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.

Kick off is at 8.p.m.

Injuries :-  none,        

Suspensions :  none.

Previous 5 results

Remaining 5 Games for 2010 Season

Managers Quotes “Unfortunately our dreams of winning any silverware ended at the Showgrounds last weekend.  In the end all that separated the teams was the only goal of the game. A cup final appearance was newly chartered waters for Monaghan United and I believe that the team acquitted themselves well, they had to raise their performance to match that of the Premier Division side and anyone who was at the game or watched it on TV would have to agree that they achieved this and with some excellent late attempts they went close to taking the game to extra time. I have ! stated on numerous occasions that our main aim throughout this season is promotion; we gave both cup competitions our best lash and enjoyed the experience.

On Friday we have the first of what I regard as six cup finals, at only a point behind us Waterford United are breathing down our necks, a win would also rein in present leaders Derry City. With a very comprehensive win against Limerick last weekend Waterford United are definitely on form. The previous outings between the sides were close and we were fortunately to have the advantage of the winning goal each time. I would be glad to settle for the same result this time around, but to achieve a win we will have to give one of our best performances. Luckily we picked up no injuries or suspensions from the cup ties so I will have a strong panel to select from.

Hopefully the many fans that were in Sligo will support us for the remainder of the season especially in the three home games.