With all the games in the Airtricity kicking off at the same time on Friday night the fortunes and future of Monaghan United went to and fro as the night progressed, first it looked liked United would have home advantage in the play-offs,  then there was the  possibility that we would be knocked out, but in the end we had to settle for an away fixture at the RSC against Waterford United.

Monaghan should be in no fear travelling to the RSC, it will be the fourth meeting of the sides this season and they have defeated Waterford in all previous encounters, indeed in their last meeting at Gortakeegan it was an epic especially in the second half when Monaghan moved up a gear. After outclassing a lacklustre home side in the opening half Waterford went in at interval leading by 2-0, but what a turnaround on the resumption when Monaghan upped the gears and eventually winning 4-2.

Unfortunately since that game Monaghan has gone through a lean period only collecting four points from their final four games.  However in the final game of the season they put in an excellent display against league winners Derry City and were unfortunate to concede a goal in the final ten minutes.

Waterford United go into these play offs following an excellent win over Shelbourne at Tolka Park where they had to come from behind before taking the lead. No doubt this was a great boost to their confidence and should be looking forward to avenging their defeats this season to Monaghan.

Mick Cooke will welcome the return from suspension of Sean Brennan, his side have been picking some knock and injuries and Karl Bermingham remains a casualty.  

Previous 5 results

Manger Quotes “ After an excellent season all we could hope for from last weekend’s game against Derry City was to qualify for the ‘play-offs’ and this we achieved.  It would have been nice to have had home advantage but in the end we had to settle for a trip to the RSC against Waterford United.  Our main aim all season was qualification for the Premier Division and the dream is still alive! . Apart from the final result, I was satisfied with our overall performance against Derry.  I felt some of the sparkle seen earlier in the season from the side was rekindled in this game.  Unfortunately we were curtailed up front through injuries and suspensions.

It’s just a month ago since we last encountered Waterford United, as I stated afterwards I had seen the best and worst performance from us during the season in that game, fortunately the best came in the second half.  We certainly won’t want to concede to Waterford as we did in the opening half.

After an excellent winning display against Shelbourne at Tolka Park in which they did it the hard way in having to come from behind, Waterford United will be feeling confident.  They have home advantage and the RSC is always a tough ground to get a result in, however on our last two trips they we came away winners, but some of our heavy defeats over the seasons occurred there.  We will have to be at our best to get the required result.

Apart from Karl Bermingham who is still carrying an injury I should have a full panel to select from”.