Airtricity 1st Division.

Monaghan United    v   Waterford United

This week sees Monaghan United commence the third and final Series of games in the 1st Division of 2011 Season, because of that leagues structure they do so a week behind the other 10 competing sides and it also means that United have a game in hands against these other clubs. This set up has its advantages and disadvantages but United’s management will look on the positives.  Going into this final series United were level in second place in the table with Cork City, however last week the Leesiders could only manage a draw in their own back yard - Turner’s Cross against second from bottom   side Wexford Youths.  Indeed it looked like Cork had secured a lucky win when they went 2-1 in ! the 88th  minute, but the Youths were not to be out done on the night and they scored an injury time equalise. It was a deflation in form for Cork as the previous week they defeated league leaders Shelbourne, undoubtedly there will be many more upsets before season ends, something that United will hope to avoid and take full advantage of such slip up by their rivals.  That result allowed Cork to get their heads in front of United by a point, at this stage it is very much a four horse race for the available promotion places. Shelbourne ensured their leaders status with a win over Longford Town and Limerick join United in third position with the win over Finn Harps, fortunately  Monaghan have that all important game in hand

It seems a long time now since United’s last game. Performance wise they have been on a role and will be hoping that it hasn’t been interrupted by the two recent lay offs. United’s last outing was against a resurgent Athlone Town.  Had United converted the many chances they had in the opening 45 minutes and thereby adding to Fabio O’ Brien goal they would have been well out of sight by the time the whistle sounded for the halftime interval. Athlone’s manager rung the changes in the second half by bringing on three attack minded players including their top marksman of the season, the result was that they upped their performance and their second half contribution could have earned them a share of the spoils, but in the end United deserved their win.

During the transfer window United’s manager Roddy Collins has made a number of new acquisitions in Jordan Keegan, David Byrne and Keith Quinn, each has featured in the last two outings for the side against Limerick and Athlone and they have appeared to have slotted in seamlessly to the side with Byrne getting on the score sheet in Jackman Park. Since then Collins has also signed Wilo Mc. Donagh from Glenavon.Indeed with the return to fitness of Ryan Brennan the manager is in the happy position of having selection problems- who to select and who to leave out, as Collins stated last week when he now looks at the bench during the game to make a change he feels that he will be strengthening the side on the pitch with the substitution rather than just making a switch for change sake.

This will be the third meeting between Monaghan United and Waterford United this season and the visitors wont need reminding that all the points in those two previous encounters were taken by Monaghan. Waterford by their standards has had a poor season. However they have made a number of changes and appear to be turning things around and have moved well up the table. Last week against Athlone Town they had five changes in personnel from the previous week which included the return from injury of Kenny Browne, Seamus Long and Paul Murphy, and what a return it was for Murphy who had netted the first of his night’s hat-trick as early as the second minute.  It ended in a rout as Waterford went on to win 5 -1 against an Athlone side who Monaghan could only manage to get one past in the previo! us week. Waterford is still there with an outside chance of promotion and to achieve this they will have to get a good return in their final nine games of the season.  This should ensure a well contested entertaining game with Monaghan.

Monaghan United will be hoping to replicate the form that they have shown throughout the season so far.  A win would put them into second place and leave them well positioned to claim one of the automatic promotion spots and possibly even rein in the leaders Shelbourne for the eventual title, there is still plenty of time to do so.  Encouragingly the home support are gradually starting to get behind the side, this is long overdue because in the last two seasons United has been one of the form teams of the league and they have had to do it all with little support. One of the positives of the recent break is it has allowed a number of players who were carrying knocks to run them off; only Conor Mc. Mahon is out, so Roddy Collins will have a stro! ng panel to select from.

Verdict: Home win.

Kick of at Gortakeegan tomorrow Friday is at 8.p.m.

FAI/Ford Cup Quarter Finals

Sligo Rovers v Monaghan United

Monaghan United’s supporter’s long awaited outing to Sligo Showgrounds is only a week away. Those United fans will be looking for revenge against Sligo who defeated them at the Quarter Final stage of this competition last season; indeed it was their second time in matter of weeks to be out done by Sligo who had defeated them in the Final of the EA Sports Cup.  Both were entertaining affairs and United more than held their own against the big guns from the Premier League.  Unfortunately like this year they were away to Sligo in both games and the United fans felt that if they had home advantage in one of those encounters at least one of the results might have been reversed.

Sligo Rovers and United have one thing in common both are doing well in their respective leagues and at least one of them should be title holders. Recently Sligo have suffered a reversal of fortunes, last week they were beaten 2-1 at home after having taken an 11 minute lead against Bohemians and the previous week they were held to a draw by Dundalk, and United fans wont need reminding that Monaghan have defeated Dundalk this season in a Cup game, so their side mightn’t be that far off the pace. They will be hoping that Sligo’s dip in performance might last another few weeks.

However, Roddy Collins would tell you that his main attention is on the Waterford United game as it is his side’s next outing and his main focus this season is on promotion to the premier.  Sligo will then have his full concentration.

Full match preview in next week’s edition of the Northern Standard.

Kick off at the Showgrounds on Saturday 27th August @ 7.45.p.m.

Supporters Bus to Sligo

Friends of Monaghan United Supporters Club are hoping to run a bus to Sligo for the FAI/Ford Cup Quarter Finals.  Any supporters wishing to travel contact Mickey Gallagher (0863774435) or Gerry Campbell (0872467180), both Mickey and Gerry will be available in the Clubhouse after the Waterford game to take deposits and bookings. Limited number of seats book in time and don’t be disappointed.

Airtricity 1st Division.

Monaghan United    v   Waterford United

This week sees Monaghan United commence the third and final Series of games in the 1st Division of 2011 Season, because of that leagues structure they do so a week behind the other 10 competing sides and it also means that United have a game in hands against these other clubs. This set up has its advantages and disadvantages but United’s management will look on the positives.  Going into this final series United were level in second place in the table with Cork City, however last week the Leesiders could only manage a draw in their own back yard - Turner’s Cross against second from bottom   side Wexford Youths.  Indeed it looked like Cork had secured a lucky win when they went 2-1 in ! the 88th  minute, but the Youths were not to be out done on the night and they scored an injury time equalise. It was a deflation in form for Cork as the previous week they defeated league leaders Shelbourne, undoubtedly there will be many more upsets before season ends, something that United will hope to avoid and take full advantage of such slip up by their rivals.  That result allowed Cork to get their heads in front of United by a point, at this stage it is very much a four horse race for the available promotion places. Shelbourne ensured their leaders status with a win over Longford Town and Limerick join United in third position with the win over Finn Harps, fortunately  Monaghan have that all important game in hand

It seems a long time now since United’s last game. Performance wise they have been on a role and will be hoping that it hasn’t been interrupted by the two recent lay offs. United’s last outing was against a resurgent Athlone Town.  Had United converted the many chances they had in the opening 45 minutes and thereby adding to Fabio O’ Brien goal they would have been well out of sight by the time the whistle sounded for the halftime interval. Athlone’s manager rung the changes in the second half by bringing on three attack minded players including their top marksman of the season, the result was that they upped their performance and their second half contribution could have earned them a share of the spoils, but in the end United deserved their win.

During the transfer window United’s manager Roddy Collins has made a number of new acquisitions in Jordan Keegan, David Byrne and Keith Quinn, each has featured in the last two outings for the side against Limerick and Athlone and they have appeared to have slotted in seamlessly to the side with Byrne getting on the score sheet in Jackman Park. Since then Collins has also signed Wilo Mc. Donagh from Glenavon.Indeed with the return to fitness of Ryan Brennan the manager is in the happy position of having selection problems- who to select and who to leave out, as Collins stated last week when he now looks at the bench during the game to make a change he feels that he will be strengthening the side on the pitch with the substitution rather than just making a switch for change sake.

This will be the third meeting between Monaghan United and Waterford United this season and the visitors wont need reminding that all the points in those two previous encounters were taken by Monaghan. Waterford by their standards has had a poor season. However they have made a number of changes and appear to be turning things around and have moved well up the table. Last week against Athlone Town they had five changes in personnel from the previous week which included the return from injury of Kenny Browne, Seamus Long and Paul Murphy, and what a return it was for Murphy who had netted the first of his night’s hat-trick as early as the second minute.  It ended in a rout as Waterford went on to win 5 -1 against an Athlone side who Monaghan could only manage to get one past in the previo! us week. Waterford is still there with an outside chance of promotion and to achieve this they will have to get a good return in their final nine games of the season.  This should ensure a well contested entertaining game with Monaghan.

Monaghan United will be hoping to replicate the form that they have shown throughout the season so far.  A win would put them into second place and leave them well positioned to claim one of the automatic promotion spots and possibly even rein in the leaders Shelbourne for the eventual title, there is still plenty of time to do so.  Encouragingly the home support are gradually starting to get behind the side, this is long overdue because in the last two seasons United has been one of the form teams of the league and they have had to do it all with little support. One of the positives of the recent break is it has allowed a number of players who were carrying knocks to run them off; only Conor Mc. Mahon is out, so Roddy Collins will have a stro! ng panel to select from.

Verdict: Home win.

Kick of at Gortakeegan tomorrow Friday is at 8.p.m.

FAI/Ford Cup Quarter Finals

Sligo Rovers v Monaghan United

Monaghan United’s supporter’s long awaited outing to Sligo Showgrounds is only a week away. Those United fans will be looking for revenge against Sligo who defeated them at the Quarter Final stage of this competition last season; indeed it was their second time in matter of weeks to be out done by Sligo who had defeated them in the Final of the EA Sports Cup.  Both were entertaining affairs and United more than held their own against the big guns from the Premier League.  Unfortunately like this year they were away to Sligo in both games and the United fans felt that if they had home advantage in one of those encounters at least one of the results might have been reversed.

Sligo Rovers and United have one thing in common both are doing well in their respective leagues and at least one of them should be title holders. Recently Sligo have suffered a reversal of fortunes, last week they were beaten 2-1 at home after having taken an 11 minute lead against Bohemians and the previous week they were held to a draw by Dundalk, and United fans wont need reminding that Monaghan have defeated Dundalk this season in a Cup game, so their side mightn’t be that far off the pace. They will be hoping that Sligo’s dip in performance might last another few weeks.

However, Roddy Collins would tell you that his main attention is on the Waterford United game as it is his side’s next outing and his main focus this season is on promotion to the premier.  Sligo will then have his full concentration.

Full match preview in next week’s edition of the Northern Standard.

Kick off at the Showgrounds on Saturday 27th August @ 7.45.p.m.

Supporters Bus to Sligo

Friends of Monaghan United Supporters Club are hoping to run a bus to Sligo for the FAI/Ford Cup Quarter Finals.  Any supporters wishing to travel contact Mickey Gallagher (0863774435) or Gerry Campbell (0872467180), both Mickey and Gerry will be available in the Clubhouse after the Waterford game to take deposits and bookings. Limited number of seats book in time and don’t be disappointed.

Airtricity 1st Division.

Monaghan United    v   Waterford United

This week sees Monaghan United commence the third and final Series of games in the 1st Division of 2011 Season, because of that leagues structure they do so a week behind the other 10 competing sides and it also means that United have a game in hands against these other clubs. This set up has its advantages and disadvantages but United’s management will look on the positives.  Going into this final series United were level in second place in the table with Cork City, however last week the Leesiders could only manage a draw in their own back yard - Turner’s Cross against second from bottom   side Wexford Youths.  Indeed it looked like Cork had secured a lucky win when they went 2-1 in ! the 88th  minute, but the Youths were not to be out done on the night and they scored an injury time equalise. It was a deflation in form for Cork as the previous week they defeated league leaders Shelbourne, undoubtedly there will be many more upsets before season ends, something that United will hope to avoid and take full advantage of such slip up by their rivals.  That result allowed Cork to get their heads in front of United by a point, at this stage it is very much a four horse race for the available promotion places. Shelbourne ensured their leaders status with a win over Longford Town and Limerick join United in third position with the win over Finn Harps, fortunately  Monaghan have that all important game in hand

It seems a long time now since United’s last game. Performance wise they have been on a role and will be hoping that it hasn’t been interrupted by the two recent lay offs. United’s last outing was against a resurgent Athlone Town.  Had United converted the many chances they had in the opening 45 minutes and thereby adding to Fabio O’ Brien goal they would have been well out of sight by the time the whistle sounded for the halftime interval. Athlone’s manager rung the changes in the second half by bringing on three attack minded players including their top marksman of the season, the result was that they upped their performance and their second half contribution could have earned them a share of the spoils, but in the end United deserved their win.

During the transfer window United’s manager Roddy Collins has made a number of new acquisitions in Jordan Keegan, David Byrne and Keith Quinn, each has featured in the last two outings for the side against Limerick and Athlone and they have appeared to have slotted in seamlessly to the side with Byrne getting on the score sheet in Jackman Park. Since then Collins has also signed Wilo Mc. Donagh from Glenavon.Indeed with the return to fitness of Ryan Brennan the manager is in the happy position of having selection problems- who to select and who to leave out, as Collins stated last week when he now looks at the bench during the game to make a change he feels that he will be strengthening the side on the pitch with the substitution rather than just making a switch for change sake.

This will be the third meeting between Monaghan United and Waterford United this season and the visitors wont need reminding that all the points in those two previous encounters were taken by Monaghan. Waterford by their standards has had a poor season. However they have made a number of changes and appear to be turning things around and have moved well up the table. Last week against Athlone Town they had five changes in personnel from the previous week which included the return from injury of Kenny Browne, Seamus Long and Paul Murphy, and what a return it was for Murphy who had netted the first of his night’s hat-trick as early as the second minute.  It ended in a rout as Waterford went on to win 5 -1 against an Athlone side who Monaghan could only manage to get one past in the previo! us week. Waterford is still there with an outside chance of promotion and to achieve this they will have to get a good return in their final nine games of the season.  This should ensure a well contested entertaining game with Monaghan.

Monaghan United will be hoping to replicate the form that they have shown throughout the season so far.  A win would put them into second place and leave them well positioned to claim one of the automatic promotion spots and possibly even rein in the leaders Shelbourne for the eventual title, there is still plenty of time to do so.  Encouragingly the home support are gradually starting to get behind the side, this is long overdue because in the last two seasons United has been one of the form teams of the league and they have had to do it all with little support. One of the positives of the recent break is it has allowed a number of players who were carrying knocks to run them off; only Conor Mc. Mahon is out, so Roddy Collins will have a stro! ng panel to select from.

Verdict: Home win.

Kick of at Gortakeegan tomorrow Friday is at 8.p.m.

FAI/Ford Cup Quarter Finals

Sligo Rovers v Monaghan United

Monaghan United’s supporter’s long awaited outing to Sligo Showgrounds is only a week away. Those United fans will be looking for revenge against Sligo who defeated them at the Quarter Final stage of this competition last season; indeed it was their second time in matter of weeks to be out done by Sligo who had defeated them in the Final of the EA Sports Cup.  Both were entertaining affairs and United more than held their own against the big guns from the Premier League.  Unfortunately like this year they were away to Sligo in both games and the United fans felt that if they had home advantage in one of those encounters at least one of the results might have been reversed.

Sligo Rovers and United have one thing in common both are doing well in their respective leagues and at least one of them should be title holders. Recently Sligo have suffered a reversal of fortunes, last week they were beaten 2-1 at home after having taken an 11 minute lead against Bohemians and the previous week they were held to a draw by Dundalk, and United fans wont need reminding that Monaghan have defeated Dundalk this season in a Cup game, so their side mightn’t be that far off the pace. They will be hoping that Sligo’s dip in performance might last another few weeks.

However, Roddy Collins would tell you that his main attention is on the Waterford United game as it is his side’s next outing and his main focus this season is on promotion to the premier.  Sligo will then have his full concentration.

Full match preview in next week’s edition of the Northern Standard.

Kick off at the Showgrounds on Saturday 27th August @ 7.45.p.m.

Supporters Bus to Sligo

Friends of Monaghan United Supporters Club are hoping to run a bus to Sligo for the FAI/Ford Cup Quarter Finals.  Any supporters wishing to travel contact Mickey Gallagher (0863774435) or Gerry Campbell (0872467180), both Mickey and Gerry will be available in the Clubhouse after the Waterford game to take deposits and bookings. Limited number of seats book in time and don’t be disappointed.

Airtricity 1st Division.

Monaghan United    v   Waterford United

This week sees Monaghan United commence the third and final Series of games in the 1st Division of 2011 Season, because of that leagues structure they do so a week behind the other 10 competing sides and it also means that United have a game in hands against these other clubs. This set up has its advantages and disadvantages but United’s management will look on the positives.  Going into this final series United were level in second place in the table with Cork City, however last week the Leesiders could only manage a draw in their own back yard - Turner’s Cross against second from bottom   side Wexford Youths.  Indeed it looked like Cork had secured a lucky win when they went 2-1 in ! the 88th  minute, but the Youths were not to be out done on the night and they scored an injury time equalise. It was a deflation in form for Cork as the previous week they defeated league leaders Shelbourne, undoubtedly there will be many more upsets before season ends, something that United will hope to avoid and take full advantage of such slip up by their rivals.  That result allowed Cork to get their heads in front of United by a point, at this stage it is very much a four horse race for the available promotion places. Shelbourne ensured their leaders status with a win over Longford Town and Limerick join United in third position with the win over Finn Harps, fortunately  Monaghan have that all important game in hand

It seems a long time now since United’s last game. Performance wise they have been on a role and will be hoping that it hasn’t been interrupted by the two recent lay offs. United’s last outing was against a resurgent Athlone Town.  Had United converted the many chances they had in the opening 45 minutes and thereby adding to Fabio O’ Brien goal they would have been well out of sight by the time the whistle sounded for the halftime interval. Athlone’s manager rung the changes in the second half by bringing on three attack minded players including their top marksman of the season, the result was that they upped their performance and their second half contribution could have earned them a share of the spoils, but in the end United deserved their win.

During the transfer window United’s manager Roddy Collins has made a number of new acquisitions in Jordan Keegan, David Byrne and Keith Quinn, each has featured in the last two outings for the side against Limerick and Athlone and they have appeared to have slotted in seamlessly to the side with Byrne getting on the score sheet in Jackman Park. Since then Collins has also signed Wilo Mc. Donagh from Glenavon.Indeed with the return to fitness of Ryan Brennan the manager is in the happy position of having selection problems- who to select and who to leave out, as Collins stated last week when he now looks at the bench during the game to make a change he feels that he will be strengthening the side on the pitch with the substitution rather than just making a switch for change sake.

This will be the third meeting between Monaghan United and Waterford United this season and the visitors wont need reminding that all the points in those two previous encounters were taken by Monaghan. Waterford by their standards has had a poor season. However they have made a number of changes and appear to be turning things around and have moved well up the table. Last week against Athlone Town they had five changes in personnel from the previous week which included the return from injury of Kenny Browne, Seamus Long and Paul Murphy, and what a return it was for Murphy who had netted the first of his night’s hat-trick as early as the second minute.  It ended in a rout as Waterford went on to win 5 -1 against an Athlone side who Monaghan could only manage to get one past in the previo! us week. Waterford is still there with an outside chance of promotion and to achieve this they will have to get a good return in their final nine games of the season.  This should ensure a well contested entertaining game with Monaghan.

Monaghan United will be hoping to replicate the form that they have shown throughout the season so far.  A win would put them into second place and leave them well positioned to claim one of the automatic promotion spots and possibly even rein in the leaders Shelbourne for the eventual title, there is still plenty of time to do so.  Encouragingly the home support are gradually starting to get behind the side, this is long overdue because in the last two seasons United has been one of the form teams of the league and they have had to do it all with little support. One of the positives of the recent break is it has allowed a number of players who were carrying knocks to run them off; only Conor Mc. Mahon is out, so Roddy Collins will have a stro! ng panel to select from.

Verdict: Home win.

Kick of at Gortakeegan tomorrow Friday is at 8.p.m.

FAI/Ford Cup Quarter Finals

Sligo Rovers v Monaghan United

Monaghan United’s supporter’s long awaited outing to Sligo Showgrounds is only a week away. Those United fans will be looking for revenge against Sligo who defeated them at the Quarter Final stage of this competition last season; indeed it was their second time in matter of weeks to be out done by Sligo who had defeated them in the Final of the EA Sports Cup.  Both were entertaining affairs and United more than held their own against the big guns from the Premier League.  Unfortunately like this year they were away to Sligo in both games and the United fans felt that if they had home advantage in one of those encounters at least one of the results might have been reversed.

Sligo Rovers and United have one thing in common both are doing well in their respective leagues and at least one of them should be title holders. Recently Sligo have suffered a reversal of fortunes, last week they were beaten 2-1 at home after having taken an 11 minute lead against Bohemians and the previous week they were held to a draw by Dundalk, and United fans wont need reminding that Monaghan have defeated Dundalk this season in a Cup game, so their side mightn’t be that far off the pace. They will be hoping that Sligo’s dip in performance might last another few weeks.

However, Roddy Collins would tell you that his main attention is on the Waterford United game as it is his side’s next outing and his main focus this season is on promotion to the premier.  Sligo will then have his full concentration.

Full match preview in next week’s edition of the Northern Standard.

Kick off at the Showgrounds on Saturday 27th August @ 7.45.p.m.

Supporters Bus to Sligo

Friends of Monaghan United Supporters Club are hoping to run a bus to Sligo for the FAI/Ford Cup Quarter Finals.  Any supporters wishing to travel contact Mickey Gallagher (0863774435) or Gerry Campbell (0872467180), both Mickey and Gerry will be available in the Clubhouse after the Waterford game to take deposits and bookings. Limited number of seats book in time and don’t be disappointed.