With so much at stake for both sides this was always going to be a tense encounter, Limerick was hoping to secure a play off spot and United hoping to win the league outright.  United had to start without the suspended Alan Byrne and Barry Clancy, Karl Bermingham had failed to run off his recent knock.  Although neither side created many chances in the first half it was still entertaining with some good end to end football.  The two best chances of the opening half fell to the visitors. On the half hour mark fullback Jeffrey Judge tore down the wing and then cut into the centre before striking low to test Sava who was equal to it and three minutes later Sava had to get down again to denying Stephen O’ Flynn.

Monaghan United looked much more invigorated on the resumption for the second half and Cathal O’ Conor had three excellent attempts.  Limerick didn’t have an attempt until John Tierney shot from distance on 64 minutes.  A minute later following a good run Sean Brennan dragged his shot past the foot of the upright.  However three minutes later it would turn out even worse for Brennan, Limerick made a mess of clearing their lines the ball was won by Cathal O’ Connor outside Limerick’s area he picked out Philly Hughes who put Brennan clean through and what looked like a simple tap in was sent the wrong side of the post.  The miss seemed to totally deflated United and for! the remainder of the game it was Limerick who were in the ascendancy, they drove the ball into the United area at every opportunity and spurned two goal winning opportunities, first Shane Clarke who was less than a minute on the field blazed over the bar and then Sean Kelly played Garbhan Coughlan through to shoot wide of an empty net. In between these attempts United’s keeper Sava had a rare lapse when he flapped at a cross.

This was the last chance saloon for Limerick and they threw everything at it in the final quarter.  United will feel unfortunate to have dropped two points in the race for the top but it could have been worse in the closing stages they could have surrendered all three.

The draw brings United level with Derry City in top position, Derry have a game in hand.

It’s still all to play for, next up on Saturday is Mervue United in Terryland Park.

Anyone wishing to travel on the supporters bus contact Mickey Gallagher or Gerry Campbell

Monaghan United: Sava; McMahon, Lynch, Gartland, Grimes; O’Connor, Tierney, McCrossan, Collins; Brennan, Hughes (Hanaphy 79).
Subs not used: Quirke, McNeill, Whelan, Costigan.

Limerick F.C: Ryan; Judge (Coughlan 67), Rogers, Purcell, Kelly (Clarke 75); Ryan, White, Lyons, Sullivan (O’Leary 57); O’Flynn, Tierney.
Subs not used: McGuinness, O’Callaghan.

Referee: Paul McLaughlin

Junior Mini Leagues:

Junior Mini Leagues commence this Sunday 24^th.October 2010 for both boys and girls between the ages of 7 -11 years of age

Training times

11.a.m. – 12 noon is for  7 – 9 years olds

12 noon -  1.a.m. is for 10 – 11 year olds

The benefits for children taking part in the Mini Leagues are :

1. Play in the Senior Mini Leagues for 2010-11 season
2. Receive football coaching each week.
3. Free entry to Monaghan United League of Ireland games when accompanied by adult.
4. 5% discount on Monaghan United Merchandise.

Applicant are required to take with them :

1. Complete Membership Application form.
2. Parent /Guardian to help sign you up
3. Membership fee and levy* of €30 (Total €60)

*levy supplements cost of insurance,training,equipment and some away trips to other.

    Clubs

See www.monaghanunited.ie and local press for further details