Monaghan United  v   Dundalk FC

Our much anticipated clash with Dundalk kicks off at Gortakeegan at 8.p.m. Without doubt this fixture will attract the biggest attendance of both home and away supporters. 

Dundalk who at the start of the season looked like they could be league leaders have slipped out of contention so they would view this game as a good opportunity of getting their hands on some silverware.  They come into this game after a 1 – 0 defeat away to Sporting Fingal on Friday. It was a game of few chances with neither keeper having to dirty his gloves in the opening half. Fingal got their goal following a set piece after 52 minutes and thereafter they closed down the game as a contest.  Dundalk’s brightest players on the night were Tom Miller and Matthew Tipton.

Monaghan United suffered their first defeat away from home in a year; their excellent run was ended by Shelbourne at Tolka Park. Their travelling support put the defeat down to three controversial decisions; first they were reduced to ten men after three minutes when the referee gave Sean Brennan a straight red when he caught Sean Byrne on the leg in a 50/50 ball, in the circumstances a yellow card should have sufficed. Before United could get there act together following the sending off they found themselves a goal down  three minutes later from what looked like a clear off side and just past the half hour they were two behind again following a move which looked suspiciously offside.  It wasn’t until the final ten minutes of the opening half that Uni! ted got into their stride.  As the second half progressed United commenced to dominate and it wasn’t surprising when they got a goal back and from they got that score in 78^th minute they laid siege on the Shels goal and such was their momentum that Shels only response was to seek the refuge of the touch line and belting the ball into the stands.  United in the end were unfortunate not to get at least a share of the spoils.

Hopefully United can demonstrate more of Fridays night’s performance, if so it would be a great team that would get past them. Apart from Aidan Lynch and Ian Maher the manager Mick Cooke has the rest of his panel to pick from. Lynch’s is a big loss as his absence means that Alan Byrne can’t get up enough to hurt the opposing defences. It is probable that Cooke will go with the same side as started against Shels. Cathal O’ Connor appeared to pick up a bit of a knock before he was substituted but he was moving OK afterwards and he should be fit to start.

The game has to be decided on the night.  Dundalk being the Premier League side should be favourites but not everyone sees United as the underdogs - a tag they wouldn’t mind wearing into the game, indeed they is nothing between them with most of the bookies.  I have every confidence that United will continue their good run of performances and that should be sufficient to see them through to Final. United’s away record might be ended but quietly they have commenced a home run of seven undefeated, they are well capable of extending that too.

Injuries :-  .Aidan Lynch, Ian Maher

Suspensions :  none.

Previous 5 results

Next 5 Games

Manager Quotes “Since this tie was announced, the supporters have been looking forward to the arrival of Dundalk. Our fine away record ended at Tolka Park on Friday, three very important decisions went against us and unfortunately that was what separated us in the end.  One would have been disappointed with the result but could only have been impressed with the overall excellent performance, it was a big ask to play with ten men for all but the game bar the opening three minutes but ho! w the said responded to the task. This is the type of performance that will be required against Dundalk and I believe the lads are more capable of doing so.

We will have to step up a Division when we take on the Lilywhites but we have achieved this requirement already this season against Bohemians.

Having made an excellent start to the season Dundalk then they let it slip somewhat but are beginning to get the points on the board again. They will fancy there chances against us of getting into the final.  In the past there has never been much between the sides at Gortakeegan and this encounter should be no different.

Fortunately we came away from the tough encounter with Shels with no further injuries. I will have a strong panel to pick for, so if we can repeat our recent performances we should advance to the final, I am expecting a good tough game.

I hope the expected large crowd will get behind us.