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Monaghan United   v   Waterford United

With all cup distractions out of the way Monaghan United can now fully concentrate on what was their main ambition starting out in March at the commencement of the season – promotion to the Premier Division.  We have now reached the last six games of the season with three home and three away encounters.  First up on Friday are visitors and fellow promotion contenders Waterford United.   A comprehensive 3-0 win at home against their Munster rivals and fellow promotion hopefuls – Limerick last weekend demonstrates Waterford’s intention.  By the 20^th minute of the game they had ended it as a contest with their second strike of the night. Waterford is only a point behind us although we have a game extra in hand.

Until this season Monaghan have always found it difficult against Waterford who have inflicted some of the heaviest defeats on us, however we have turned the tables winning the last three encounters.

United should have no problem bouncing back after the Sligo defeats, last Saturday was the better of the two encounters, despite conceding an early goal still Sligo couldn’t put them away and United were in it to the finish when they created some of their better chances.

Mick Cooke will be satisfied that his charges didn’t pick up any injuries or suspensions from either game so once again he was will have a strong panel to select from. Mick will know that promotion is now in his own hands but his side will have some tough encounters in the remaining games, he will have to travel to Turners Cross to meet Cork City Foras, Limerick who are by no means out of the race will the next visitors to Gortakeegan, he will be hoping for some respite against the bottom sides Mervue United and Salthill Devon but it could go down to the wire with the final game of the season at Gortakeegan against Derry City.  Mick reckons that he has six cup finals coming up but knowing him he will never look beyond the next game, he will be looking for another top rate performance as nothing less will suffice against Waterford United.

It was encouraging to see the largest away support for United for many seasons at the Showgrounds last week, Indeed at the post match reception after the game back at the clubhouse it was stressed by both management and players how important the 12^th. man was.  The Team believes that, if the atmosphere  created on Saturday evening can be replicated in remaining home games, it could be the to stimulus get them across the promotion line.  It’s paramount that the support will again turn out on Friday night and will stay with us for the remainder of the season and turn up the volume. For different reasons there were many people who were disappointed that they couldn’t get to Sligo so hopefully they can make it on Friday.

We would like to thank the Westenra Hotel for sponsoring the game.

Kick off is at 8.p.m.

Thank You.

The Management Committee. Manager and players wish to thank everyone who supported them in their recent endeavours in the FAI/Ford and EA Sport Cups. The preparations made by the Supporters Club in organising buses and fans is greatly appreciated.  Thanks to everyone who travelled to the games and we hoped you enjoyed the games.