the squad is available for selection. I am looking forward to a good game and I believe that our expected good travelling support will have an evening’s football to remember”. Yours in Football, Roddy Collins. |
Friday, 24 June 2011 08:52