Ballygawley   0  -  5  Monaghan United.

Monaghan United Under 13’s got their National Cup Campaign off to a winning start when the defeated Ballygawley of the Sligo/Leitrim League in the 1^st round.

Playing against a very strong wind Monaghan took the game to their opponents and with only 10 minutes gone United got the opening goal, Conor Leonard rounded the keeper and put United 1 up after great football from Stephen Finnegan to pick Leonard with a sweeping pass.  It was Finnegan again who supplied a great ball into the box for United’s new player Dylan Kelly for him to slot home the 2^nd. goal.  At this stage it was the Monaghan lads who were in full control and dictating the game and it was no surprise when their skipper Michael Bannigan made it 3-0 just before half time.

Commencing the second half the Monaghan boys pressed for the 4^th goal and when Ballygawley’s defense came under pressure United took full advantage when Shane Mc. Mahon put a great pass in front of Bannigan to hit the net for his second and United got their 5^th of the game when Conor Leonard beat the keeper to get United’s final score.

It was a very good performance from goal-keeper Hannon to Ryan Drayne, Stephen Kelly, Paul Hickey, Jamie Mc. Carey in defense, the middle of the park players- Stephen Finnegan, Shane Mc. Mahon, Kevin Sheridan and Dylan Kelly to the striking partnership of Michael Bannigan and Conor Leonard

Subs used : Conrad Camill, Dylan Mc. Nally, Stephen Geighan,

Man of the Match ; Kevin Sheridan.

The previous week Monaghan United defeated Cavan Celtic in their 1^st league match in the Cavan/Monaghan League.This is Monaghan United 1^st year in this league.

On this occasion man of the match goes to Jamie Mc. Carey.

The team wishes Aaron Mc. Nally a speedy recovery, Aaron is out at the moment with a hand injury.

Managers : Packie Cooney and John Mc. Nally.