Monaghan United  v  Finn Harps

On Friday night Monaghan United entertain Finn Harps at Gortakeegan a side that they have one of their poorest records against this season.  In the two previous encounters United had their first of only a few home defeats and then in the away game they shared the points in an unmemorable nil all draw.  Since that first defeat the trajectory of the two sides have taken different courses, whereas Harps are struggling in the wrong end of the Table, United are pushing for the top with also a big say in the destinations of the League and Fai/Ford Cups.

Last weekend Sligo Rovers put an end to Harps further interest in FAI/Ford Cup, in the end it was an eleventh minute finish from the penalty spot that separated the sides, ironically that result would see Sligo advance to encounter Monaghan United in the next round which is the Quarter Final. The previous week the Donegal side had a 3-2 home win against table propping Salthill Devons. It was uncomfortable enough encounter as the Galway side were first to score and should have doubled the lead shortly afterwards, however by the time the whistle was blown for the interval the home side was a goal up. However the second half was only five minutes old when Salthill were back on level terms and Harps had to wait until 15 minutes from the end before they retained the lead.

With all the expected excitement from the two cup competitions it would be a problem for most managers to keep their squads focused but Mick Cooke has a very mature group of lads about him.  Mick has a policy of never looking beyond the most important match which in his book is always the next game and that attitude has filtered through the whole panel. Having felt that they squandered five out of a possible six points in the two previous outings against Finn Harps this in itself should be enough of a spur for Monaghan to go for a win on this occasion. This Ulster derby should be similar should be similar to previous ones which have always been entertaining and usually attracting a good following from both sides.

From their recent performances Monaghan must go into this game as favourites.

Injuries :-  none,        

Suspensions :  none.

Previous 5 results

Next 5 Games

Manager Quotes “ Last weeks contest at Turners Cross turned out much as I expected, there was little between the sides and overall I felt that we shaded it, I believed going into the game that a goal would be sufficient to settle the matter and fortunately we got that vital score. Although Cork had their chances I believe that we had more attempts on goal and in the end a two goal winning margin wouldn’t have flattered us. The quarter final draw brings us up against Sligo Rovers which will mean that we will encounter them twice over the period of a week in the two cup competitions, but more about that anon, we now must give our full concentration to the most important game which is tonight’s encounter w! ith Finn Harps.

When Harps defeated us in our first encounter of the season they looked then like a team that would be in contention come the end of the season, unfortunately for them they have got some poor results in the meantime.  However they have proved to be one of the tougher oppositions that we have encountered and in our last meeting at Finn Park we had to settle for a share of the points in a scoreless draw, so I believe that they will not be intimidated by our exploits elsewhere.

On present form I believe that on this occasion we should be capable of collecting all three points, but we must perform to our best to do so, Harps have taken points off all of the top sides so it would be foolish to underestimate them. Again I will have a near full strength squad to select from.

It is good to see the support strengthening from game to game and I complement everyone who made the long trip south to Cork City last week end and yes you were our 12^th man”.