| Monaghan United v Athlone Town After the short summer recess Monaghan United recommence the action this week at Gortakeegan when they entertain Athlone Town. This will be the final game in the 2nd Series and with United in 2nd position in the table they enter the final Series well primed for promotion and they are still in the FAI/Ford Cup. In their last game they had a very comprehensive performance against Limerick at Jackman Park. This was a telling victory as that game saw the full introduction of some new signings. Up to now the manager Roddy Collins had a squad that he inherited at the start of the season, the recent transfer window has allowed him to put his own imprint o! n team, if he is to be judged on recent performances he has made some astute selections. This will be the second meeting of the sides this season, in the first game at Lissywoollen Park Monaghan had a comprehensive 3 -0 over Athlone. Athlone Town has had for them would be regarded as a poor season as their third from bottom position would confirm. For a club who have such a fine structure in place this has to be disappointing, however recently they would appear to have turned the corner and made a number of signings during the transfer window which appear to have strengthened their squad. In their last against Limerick at home they were unfortunate to loose to a very fortuitous goal to Limerick in a game which they controlled for large periods. Because of the league structure in the 1st Division Athlone Town has had a two week break which should give them an added freshness. The recent signings has strengthened the United squad. There is more competition for places which has meant that some of the players who recently were having somewhat indifferent performances have upped their game. Hopefully the recent summer recess will have allowed the players recharge their batteries. On recent performances this should be a home win for United, but Roddy Collins will have drilled any complacency out of them. Again the home support which has been steadily building all season should be out in force. Verdict : Home win. Kick of at Gortakeegan on Friday evening is at 8.p.m. |
Wednesday, 03 August 2011 08:08