Monaghan United  v  Limerick City

Monaghan United are down to the last three games of their season, two of their three remaining opponents are still like Monaghan in contention for promotion and in Derry and Monaghan’s case winning the 1^st Division. Limerick are realistic to know that promotion at this stage is probably beyond them and would settle for the play off place.  The present points take for the sides are Derry City-59, Monaghan United – 58 and Limerick -50.To state that this is a crunch game would be an understatement.  With six games left Mick Cooke stated that he regarded each remaining game as a cup final, at this point Mick has probably upgraded these last three games to Word Cup Final status.United will have to go for the jugular and win the next two games with Limerick and Mervue United.  No doubt the Limerick game will be the toughest.

This will be the sides fourth meeting of the season, the first of these was at Gortakeegan, Monaghan got things underway with an early Philly Hughes goal and after some good efforts they got their second on 69 minutes from Cathal O’ Connor.  It was a game in which both keepers made some excellent saves. Late in the game Stephen Hickey got a goal back for Limerick. Although Limerick finished strongly it took a brilliant save to deny Karl Bermingham from making it  3 -1.  The next encounter was in Jackman Park in the cup and United had a comprehensive 3-0 win.  The last game was an epic 1-1 draw, it was the proverbial game of two halves. Limerick dominated th! e opening 45 minutes and half way through got the opening goal, United couldn’t get into the game until the final minutes.  Second half was a complete turn around and now it was the Siege of Limerick Part 11, but despite all of United’s pressure they couldn’t get back on par until Philly Hughes struck the rebound of his penalty strike.  United felt they had a good call for a second penalty, but in the end a draw was a fair result, had Limerick won that game they would have gone into 2^nd place in the league.  Expect more of the same on this occasion.

United are after coming out of a tough week end their displays against Cork City and Salthill Devons shows that they have lost none of their sparkle.  Their promotion plan is still very much on course.  However they will have to be at their best if they are to account for Limerick.

Mick Cooke should have a full panel to select from.

It is imperative that we have a big support out.

Kick off as usual is at 8.p.m.

Injuries :-  none,        

Suspensions :  Alan Byrne, Barry Clancy

Previous 5 results

Remaining 2 Games for 2010 Season

Manager Quotes “ We are down to the last three games of the league and our aspiration at the start of the season to gain promotion is still on course, but things couldn’t be tighter with no room for error. Our opponents tonight are as much in the frame as we are with at least a play off position and an outside chance of winning the league still on their radar. For that reason I am expecting a tough challenge from them tonight.

 In the past weekend we got the required result at Salthill Devon and we were unfortunate not to have got at least a share of the points against Cork City, nonetheless I was satisfied with our performances in both games and if we can maintain our focus I believe can still win the league outright..

As I have stated Limerick have the initiative for upsetting our plans. Limerick had a somewhat indifferent season but they are finishing it in good form and their most recent impressive win was a 4-0 hammering of less a side than Shelbourne at Tolka Park and they have won their two most recent games. Ironically ther next game is against Shels and their final match is away to Athlone.

Unfortunately Alan Byrne and Barry Clancy will be absent through injury. Both I and the team are hoping for the recent good home support for these final two home games and perhaps with little counter distractions we might hope for a travelling support next Saturday against Mervue United”.