Airtricity League of Ireland  –  1st Division.

Monaghan United   v   Waterford United

Due to the complexities of the construction of the 1st Division Monaghan United were free last week and as with the two previous series they commence this third and final one a week behind all the other sides.  Waterford United are the visitors to Gortakeegan. At this stage Monaghan are one of the sides contesting what at the moment is a four horse race for promotion, Waterford on the other hand are still there with an outside chance, however any result other than a win would put paid to their ambitions.

Monaghan’s manager Roddy Collins has done well with a side that he inherited at the start of the season, however with the opportunity of the recent transfer window he has put somewhat of his own stamp on the side.  In the two most recent outings we have seen three of his new acquisitions-Jordan Keegan, Keith Quinn and David Byrne in action, all three have slotted well into the side. Since then he has added another two signings- Will Mc. Donagh comes south from Glenavon and switching codes from Gaelic is the surprising arrival of former Dubs star Paddy Andrews.

With only Conor Mc. Mahon still out injured, Collins has a strong panel to select from. Ryan Brennan makes a welcome return and should be back alongside his brother Sean in the starting eleven.

In the two previous encounters between the two sides Monaghan have collected all six points, Waterford would be out to reverse these results but will find it difficult against a home side who are playing with great flare.

Verdict: Home win.

Injuries:  Conor Mc. Mahon,

Suspensions :  None

Last Five Results

Monaghan United

1

0

Athlone Town

Limerick

0

2

Monaghan United

Monaghan United

1

2

Mervue United

Wexford Youths

1

2

Monaghan United

Monaghan United

0

1

Shelbourne

Next Five Games

Sat 27 Aug

Sligo Rovers

v

Monaghan United

7.45.p.m.

Sat 3 Sept

Finn Harps

v

Monaghan United

TBC

Fri 9 Sept

Monaghan United

v

Salthill Devon

8.p.m.

Fri 16 Sept

Cork City

v

Monaghan United

7.45.p.m.

Fri 23 Sept

Monaghan United

v

Longford Town

8.p.m.

Manager Quotes “It’s great to be back in action especially in Gortakeegan in front of the home fans, we could have done without the most recent lay off, however we were able to utilise the time well with some excellent training sessions.  With all our recent signings it was important to have these workouts to acclimatise the players to each other. Since our last game against Athlone Town I have signed Willo Mc Donagh from Glenavon and Paddy Andrews who would be better known for his exploits on the Gaelic fields with the Dubs, I believe that both players will be very influential for us during the remainder of the season.  Mentioning the Athlone game, again a very satisfying performance, the score line didn’t flatter us but we created so many chances, dealt very capably with anything they threw at us, and we had three players making home debuts so everything considered I was well satisfied.

This evening we commence the final Series in the league, I believe that we have built a good foundation.  We have accumulated enough points to make a serious assault on promotion. There is a great spirit and camaraderie in the dressing room, all of the recent signings have strengthened what was already a strong competent side, but you are always going to pick up injuries and the occasional suspension so it is important to have strength in depth. Speaking of injuries, unfortunately Conor Mc. Mahon is still out, but thankfully Ryan Brennan has recovered and he impressed in training.

Next week we play Sligo Rovers in the FAI/Ford Cup, I am taking this opportunity to encourage as many of our loyal supporters as possible to make it to the Showgrounds and get behind your team.  We have been generating a good support so I am looking forward to meeting many more new faces in Sligo. Bring a friend and enjoy what promises to be a great evening..

Yours in Football,

Roddy Collins.

Airtricity League of Ireland  –  1st Division.

Monaghan United   v   Waterford United

Due to the complexities of the construction of the 1st Division Monaghan United were free last week and as with the two previous series they commence this third and final one a week behind all the other sides.  Waterford United are the visitors to Gortakeegan. At this stage Monaghan are one of the sides contesting what at the moment is a four horse race for promotion, Waterford on the other hand are still there with an outside chance, however any result other than a win would put paid to their ambitions.

Monaghan’s manager Roddy Collins has done well with a side that he inherited at the start of the season, however with the opportunity of the recent transfer window he has put somewhat of his own stamp on the side.  In the two most recent outings we have seen three of his new acquisitions-Jordan Keegan, Keith Quinn and David Byrne in action, all three have slotted well into the side. Since then he has added another two signings- Will Mc. Donagh comes south from Glenavon and switching codes from Gaelic is the surprising arrival of former Dubs star Paddy Andrews.

With only Conor Mc. Mahon still out injured, Collins has a strong panel to select from. Ryan Brennan makes a welcome return and should be back alongside his brother Sean in the starting eleven.

In the two previous encounters between the two sides Monaghan have collected all six points, Waterford would be out to reverse these results but will find it difficult against a home side who are playing with great flare.

Verdict: Home win.

Injuries:  Conor Mc. Mahon,

Suspensions :  None

Last Five Results

Monaghan United

1

0

Athlone Town

Limerick

0

2

Monaghan United

Monaghan United

1

2

Mervue United

Wexford Youths

1

2

Monaghan United

Monaghan United

0

1

Shelbourne

Next Five Games

Sat 27 Aug

Sligo Rovers

v

Monaghan United

7.45.p.m.

Sat 3 Sept

Finn Harps

v

Monaghan United

TBC

Fri 9 Sept

Monaghan United

v

Salthill Devon

8.p.m.

Fri 16 Sept

Cork City

v

Monaghan United

7.45.p.m.

Fri 23 Sept

Monaghan United

v

Longford Town

8.p.m.

Manager Quotes “It’s great to be back in action especially in Gortakeegan in front of the home fans, we could have done without the most recent lay off, however we were able to utilise the time well with some excellent training sessions.  With all our recent signings it was important to have these workouts to acclimatise the players to each other. Since our last game against Athlone Town I have signed Willo Mc Donagh from Glenavon and Paddy Andrews who would be better known for his exploits on the Gaelic fields with the Dubs, I believe that both players will be very influential for us during the remainder of the season.  Mentioning the Athlone game, again a very satisfying performance, the score line didn’t flatter us but we created so many chances, dealt very capably with anything they threw at us, and we had three players making home debuts so everything considered I was well satisfied.

This evening we commence the final Series in the league, I believe that we have built a good foundation.  We have accumulated enough points to make a serious assault on promotion. There is a great spirit and camaraderie in the dressing room, all of the recent signings have strengthened what was already a strong competent side, but you are always going to pick up injuries and the occasional suspension so it is important to have strength in depth. Speaking of injuries, unfortunately Conor Mc. Mahon is still out, but thankfully Ryan Brennan has recovered and he impressed in training.

Next week we play Sligo Rovers in the FAI/Ford Cup, I am taking this opportunity to encourage as many of our loyal supporters as possible to make it to the Showgrounds and get behind your team.  We have been generating a good support so I am looking forward to meeting many more new faces in Sligo. Bring a friend and enjoy what promises to be a great evening..

Yours in Football,

Roddy Collins.