Match Preview

Mervue United  v  Monaghan United

This is Monaghan United penultimate game of the 2010 league and what a pressure game it is. Going into the fixture United are three points behind Derry City who are at home to Finn Harps. Monaghan will be depending on the Donegal side to do them a big favour by getting at least a point at the Brandywell, such a result and a win for United against Mervue United would see it come down to the wire the following week between Monaghan United and Derry City at Gortakeegan.

Mervue United have been anchored in second bottom position throughout the season, one mustn’t forget that it is only their second season in the league, it’s a big step up and they are entitled to be given the time to build.  It is Monaghan’s second visit to Terryland Park.  That previous trip was probably one of the most frustrating encounters of Monaghan’s season. After 3 minutes Mervue capitalised on a mix up between Monaghan’s defenders and keeper and scored a most fortuitous goal, the Galway side immediately brought down the shutters and Monaghan were facing a blanket defence for the rest of the game, United did well to get back on terms but despite continuous pummelling in the Mervue’s area they couldn’t get the winner. Monaghan would prefer to repl! icate their performance in their last meeting at Gortakeegan when they had a more comfortable 4-0 win. Apart from pride there is little other incentive for Mervue in this game; their last outing was against Shelbourne who defeated them 3-0 at Tolka Park.  Again Mervue’s intention on the night would appear to be to keep the final score line respectable, they doggedly defended and frustrated Shels from adding to their tally while at the same creating little themselves. Monaghan can expect more of the same this Saturday; Mick Cooke doesn’t need reminding that Mervue took points off his side both last year and this year so he will not underestimate the task in hand.

United would be disappointed in only getting a share of the points against Limerick, for three quarters of that game United were well in control but in the final quarter Limerick upped the ante and could have stole all three points in the end. Apart from Karl Bermingham who is still on the injured list Monaghan will have a full strength squad to select from.  The travelling supporters will be hoping for an early goal to settle the matter early.