Aviva Stadium
WIN 2 premier ticketS FOR A YEAR
Monaghan United Football Club offer our supporters and to the Supporters of Irish Soccer a unique opportunity to experience top class soccer at the new
Aviva Stadium Dublin
For just €50 per ticket, you could win 2 Vantage Club Tickets with exclusive Premium Level seating for a 12 month period from August 1st 2010 till 31st July 2011. There will be at least 9 International Games.
The Draw will take place in the Club House at Gortakeegan after the Mervue game on the 30th July 2010. The lucky winner will receive 2 Vantage Club Premium tickets offering, value €2,400:
· Access to stadium restaurants (subject to availability).
· Access to the stadium's only licensed bars and cafes.
· Private entrance with lifts and escalators to the premium concourse.
· Official match Programme.
· A wide padded seat.
· Access to merchandising outlets and betting facilities.
· The chance to purchase tickets for other event taking place at the Aviva Stadium (subject to
availability).
Winning 2 Vantage Club seats will ensure that you have one of the best seats in the house for a twelve month period. The Vantage Club Premium level will host the stadium's only licensed restaurants and bars and with its luxurious surroundings and spectacular views of the pitch, you can be guaranteed an unforgettable event-day experience.
The Draw also offers all subscribers a 2nd prize of a table for 10 at the Club's forthcoming Sports Dinner with legendary Liverpool goalkeeper guest Bruce Grobbelaar.
And a third prize - a team of 4 in the Club's Golf Classic.
Everyone is aware of the tremendous potential at the Club and this is borne out by the fact that while Mick Cooke' work has been centred around building a team good enough to compete on the pitch the Club has been looking at Stadium improvements and other facilities that are required at Gortakeegan so that we can provide our community with a sports stadium befitting of the town, "It's not far away and it will happen".
By supporting Monaghan United activities you will be helping to contribute to the further development of Monaghan United Football Club.
Tickets are available from any Committee Member of the Club or phone the Club Office at 047 84798
Airtricity League - 1st. Division.
Monaghan United 4 - 0 Mervue United
Whatever chance Mervue United had of taking away any points from this game evaporated after 34 minutes when they were dealt a double blow of conceding the opening goal and having their keeper Ger Hanley red carded. Monaghan United’s Philly Hughes beat the off-side trap and was bearing down on goals when the keeper advanced and unceremoniously took him down inside the area. Karl Bermingham converted the resultant penalty kick. Hanley was replaced in goal by corner-back Tommy Walsh who went on to have an impressive game between the post and bringing off a string of six excellent saves in the second half. After the opening quarter which was poor Monaghan commenced to apply the pressure and the opening goal had been coming. Stephen Mc. Crossan had a brace of goals in the second half, the first on 52 minutes which resulted from a corner kick was a scrappy one of which he didn’t know much about but the second one nine minutes later was a peach of a score. On one of his many assaults on goal Philly Hughes chased the ball to the end line and returned it to Mc. Crossan who belted on the volley to the back of the net. It took some excellent goalkeeping and the woodwork from denying Monaghan a landslide victory. Darragh Hanaphy came on for Hughes on after 65 minutes and in the space of three minutes he could have had a hat trick, twice he was denied by the keeper but on 72 minutes he had his reward when he converted having collected the ball about 30 yards out he side footed it past the keeper. The chances continued to come quick and fast for Monaghan but they had to settle for four in the finish.
The home side were unlucky to see recent signing Ian Mc. Neill stretchered off after 23 minutes with a leg injury, Mc. Neill was replaced by Paul Whelan who had resigned from Sligo Rovers this week and he was greeted onto the pitch with the familiar refrain of Whelo-Whelo, the home support were glad to see him back.
Again this was an all-round team performance from United with only keeper Gabriel sava having a quiet night of it. The result leaves Monaghan United on thir own in second place and sets them up nicely for next weeks fixture against Derry at the Brandywell.
An interesting spectator at the game was Dundalk’s manager it was hard to know what he could glean from the performance.
Monaghan United: Sava; McNeill (Whelan 23) McMahon, Byrne, Grimes; O’Connor, Tierney (77), McCrossan, Clancy; Bermingham, Hughes (Hanaphy 65).
Subs not used: Brennan, Donnelly.
Mervue United: Hanley; T Walsh, Casserley, Young, Ludden; Ryan (Varley 75), Crehan, S Walsh, Lee (Popescu 54); Goldbey, Connolly (Mannion 59).
Subs not used: McEntee, Conneely.
Referee: Conor Fitzgerald
Match Preview
Monaghan United v Mervue United
After preserving their impressive away record against Limerick last weekend in 1-1draw Monaghan United entertain Mervue United at Gortakeegan this Friday. On their recent form Monaghan should be confident of a home victory, this is despite the fact that there were held to 'one-all' draw by the same opposition earlier in the season at Terryland Park. Although in their last game against Shelbourne the Galway side put in a credible performance eventually going down to a 78 minute goal, they would have been disappointed having been beaten the previous week by near neighbours Salthill Devon giving them there only on field and first victory in the league. On the plus side Mervue defeated Finn Harps, Longford Town and Athlone Town.
Monaghan United are on a bit of a high at the moment putting together an excellent string of results despite the fact that they have picked up a number of injuries and having to start without the services of Brian Gartland and Aidan Lynch. Mick Cooke's side at the moment are serious promotion contenders and it would be a big surprise if Mervue United were to dent their pride.
Mick Cooke says"After last weeks fine display against Limerick we look forward to meeting Mervue United, don't be misled by their low position in the table, they have defeated Finn Harps, Longford Town and Athlone Town and they made life difficult for us in our last meeting at Terryland Park when we had to come from behind to get a share of the points. Don't forget it is only their second season in the league and they have to contend with two close neighbouring clubs. However on the recent form of both sides I would be disappointed if we don't get a home win. Such a result would nudge us ahead of our nearest rivals for second position in the table. We are after meeting some of the toughest sides in the Division and I believe we are well on course for promotion.
Going into this game we still have a few injuries but nonetheless I should be able to field a strong side as we have good strength in depth. I hope the bank Holiday weekend will help to swell the home support and that the team will give them another home win to enjoy".
Limerick FC 1 -1 Monaghan United
On Monaghan United's first half performance it looked like their impressive unbeaten away record was in trouble especially when the home side went in a goal up at the interval. United played some attractive football in the opening half and over that 45 minutes but unfortunately it was in their own half and they had only had three serious attempts at goal, the first of those came in 10th minute when Sean Brennan played Barry Clancy through and from the corner of the six yard box he dragged his attempt across goal and wide. Philly Hughes had the other two, the first from play and the second with an excellent free from 30 yards which the keeper did well to get a hand to.
In the 14th minute Sean Kelly was denied when his free kick was turned over by Monaghan Goalkeeper Gabriel Sava, however in 26th minute Kelly got on the score sheet when he got to Daryl Kavanagh's over the top pass and headed well wide of the keeper. Limerick then had two excellent attempts from Stephen O' Flynn, the second of which was a superb overhead kick which Sava did well to save. Despite all the home side's pressure they could not get through the ever reliant United rearguard to get the second. Limerick deserved their half time lead and it was obvious that Monaghan were playing well below their recent standard and we expected that they would up the ante in the second half and we wouldn't be disappointed.
On the resumption the respect that United had shown their rivals was gone and the half was only 2 minutes old when following an excellent move they had a goal ruled offside. United piled on the pressure but Limerick were dangerous on the counter fortunately they depended a lot on sending in long balls which United defence had no problem with.
Mick Cooke freshened up his attack when he replaced Sean Brennan with Karl Bermingham just past the hour mark. Cathal O'Connor had been causing Limerick problems up the wing throughout the game and it was through him that United got back on terms, a sliding tackle from Pat Purcell in the area took O'Connor down for a penalty, it was tough luck on Purcell because up to that moment it was he who was probably the main reason that United hadn't scored.
The ever reliable shot taker Philly Hughes stepped up to mark, however the keeper Dave Ryan got a hand to it and touched onto the crossbar and rebounded to Hughes and he was never going to miss. United dominated the final quarter of the game and in the final minutes were denied a clear penalty when Don Tierney was clearly tripped and taken down.
Limerick were awarded a series of free kicks in front of goal which with the exception of one, which clipped the crossbar, they totally wasted
However on the balance of play a draw was a fair result, each side when they had their dominant periods could have closed the game out.
Man of the Match Alan Byrne.
Limerick FC: D.Ryan, S.Kelly, P.Purcell, D.Rogers, M.Deady, T.Kiely, D.O'Leary, J.Sullivan (T.Lyons 72), D.Kavanagh (S.Clarke 87), S.Tracy, S.O'Flynn (J.Tierney 65).
Subs not Used: J.McGuinness, DCahill.
Booked: S.Kelly.
Monaghan United: G Sava, A Collins, S Grimes, A Byrne, C McMahon, D Tierney, C O'Connor, S McCrossan, S Brennan (K Bermingham 67), P Hughes, B Clancy.
Subs not Used: J Clarke, D Hannaphy, A Costigan, S McKevitt.
Booked: A Byrne, D Tierney.
Referee: Graham Kelly
Monaghan United 1 - 0 Cork City Foras
The game was only two minutes old when both sides had created a good chance each. Cork's keeper Mark Mc. Nulty got down well to deny Alan Byrne from close range and immediately at the other end Shane B arrett headed over. In the opening quarter the spoils were even.
United's Conor Mc. Mahon picked up a nose injury in the 8th minute and for the few minutes he was off the field the visitors tried to cash in on the extra man with a good spell of dominance however on 11 minutes the home side came close when a move started and finished by Philly Hughes almost gave United the opener. Cork was awarded a corner in the 19th minute which United made heavy work of clearing and Davin O' Neill came close when he headed over.
From mid point in the half United started to dominate matters, Anthony Costigan shot over from distance as did Hughes from the front of the area. Then a good United move down the right wing was swung across the area and Sean Brennan dragged his strike narrowly wide of the far post.
Philly Hughes was looking menacing up front and it was no surprise when he scored in the 31st minute with a cracker of a goal. Again it was a move down the right wing and when Sean Brennan crossed from near the end line he found the head of the in rushing Hughes who blasted it to the back of the net. Hughes has scored some fine goals this season but this must rank as the best.
Indeed Hughes for the second week in a row should have had a brace five minutes later after doing the hard work in turning and beating two defenders he shot over from 10 yards. Cork tried to get forward but were thwarted on each occasion by the tight home rearguard.
In 38th minute Sean Brennan struck over from the front of the area and at the end of normal time he was denied by an excellent save by the keeper who somehow managed to tip the ball over the crossbar, redeeming himself for a shaky performance in this opening half and the action for the first 45 minutes was ended with another good effort from Hughes.
Cork was much better in the second half and the possession was more even, the home supporters were regretting the chances missed in the first half to extend the lead. However it was United who created the first effort, Cathal O' Connor played Sean Brennan in and from a sharp angle he was again denied by a good save from the keeper, Brennan was given a second opportunity when the ball rebounded to him but his second effort clipped the far post.
Cork upped the ante and United were fortunate that Shane Barrett failed to connect to Bill Woods cross. Graham Cummins found the net in 69th minute but the official had the flag up for off side before he had received the ball. Both keepers then had a good save each first Sava saved from Cillian Lordan and Mc. Nulty had even a better one at the feet of Barry Clancy.
Karl Bermingham entered the fray for United to increase the pressure up front and when he was taken down in front of the area the home support expected the usual clinical finish from Hughes is such situations but this time he shot well wide. Then we had the unusual sight of Hughes running from halfway with the ball but he probably used up all his energy on the run and finished weakly. O' Neill played Clancy through but the final two efforts of the game fell to Cork first O' Neill and then Duggan.
Having confined Monaghan to one goal Cork would have been disappointed that their second half didn't get them back on terms, but the were playing against a defence that all sides have found difficult to break down this season.
It was an entertaining game and was in the balance up until the final whistle and with only two bookings for basic infringements it was played in the best sporting traditions , probably because there isn't much 'history' between the sides.
Some young fans show their support
Monaghan's recent good run continues and they are now in second place in the table.
Monaghan United: Sava; McMahon, McNeill, Byrne, Costigan; O'Connor (Bermingham 68), Tierney, McCrossan, Clancy; Hughes, Brennan (Grimes 84).
Subs not used: Donnelly, Hanaphy, McKevitt
Cork City Foras Co-op: McNulty; Lougheed (Morrissey 80), O'Halloran, Kavanagh, Horgan; Woods, Duggan, Lordan, O'Neill; Barrett, (Cambridge 70), Cummins.
Subs not used: Piechnik, Turner, Mulcahy.
Referee: Declan Hanney
UNDER 11'S EMERGING TALENT HEAD OFF TO FOYLE CUP
Monaghan United were delighted to wish the Monaghan and Cavan Under 11's Emerging Talent squad good luck as they head off to the Foyle Cup in Derry this week when the lads from the squad attended the Monaghan United v Cork City game on Friday last.
The Under 11's lead the teams onto the pitch
The future stars of football led the Monaghan United team out onto the pitch at the start of the game and then acted as ballboys for the duration of the game. They also took part in a fun penatly shootout at half time to keep the crowd entertained.
The emerging talent squad prepare for penatly shootout
Good luck to Oliver Martin, Kieran Donnelly and the team in Derry from all at Monaghan United.
Monaghan United v Cork City
Cork City is the visitors to Gortakeegan this weekend. After joining the 1st. Division following a events off the pitch last season the Cork side have settled well and hold a mid table position. Back in April Monaghan United had their first ever win at Turners Cross. It was nip and tuck between the sides throughout the game. Monaghan United snatched the winner in injury time, Cathal O' Connor took a corner kick and with Cork concentrating on containing the forwards central defender Brian Garland ghosted in with a powerful header and with only a minute left on the clock there was no time for a Cork response.
On Friday night Cork went down at home to Shelbourne, a Dave Mc. Gill goal three minutes into the second half was what separated the sides in the finish. With little to separate the sides on the night Cork apparently were unfortunate not to have at least got a share of the points. Cork were very disappointed to concede all three points to United at Turners Cross and no doubt will be hoping to avenge that result on this occasion.
Monaghan United are definitely on a roll and have accumulated some difficult points and there was none tougher than the most recent three they added to their tally in the RSC. They have been confident in soaking up some extreme pressure and converting the chances that came their way. Encouragingly there is a good spread on the goal scorers. On the flip side they have been picking up a lot of niggly injuries. On recent form it should be a home win but one cannot forget that were it not off field events Cork would be still playing in the Premier Division.
Manager Mick Cooke "After a very tough encounter at the RSC we extended our on the road record. Weather conditions which included a strong breeze and a steady drizzle made playing conditions difficult. After surviving the best that Waterford could throw at us in the first half we came out after the interval and played the type of football that I know we are capable of. The win, barring goal difference takes us into joint 2nd position with Waterford and Limerick so our
promotion ambitions are still well on course.
Making their first visit for a number of years is a Cork City side. When United collected all three points in April it was the Monaghan sides first ever victory at Turners Cross. Indeed there was nothing between the sides on the night with each having their own dominant periods through the game and it wasn't until injury time with seconds to go that Brian Garland headed home from a corner kick. No doubt such a late score left the Cork entourage feeling slightly robbed, having been in that position a few times I know how it feels, so we can take it as a given that the Leesiders will be arriving with revenge on their minds. After coming through a turbulent period off the field last season Cork have recovered well and they would be one of the better sides we encountered and that is not surprising considering that they were in the Premier Division until this season.
If we can start the game in the manner that we played against Waterford especially in the second half I would be confident of a home win but nothing less will suffice. Again we will be near full strength. We picked up a few knocks against Waterford but hopefully they won't be of concern.
I believe the recent formed supporters club is gathering in strength so I hope they turn out in numbers to 'welcome' Cork".
Waterford United 1 - 2 Monaghan United
This was definitely the proverbial game of two halves.
Although Monaghan United took the lead in the 14 minute the opening half was dominated by the home side. The goal came from the penalty spot and followed a period of Waterford pressure during which they had three good attempts including a goal that was ruled offside. Monaghan United broke quickly out of defence, Philly Hughes picked up the ball and advanced in to the 18 yard area he back heeled a pass to Sean Brennan who was tripped by John Kearney and Hughes dispatched the resulting spot kick.
Thereafter Waterford's pressure was relentless and they were playing with the aid of the strong breeze but as many teams have found out this season Monaghan's rearguard don't yield easily, around the half hour mark Monaghan had to defend five corners in a row. In 42nd minute Alan Byrne had a good headed attempt for the visitors and in injury time Vinney Sullivan hit the crossbar for Waterford. As the half time sounded it looked only a matter of time until the home side would be on the score sheet.
What a different story the second half turned out to be. When Willie John Kiley scored for Waterford it was with the final kick of the game and only their second real chance of the half. A minute earlier Philip Hughes completed his brace of the evening and indeed on the final second of normal time Darragh Hanaphy had been denied by a brilliant save from the keeper following an excellent move and pass by man of the match Philly Hughes. There were some excellent attempts during this half from Sean Brennan, Barry Clancy, Philip Hughes and Karl Bermingham. United defence were excellent particularly in the second half and they maintained the impressive away record in tact.
Monaghan United definitely found their real form in this game.
Waterford United :Kevin Burns, JohnHayes, Alan Carey, Michael Coady, John Kearney, Kevin Waters,Liam Kearney,P aul Mc. Carthy (James O' Sullivan90), Gary Keane (Willie John Kiely 62), Vinney Sullivan, Paul Murphy
Monaghan United Gabriel Sava, Conor Mc. Mahon, Anthony Costigan, Aidan Lynch, Brian Gartland, Don Tierney, Sean Brennan, Alan Byrne, Philip Hughes, Barry Clancy(Cathal O' Connor 84) Aidan Collins (15 Karl Bermingham) ( Darragh Hanaphy 88)
Subs not used Shane Grimes, Stefan McKevitt
Waterford United v Monaghan United
Monaghan United travel to the RSC Grounds to play Waterford in their next round game in the Airtricity League on Friday evening. Once again Monaghan will be putting their fine away record to the test, also at stake is 2nd spot in the table a position which Waterford hold a the moment but a victory for Mick Cooke's side would see them share that position on 33 and 7 points behind leaders Derry City.
On their previous visit to Waterford last season Monaghan had a rare but deserved win in the RSC, in the previous meeting between the sides this season at Gortakeegan the home side came out the correct side of 1-0 result, the goal came as early as the 7th minute when Barry Clancy picked out Cathal 'Connor. It was a very tight entertaining game and despite Waterford's best effort which included bringing on their recent big signing - George O'Callaghan they could not get back on par.
Like every season since they dropped down from the Premier Waterford are endeavoring again for promotion, they have recommenced the season after the summer break collecting four out of a possible six points from a comprehensive win over Mervue United and a hard fought nil all draw in Jackman Park against Limerick, so they definitely are on form.
Monaghan United's take of points since the resumption has been similar to Waterford's with the added victory in the FAI/Ford Cup against FC. Carlow. However they haven't they same sharpness that they were displaying early on in the season and their present form would not be sufficient to get a result in Waterford. Fortunately for Mick Cooke his panel is near full strength and the fact that they are playing Waterford they will probably up their game. It is definitely a fixture that will have goals scored in and Monaghan's best chance of a result is to get the early goal
Manager Mick Cooke says "We have a tough assignment ahead of us in the RSC. Our win against Salthill Devon saw us reclaim 3rd position and get us on course again as promotioncontenders. If we are to achieve advancement it is sides like Waterford United that we will have to get past and who themselves are within striking distance in second place. Waterford have always looked like a premier outfit and each season they have looked like the side that would get promoted only to let slip at the end, there is a more determined demeanor about them this time.
Since the summer recess we have been slowly getting back to our previous form and digging out the results. But we will require a much better performance if we are to get anything against an in form side like Waterford. Once again the squad is near full strength. An away point would be a good result for us."
Monaghan United 3 - 0 Salthill Devon
This was a game that Monaghan United never looked likely to lose, however, it wasn't until the 88th. minute that United made the game safe when Karl Bermingham slotted home from the spot after centre forward Philip Hughes, driving through the Salthill defence, was blatantly taken down in the box. Salthill Devon rarely posed any real threat during the game and Gabriel Sava in the United goal was rarely called into action.
United took the lead in 12 minutes when Sean Brennan sent in a deep cross from the left which was met full on by Alan Byrne whose header hit the back of the net with some power. The second came in 32 minutes when United were awarded a free kick about 25 yards from goal on the left following a hand ball by Salthill's No 7 Sean Boyle. It was in Sean Brennan territory. While there was considerable jostling for position in the box awaiting the delivery, Brennan saw the keeper off his line and blasted the ball to the top left hand corner of the net.
The games died somewhat for periods, though United did most of the pressing. Philip Hughes, Sean Brennan, Dom Tierney and Karl Bermingham all went close without bringing any real save from the Salthill keeper Ronan Forde. The fact that the visitors played with one man up front for 70 minutes impacted on their real threat potential, though the visitor's Mike Kennedy worked hard, he did not have enough support to create any real danger. The United defence were never in any trouble and Gabriel Sava in the United goal was only called into action once of twice in the whole game.
Worryingly for United, Aidan Collins came off injured after five minutes to be replaced by Barry Clancy. The young Smithboro teenager, Niall Flynn, was injured in the 32nd minute requiring extended on-field treatment to a leg injury. He was replaced by Stephen McCrossan. On the positive side, there was a great welcome on the pitch for Barry Clancy who is returning after a protracted absence following his serious injury at the start of the Season.
Monaghan United: Sava, McMahon, Costigan, Flynn (McCrossan 38), Gartland, Tierney, Collins (Clancy 5), Byrne, Bermingham, Hughes, Brennan (Hanaphy 80). Subs not used Clarke, Grimes.
Salthill Devon: Forde, Whelan, O'Leidhinn, Murphy, Geraghty, McConnell, Boyle (Marienek 63), Porter, Kennedy (C Horgan 72), Browne, Gaffney (D Horgan 47). Subs not used: Burke, Stenson.
Referee: P Caschera
Gold Star Supporters Draw
To continue securing the future of Monaghan United Club, the Management Committee has decided to continue their Gold Star Draw.
Total Prize Fund of €15,000
10 monthly draws of €500, - €250 -€250
December Draw €2,000, - €250, -€250
July Draw €3,000. -€250.-€250.
Once again the draw costs €20 per month.
FOR OLDER PREVIEW, REVIEWS AND NEWS SEE ARCHIVES HERE
