Under 20's News & Results
MORRIS IS MAN OF THE MATCH
Man of the Match Kevin Morris receives his trophy from Fintan Gallagher of MonaghanLife.ie
In Monaghan United's Under 20's first game of the season, double goal scorer Kevin Morris was selected at the MonaghanLife.ie Man of the Match.
Kevin's clever positioning throughout the game allowed him to latch onto 2 Philly Donnelly passes and beat the Sligo 'keeper to score both of Monaghan's goals in a game which the Under 20's won 2-0.
Congratulations to Kevin and we hope he scores plenty more goals throughout the season.
UNDER 20’S HAVE THE LIFE OF IT
The newly formed Monaghan United Under 20’s team, made up of players from clubs all over counties Monaghan and Cavan, have landed a sponsorship deal with new free online newspaper for the county, MonaghanLife.ie.
MonaghanLife.ie is the brainchild of local man Fintan Gallagher and is a top class read on all things Monaghan. With up to the minute news, sports, entertainment and sections on farming, motoring beauty and fashion among other topics, it is your one stop website for all your Monaghan news and information.
MonaghanLife.ie have come on board to give the new look Monaghan United Under 20’s a much needed boost and the branded jersey and weekly man of the match award will help to raise both the club and website’s profiles in tandem. The Under 20’s season kicked off last Wednesday night with a home 2-0 win over Sligo Rovers.
Pictured Left to Right are Monaghan United U20's manager Oliver Martin, Managing Director of MonaghanLife.ie Fintan Gallagher and Monaghan United Development Officer Eamonn White.
Speaking at the launch of the new sponsor, Monaghan United Development Officer Eamonn White said “We are delighted to form a partnership with MonaghanLife.ie who are undertaking the task of promoting County Monaghan and we wish Fintan Gallagher and his staff well. The Monaghan United Under 20’s team are drawn from all parts of Monaghan as well as Cavan, and the concept of developing our Under 20’s dovetails with what MonaghanLife.ie are trying to develop.”
“Monaghan United FC are endeavouring to develop a successful working partnership with MonaghanLife.ie for the future as we see this website as a valuable tool for the whole of County Monaghan. Similarly we see the development of a successful working partnership with the Junior and Juvenile clubs in Monaghan and Cavan as highly beneficial for all concerned. The young players on the Under 20’s team will benefit hugely from the coaching and experience they will gain at this level thanks to their manager Oliver Martin and coaches Pat McGibbon, Aidan Lynch and Kieran Donnelly and will bring this back to their clubs at the end of the season.” Mr White continued.
To keep up to speed with all that is happening in your county, go to www.monaghanlife.ie , you won’t be disappointed!
Rovers edge past United with a late winner
Monaghan United Under 20 2 v 3 Carrick Rovers AFC
The Meath and District Premier League runners ups Carrick Rovers travelled to Gortakeegan last Thursday evening for a pulsating clash with a selection of players from the Monaghan United under 20 trialists.
Both teams started brightly with Cavan Town's Kevin Morris causing problems for the Carrick midfield with his mazy runs but the first chance of the game fell to United with Gary Martin arriving late at the back post to head the ball back across the goal and was only denied opening the scoring against his home town club by a full length save from rovers keeper Clint Marron.
Carrick reacted by launching a number of quick attacks down the flanks with Gerard McKeown and Barry Woods linking well to find Brendan Kerley who had two close range efforts. It was Kevin Morris again at the end of monaghan's best work, launching a blistering drive from 30 yards that crashed back off the crossbar.
Next Clones Town's David Masterson released United's Philip Donnelly who beat the offside trap and was only denied by a brave save at his feet by the Carrick 'keeper to keep the game scoreless at half time.
In the second half Carrick showed just why they finshed joint top in the MDL premier league by launching some fine attacking moves that saw Brendan Kerley get on the end of a magnificent cross to power a header against the crossbar.
Two minutes later Rovers opened the scoring, when a clearance from United was met with a magnificent left foot volley from over 25 yards out by Eamon Lynch that rocketed past Ballyjamesduff Celtic's Jamie Leahy into the top corner. The young trialists did not let their heads go down and were only behind for 5 minutes when Kingscourt Harps' Darren McCabe went on a great run beating Wayne Kerley at the centre of rovers defence before releasing the impressive Leigh Dunne. The young Ballyhaise player showed great calmness when he rounded the Carrick 'keeper before rolling the ball back into the opposite corner for the equaliser.
By now the game was end to end. With 20 minutes left on the clock a fine cross by Rover's Gavin McMahon to the back post was met by Gerard McKeown who ghosted in unnoticed to drive a shot low past the 'keeper to regain the lead for the men from Carrick.
Monaghan Town's Mark Mulhall was proving dangerous on the left and he linked up on the edge of the box with Ballyhaise midfielder Enda Hessin who capped a magnificent second half performance when he received the ball, beat two Rover's players before unleashing a brilliant shot from outside the box that rocketed into the top corner to restore parity for the under 20 trialists.
The game seemed destined for a draw when with just 5 minutes left on the clock Carrick Rovers were awarded a freekick some 25 yards out. With United organising the wall and awaiting the referees whistle, Rover's Warren Kerley reacted quickest to take the ball and quickly place a low driven shot into the bottom corner past a scrambling Jamie Leahy for the goal that would ultimately win this fantastic match.
It has been a tough few weeks for the young trialists with an average age of just under 17, facing the Republic of Ireland Deaf team, Challenge cup winners Clones Town and MDL Premier league runners up Carrick Rovers in a little over a fortnight but they have adapted well to the challenges they have faced and are playing some great football and each week their understanding of playing together improves. It is testament to the local clubs throughout the region the quality of the young players that they are developing and can only bode well for the future.
Next up for the trialists is a tough away trip to Ballyjamesduff Celtic where they will contest the inaugural Macari Cup on Sunday 13th June with a 2pm kick off. All support is welcomed.
Squad; Diarmuid Conaty, Leigh Dunne (Ballyhaise Celtic), Jamie Leahy, Raymond Briody (Ballyjamesduff Celtic), Lorcan Kwan, Gary Martin, Shane McDaniel, Jonathan Coleman (Carrick Rovers), Kevin Morris (Cavan Town), David Masterson, David Freeman (Clones Town), Warren Stewart, Enda Hessin (Cootehill Harps), Colm Flynn (Glaslough Villa), Darren McCabe (Kingscourt Harps), Mark Mulhall (Monaghan Town), Dean McMahon, James Clarke, Philip Donnelly (Monaghan United) Artur Romatowski, Ryan Johnston, Jimmy Fallon.
DAVID MASTERS HEAD WINNER AGAINST TOWN
MONAGHAN UNITED UNDER 20s 1 V 0 CLONES TOWN F.C
Last Friday night two teams produced a great advertisement for the quality of football and players this region has to offer as a selection of players from the Monaghan United under 20 squad played host to the Meath and District Challenge Cup champions Clones Town.
From the first whistle both teams played magnificent football at an unrelenting pace that would have anyone watching think this game was anything other than an end of season friendly. Monaghan settled the quickest early on, with midfield trio Jimmy Fallon, Kevin Morris (Cavan Town) and David Masterson (Clones Town) dictating the pace by playing some wonderful one touch football that saw Clones on the back foot. The first chance of note came on 20 minutes from a corner when Monaghan United captain James Clarke out jumped everyone to crash a header against the crossbar. This stung clones into action and shortly after Berraat Tucker had to save sharply down at the foot of his near post from a powerful shot.
As impressive as the Monaghan back four were in defence lead by the imposing Lorcan Kwan (Carrick Rovers) both full backs Dean McMahon and David Freeman (Clones Town) were always quick to get forward into the attacking third. One of the best moves of the match saw a period of Monaghan possession suddenly change into a blistering attack that saw Dean McMahon go on a run of some 60 yards linking up with the exciting Jonathan Coleman (Carrick Rovers) before sending a fantastic cross into the penalty area that Cootehill Harp starlet Stephen O'Connor headed at goal. O’Connor was denied only by a fine save from the Clones Town Keeper Damien Reavey. The game was such a pulsating clash it was almost a disappointment that the half time whistle had to come.
Clones Town started the better of the two teams in the second half with Shane Reavey using his vast passing range to launch attacks from central midfield but it was on the hour mark of the game that the only goal came. Jimmy Fallon played the ball out wide to Carrick’s Shane McDaniel who beat the full back before sending in a fine cross that was met by the head of David Masterson, who by now had made a run from his own half. Although David’s first header crashed back of the cross bar, he reacted quickest to head the rebound in. The young Clones Town midfielder won a lot of respect and admiration from both sides for the dignified manner in which he muted his celebration having just scored against his club.
Clones now launched into a series of attacks mainly down both flanks with Gary McKenna asking questions of the young Monaghan back line with his running on the ball and Clones had two great chances to equalize with the best falling to Simon Douglas whose downward header produced a fine one handed save from Artur Romatowki making his debut in goal. By now Monaghan were playing on the counter attack using the pace of Ballyhaise Celtic duo Leigh Dunne and Diarmuid Conaty against Sarto Quigley and Ronan McDonald at the centre of Clones defence, but it was Monaghan Town’s Mark Mulhall who went closest to extending United’s lead with a mazy run down the left wing that ended with him cutting inside and unleashing a powerful shot that needed a fine save from Damien Reavey in the Clones goal and as a result of the save he had to retire injured. With the ebb and flow of this pulsating match never letting up it was no surprise the result of the match was in the balance right up until the final whistle.
SQUAD: Leigh Dunne, Diarmuid Conaty (Ballyhaise Celtic) Raymond Briody (Ballyjamesduff Celtic) David Masterson, David Freeman (Clones Town) Jonathan Coleman, Shane McDaniel, Lorcan Kwan (Carrick Rovers) Kevin Morris(Cavan Town) Stephen O'Connor, Enda Hessin, Warren Stewart (Cootehill Harps) Colm Flynn (Glaslough Villa) Mark Mulhall (Monaghan Town) James Clarke, Dean McMahon, Berraat Tucker, Conor Campbell (Monaghan United) Gerard O'Sullivan (Kingscourt Harps) Artur Romatowski, Jimmy Fallon.
TRIALS CONTINUE SATURDAY (15th MAY 2010)
The new Monaghan United Under 20's management team are continuing their search for the best footballers in the area to play on the Monaghan United Under 20's Airticity League team.
Trials will take place again this Saturday morning with any players interested in playing asked to arrive at Gortakeegan at 10.30 am to ensure they are registered for the trials.
Any club manager who wishes to send some more footballers to trials or know that some of their players will not be able to attend on Saturday, are requested to contact Oliver Martin on 086 8125490.
All players are reminded that only football boots suitable for the Astro will be permitted.
TRIALS FOR MONAGHAN UNITED UNDER 20’S
For the 2010 season, Monaghan United are proposing to approach the Under 20 Airtricity League in a whole new direction, engaging with all clubs in the Region.
FAI Coach of the Year 2009, Oliver Martin, has been appointed as Team Manager with squad coaching to be undertaken by Monaghan United Senior Team’s Assistant Manager and former Manchester United, Wigan & Northern Ireland Player, Pat McGibbon, UEFA A Licence holder and Oliver Martin and Senior Team Player Aidan Lynch, both are UEFA B Licence Coaches.
It is hoped to assemble a squad of elite players from this Region through trials and then provide high quality professional level training and development for the Squad and also hopefully a number of younger “elite” players, who, while too young to play at Under 20 level, have great football possibilities for the future.
The Under 20 League will commence in July and should be completed before the end of September.
Monaghan United invited all clubs to send their best players for trials which commenced on Wednesday 5th May between 7pm-9pm and over 40 young men from Counties Monaghan and Cavan attended the first trial with others being arranged for a later date.
Monaghan United undertakes that at the end of the League, all players will be released back to their Clubs. Monaghan United will not otherwise have structured football for teams above Under 16 level.
The thinking behind this initiative by the Club is to provide the opportunity for the best players in all the clubs in the Region to play football at a higher level, to receive top class coaching and to help all Clubs to improve the level of the game in the Region. In progressing this policy, Monaghan United invites coaches at participating Clubs to attend selected training sessions to experience the level of coaching and interact with the Monaghan United Coaches. The Club will be open to any suggestions on further initiatives from participating Clubs.
Clubs wishing to send players forward for trials should contact Oliver Martin on 086 8125490.
FAI Under 20 League
Sporting Fingal 5 – 1 Monaghan United
A young Monaghan United side were no match for the experienced Fingal side which contained a number of 1st. team players at Alssa on Saturday.
Monaghan side were largely made up of the under 17 squad. Having conceded a lot of pressure they came much more into it in the second half and were rewarded when Shane Reavey got a goal to bring them back to 3-, but to late goals for the home side in the end gave them a flattering result.
Most of the squad are competing in the Foyle Cup (u-18) so the next outing for the under 20’s will be at home to Drogheda on Tuesday 28th. July, kick off 8.p.m.
MONAGHAN UNITED U-20S 4 - 1 IRELAND INTERNATIONAL DEAF
As part of the celebrations for the FAI Annual Conference Week in County Monaghan, Monaghan United’s Under 20 side played their first pre-season friendly when they took on the Irish International Deaf side in what was a very entertaining game at Kingspan Century Park. By no means was the game as one sided as the final score line might suggest and the international side were unlucky not to have scored some more goals from the many good chances they created.
Monaghan broke the deadlock on the quarter hour mark, a ball played forward to Martin Hanley and from alongside the ‘D’ he struck a ground shot, it didn’t appear to have a lot of power, but he placed it well in the corner of the net and the keeper Ciaran Maloney would have been disappointed not to have got a hand to it.
United were lucky that their lead was not short lived as a minute later a break down in communications between their keeper Aaron Mc. Carey and a number of his defenders almost allowed the visitors through, indeed a couple more uncharacteristic lapses by Aaron could have seen them punished. Although we had some good attempts from both sides in the first half there was no increase in the score line.
The second half was only 2 minutes old when Monaghan doubled their take, Conor Callan took a free from the right from 40 yards out his strike was pushed out to Ronan O’ Hara and from 20 yard he volleyed to the net. Two minutes later a fine strike from Mark Sinclair almost got one back for Ireland but substitute keeper Darren Mc. Quaid, who had come on at half time got a hand to it to turn it over the bar.
A few minutes later they deservedly got back in the game when Sinclair was taken down for a penalty and he took the spot kick giving the keeper no chance. There then followed a missed chance at either end, first from Sinclair when he pulled his attempt just wide of the post when it appeared easier to score and Darren Freeman for Monaghan scooped this strike from 5 yards over the bar.
The good sized crowd was seeing some very entertaining football from both sides and in the last quarter it was a game that could have gone either way, however two strikes from substitute Shane Reavy settled it in favour of United, his first goal came when he picked the ball up on the edge of the area ,he took a few short steps forward before picking his spot and his second goal came right on the stroke of full time, it resulted from a very good move out of defence and when the ball was struck forward Shane was in the right place and with his poacher like instincts he wasn’t going to miss.
This was a very good work out for this under-20 side and the manager Pat Mc. Gibbon would have been very pleased with the overall performance.
The Teams:-
Monaghan United: Aaron Mc. Carey, Conor Callan, Darren Coleman, Mark Connolly, Niall Flynn, Martin Hanley, Ronan O’ Hara, Darren Freeman, Philip Donnelly, Daniel Ryan, Aaron Haire. Subs used: Cian Byrne, Dean Mc. Mahon, Shane Reavy, Jimmy Fallon, Darren Mc. Quaid, Charlie Mc. Donald.
Republic of Ireland: Ciaran Maloney, Damien Mc. Mahon, Brian Daly, Stuart Foy, Noel O’ Donnell, Eoin Burns, Andrew Wynne, Eamonn Byrne, Brian Babb, Jason Maguire, Mark Sinclair. Subs used: Kevin Dudley, Chris Corcoran, Finbarr Ryan, Subs not used: Eoghan Fee, Rino Gigalone, Jamie Wilson.
UNDER 20'S TRAINING COMMENCING
Monaghan United's Under 20's start their pre-season training at 7pm on Thursday night under the new management team of Senior Assistant Manager Pat McGibbon and Women's Manager Seamus Finnegan.
Any new players wishing to try out for the team should come along to the training session on Thursday night at Kingspan Century Park
Man of the Match Kevin Morris receives his trophy from Fintan Gallagher of MonaghanLife.ie
In Monaghan United's Under 20's first game of the season, double goal scorer Kevin Morris was selected at the MonaghanLife.ie Man of the Match.
Kevin's clever positioning throughout the game allowed him to latch onto 2 Philly Donnelly passes and beat the Sligo 'keeper to score both of Monaghan's goals in a game which the Under 20's won 2-0.
Congratulations to Kevin and we hope he scores plenty more goals throughout the season.
UNDER 20’S HAVE THE LIFE OF IT
The newly formed Monaghan United Under 20’s team, made up of players from clubs all over counties Monaghan and Cavan, have landed a sponsorship deal with new free online newspaper for the county, MonaghanLife.ie.
MonaghanLife.ie is the brainchild of local man Fintan Gallagher and is a top class read on all things Monaghan. With up to the minute news, sports, entertainment and sections on farming, motoring beauty and fashion among other topics, it is your one stop website for all your Monaghan news and information.
MonaghanLife.ie have come on board to give the new look Monaghan United Under 20’s a much needed boost and the branded jersey and weekly man of the match award will help to raise both the club and website’s profiles in tandem. The Under 20’s season kicked off last Wednesday night with a home 2-0 win over Sligo Rovers.
Pictured Left to Right are Monaghan United U20's manager Oliver Martin, Managing Director of MonaghanLife.ie Fintan Gallagher and Monaghan United Development Officer Eamonn White.
Speaking at the launch of the new sponsor, Monaghan United Development Officer Eamonn White said “We are delighted to form a partnership with MonaghanLife.ie who are undertaking the task of promoting County Monaghan and we wish Fintan Gallagher and his staff well. The Monaghan United Under 20’s team are drawn from all parts of Monaghan as well as Cavan, and the concept of developing our Under 20’s dovetails with what MonaghanLife.ie are trying to develop.”
“Monaghan United FC are endeavouring to develop a successful working partnership with MonaghanLife.ie for the future as we see this website as a valuable tool for the whole of County Monaghan. Similarly we see the development of a successful working partnership with the Junior and Juvenile clubs in Monaghan and Cavan as highly beneficial for all concerned. The young players on the Under 20’s team will benefit hugely from the coaching and experience they will gain at this level thanks to their manager Oliver Martin and coaches Pat McGibbon, Aidan Lynch and Kieran Donnelly and will bring this back to their clubs at the end of the season.” Mr White continued.
To keep up to speed with all that is happening in your county, go to www.monaghanlife.ie , you won’t be disappointed!
Rovers edge past United with a late winner
Monaghan United Under 20 2 v 3 Carrick Rovers AFC
The Meath and District Premier League runners ups Carrick Rovers travelled to Gortakeegan last Thursday evening for a pulsating clash with a selection of players from the Monaghan United under 20 trialists.
Both teams started brightly with Cavan Town's Kevin Morris causing problems for the Carrick midfield with his mazy runs but the first chance of the game fell to United with Gary Martin arriving late at the back post to head the ball back across the goal and was only denied opening the scoring against his home town club by a full length save from rovers keeper Clint Marron.
Carrick reacted by launching a number of quick attacks down the flanks with Gerard McKeown and Barry Woods linking well to find Brendan Kerley who had two close range efforts. It was Kevin Morris again at the end of monaghan's best work, launching a blistering drive from 30 yards that crashed back off the crossbar.
Next Clones Town's David Masterson released United's Philip Donnelly who beat the offside trap and was only denied by a brave save at his feet by the Carrick 'keeper to keep the game scoreless at half time.
In the second half Carrick showed just why they finshed joint top in the MDL premier league by launching some fine attacking moves that saw Brendan Kerley get on the end of a magnificent cross to power a header against the crossbar.
Two minutes later Rovers opened the scoring, when a clearance from United was met with a magnificent left foot volley from over 25 yards out by Eamon Lynch that rocketed past Ballyjamesduff Celtic's Jamie Leahy into the top corner. The young trialists did not let their heads go down and were only behind for 5 minutes when Kingscourt Harps' Darren McCabe went on a great run beating Wayne Kerley at the centre of rovers defence before releasing the impressive Leigh Dunne. The young Ballyhaise player showed great calmness when he rounded the Carrick 'keeper before rolling the ball back into the opposite corner for the equaliser.
By now the game was end to end. With 20 minutes left on the clock a fine cross by Rover's Gavin McMahon to the back post was met by Gerard McKeown who ghosted in unnoticed to drive a shot low past the 'keeper to regain the lead for the men from Carrick.
Monaghan Town's Mark Mulhall was proving dangerous on the left and he linked up on the edge of the box with Ballyhaise midfielder Enda Hessin who capped a magnificent second half performance when he received the ball, beat two Rover's players before unleashing a brilliant shot from outside the box that rocketed into the top corner to restore parity for the under 20 trialists.
The game seemed destined for a draw when with just 5 minutes left on the clock Carrick Rovers were awarded a freekick some 25 yards out. With United organising the wall and awaiting the referees whistle, Rover's Warren Kerley reacted quickest to take the ball and quickly place a low driven shot into the bottom corner past a scrambling Jamie Leahy for the goal that would ultimately win this fantastic match.
It has been a tough few weeks for the young trialists with an average age of just under 17, facing the Republic of Ireland Deaf team, Challenge cup winners Clones Town and MDL Premier league runners up Carrick Rovers in a little over a fortnight but they have adapted well to the challenges they have faced and are playing some great football and each week their understanding of playing together improves. It is testament to the local clubs throughout the region the quality of the young players that they are developing and can only bode well for the future.
Next up for the trialists is a tough away trip to Ballyjamesduff Celtic where they will contest the inaugural Macari Cup on Sunday 13th June with a 2pm kick off. All support is welcomed.
Squad; Diarmuid Conaty, Leigh Dunne (Ballyhaise Celtic), Jamie Leahy, Raymond Briody (Ballyjamesduff Celtic), Lorcan Kwan, Gary Martin, Shane McDaniel, Jonathan Coleman (Carrick Rovers), Kevin Morris (Cavan Town), David Masterson, David Freeman (Clones Town), Warren Stewart, Enda Hessin (Cootehill Harps), Colm Flynn (Glaslough Villa), Darren McCabe (Kingscourt Harps), Mark Mulhall (Monaghan Town), Dean McMahon, James Clarke, Philip Donnelly (Monaghan United) Artur Romatowski, Ryan Johnston, Jimmy Fallon.
DAVID MASTERS HEAD WINNER AGAINST TOWN
MONAGHAN UNITED UNDER 20s 1 V 0 CLONES TOWN F.C
Last Friday night two teams produced a great advertisement for the quality of football and players this region has to offer as a selection of players from the Monaghan United under 20 squad played host to the Meath and District Challenge Cup champions Clones Town.
From the first whistle both teams played magnificent football at an unrelenting pace that would have anyone watching think this game was anything other than an end of season friendly. Monaghan settled the quickest early on, with midfield trio Jimmy Fallon, Kevin Morris (Cavan Town) and David Masterson (Clones Town) dictating the pace by playing some wonderful one touch football that saw Clones on the back foot. The first chance of note came on 20 minutes from a corner when Monaghan United captain James Clarke out jumped everyone to crash a header against the crossbar. This stung clones into action and shortly after Berraat Tucker had to save sharply down at the foot of his near post from a powerful shot.
As impressive as the Monaghan back four were in defence lead by the imposing Lorcan Kwan (Carrick Rovers) both full backs Dean McMahon and David Freeman (Clones Town) were always quick to get forward into the attacking third. One of the best moves of the match saw a period of Monaghan possession suddenly change into a blistering attack that saw Dean McMahon go on a run of some 60 yards linking up with the exciting Jonathan Coleman (Carrick Rovers) before sending a fantastic cross into the penalty area that Cootehill Harp starlet Stephen O'Connor headed at goal. O’Connor was denied only by a fine save from the Clones Town Keeper Damien Reavey. The game was such a pulsating clash it was almost a disappointment that the half time whistle had to come.
Clones Town started the better of the two teams in the second half with Shane Reavey using his vast passing range to launch attacks from central midfield but it was on the hour mark of the game that the only goal came. Jimmy Fallon played the ball out wide to Carrick’s Shane McDaniel who beat the full back before sending in a fine cross that was met by the head of David Masterson, who by now had made a run from his own half. Although David’s first header crashed back of the cross bar, he reacted quickest to head the rebound in. The young Clones Town midfielder won a lot of respect and admiration from both sides for the dignified manner in which he muted his celebration having just scored against his club.
Clones now launched into a series of attacks mainly down both flanks with Gary McKenna asking questions of the young Monaghan back line with his running on the ball and Clones had two great chances to equalize with the best falling to Simon Douglas whose downward header produced a fine one handed save from Artur Romatowki making his debut in goal. By now Monaghan were playing on the counter attack using the pace of Ballyhaise Celtic duo Leigh Dunne and Diarmuid Conaty against Sarto Quigley and Ronan McDonald at the centre of Clones defence, but it was Monaghan Town’s Mark Mulhall who went closest to extending United’s lead with a mazy run down the left wing that ended with him cutting inside and unleashing a powerful shot that needed a fine save from Damien Reavey in the Clones goal and as a result of the save he had to retire injured. With the ebb and flow of this pulsating match never letting up it was no surprise the result of the match was in the balance right up until the final whistle.
SQUAD: Leigh Dunne, Diarmuid Conaty (Ballyhaise Celtic) Raymond Briody (Ballyjamesduff Celtic) David Masterson, David Freeman (Clones Town) Jonathan Coleman, Shane McDaniel, Lorcan Kwan (Carrick Rovers) Kevin Morris(Cavan Town) Stephen O'Connor, Enda Hessin, Warren Stewart (Cootehill Harps) Colm Flynn (Glaslough Villa) Mark Mulhall (Monaghan Town) James Clarke, Dean McMahon, Berraat Tucker, Conor Campbell (Monaghan United) Gerard O'Sullivan (Kingscourt Harps) Artur Romatowski, Jimmy Fallon.
TRIALS CONTINUE SATURDAY (15th MAY 2010)
The new Monaghan United Under 20's management team are continuing their search for the best footballers in the area to play on the Monaghan United Under 20's Airticity League team.
Trials will take place again this Saturday morning with any players interested in playing asked to arrive at Gortakeegan at 10.30 am to ensure they are registered for the trials.
Any club manager who wishes to send some more footballers to trials or know that some of their players will not be able to attend on Saturday, are requested to contact Oliver Martin on 086 8125490.
All players are reminded that only football boots suitable for the Astro will be permitted.
TRIALS FOR MONAGHAN UNITED UNDER 20’S
For the 2010 season, Monaghan United are proposing to approach the Under 20 Airtricity League in a whole new direction, engaging with all clubs in the Region.
FAI Coach of the Year 2009, Oliver Martin, has been appointed as Team Manager with squad coaching to be undertaken by Monaghan United Senior Team’s Assistant Manager and former Manchester United, Wigan & Northern Ireland Player, Pat McGibbon, UEFA A Licence holder and Oliver Martin and Senior Team Player Aidan Lynch, both are UEFA B Licence Coaches.
It is hoped to assemble a squad of elite players from this Region through trials and then provide high quality professional level training and development for the Squad and also hopefully a number of younger “elite” players, who, while too young to play at Under 20 level, have great football possibilities for the future.
The Under 20 League will commence in July and should be completed before the end of September.
Monaghan United invited all clubs to send their best players for trials which commenced on Wednesday 5th May between 7pm-9pm and over 40 young men from Counties Monaghan and Cavan attended the first trial with others being arranged for a later date.
Monaghan United undertakes that at the end of the League, all players will be released back to their Clubs. Monaghan United will not otherwise have structured football for teams above Under 16 level.
The thinking behind this initiative by the Club is to provide the opportunity for the best players in all the clubs in the Region to play football at a higher level, to receive top class coaching and to help all Clubs to improve the level of the game in the Region. In progressing this policy, Monaghan United invites coaches at participating Clubs to attend selected training sessions to experience the level of coaching and interact with the Monaghan United Coaches. The Club will be open to any suggestions on further initiatives from participating Clubs.
Clubs wishing to send players forward for trials should contact Oliver Martin on 086 8125490.
FAI Under 20 League
Sporting Fingal 5 – 1 Monaghan United
A young Monaghan United side were no match for the experienced Fingal side which contained a number of 1st. team players at Alssa on Saturday.
Monaghan side were largely made up of the under 17 squad. Having conceded a lot of pressure they came much more into it in the second half and were rewarded when Shane Reavey got a goal to bring them back to 3-, but to late goals for the home side in the end gave them a flattering result.
Most of the squad are competing in the Foyle Cup (u-18) so the next outing for the under 20’s will be at home to Drogheda on Tuesday 28th. July, kick off 8.p.m.
MONAGHAN UNITED U-20S 4 - 1 IRELAND INTERNATIONAL DEAF
As part of the celebrations for the FAI Annual Conference Week in County Monaghan, Monaghan United’s Under 20 side played their first pre-season friendly when they took on the Irish International Deaf side in what was a very entertaining game at Kingspan Century Park. By no means was the game as one sided as the final score line might suggest and the international side were unlucky not to have scored some more goals from the many good chances they created.
Monaghan broke the deadlock on the quarter hour mark, a ball played forward to Martin Hanley and from alongside the ‘D’ he struck a ground shot, it didn’t appear to have a lot of power, but he placed it well in the corner of the net and the keeper Ciaran Maloney would have been disappointed not to have got a hand to it.
United were lucky that their lead was not short lived as a minute later a break down in communications between their keeper Aaron Mc. Carey and a number of his defenders almost allowed the visitors through, indeed a couple more uncharacteristic lapses by Aaron could have seen them punished. Although we had some good attempts from both sides in the first half there was no increase in the score line.
The second half was only 2 minutes old when Monaghan doubled their take, Conor Callan took a free from the right from 40 yards out his strike was pushed out to Ronan O’ Hara and from 20 yard he volleyed to the net. Two minutes later a fine strike from Mark Sinclair almost got one back for Ireland but substitute keeper Darren Mc. Quaid, who had come on at half time got a hand to it to turn it over the bar.
A few minutes later they deservedly got back in the game when Sinclair was taken down for a penalty and he took the spot kick giving the keeper no chance. There then followed a missed chance at either end, first from Sinclair when he pulled his attempt just wide of the post when it appeared easier to score and Darren Freeman for Monaghan scooped this strike from 5 yards over the bar.
The good sized crowd was seeing some very entertaining football from both sides and in the last quarter it was a game that could have gone either way, however two strikes from substitute Shane Reavy settled it in favour of United, his first goal came when he picked the ball up on the edge of the area ,he took a few short steps forward before picking his spot and his second goal came right on the stroke of full time, it resulted from a very good move out of defence and when the ball was struck forward Shane was in the right place and with his poacher like instincts he wasn’t going to miss.
This was a very good work out for this under-20 side and the manager Pat Mc. Gibbon would have been very pleased with the overall performance.
The Teams:-
Monaghan United: Aaron Mc. Carey, Conor Callan, Darren Coleman, Mark Connolly, Niall Flynn, Martin Hanley, Ronan O’ Hara, Darren Freeman, Philip Donnelly, Daniel Ryan, Aaron Haire. Subs used: Cian Byrne, Dean Mc. Mahon, Shane Reavy, Jimmy Fallon, Darren Mc. Quaid, Charlie Mc. Donald.
Republic of Ireland: Ciaran Maloney, Damien Mc. Mahon, Brian Daly, Stuart Foy, Noel O’ Donnell, Eoin Burns, Andrew Wynne, Eamonn Byrne, Brian Babb, Jason Maguire, Mark Sinclair. Subs used: Kevin Dudley, Chris Corcoran, Finbarr Ryan, Subs not used: Eoghan Fee, Rino Gigalone, Jamie Wilson.
UNDER 20'S TRAINING COMMENCING
Monaghan United's Under 20's start their pre-season training at 7pm on Thursday night under the new management team of Senior Assistant Manager Pat McGibbon and Women's Manager Seamus Finnegan.
Any new players wishing to try out for the team should come along to the training session on Thursday night at Kingspan Century Park
