COUNTY DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE

UNDER 10’s SEASON STARTS

 

 

Congratulations to the Monaghan United Under 10’s who won their first two games in the new County Development Under 10’s league in Killylough last Saturday.

 

Any boys or girls wishing to play on the Under 10’s team should attend mini leagues on Sunday mornings at 12 noon. All welcome. 

 

 

UNDER 15'S KEEP CUP RUN GOING

 

MONAGHAN UNITED 4 - 3 SEATOWN (AET)

 

Monaghan United continued their fine run in the Dundalk Cup on Saturday last with a hard fought win over Seatown at Gortakeegan. Monaghan got the game under way and captain for the day Kevin Loughran won the toss and decided to play against the wind. Monaghan were lucky to find themselves in front when Fergal McMahon got on the end of a corner and slotted the ball in the net. United were then unfortunate to have a player sent off for a handball incident in the box with the resulting penalty leaving the scores level.

 

Monaghan United kept the pressure up with a great display from man of the match Conor Lavelle. Conor McCarthy then produced another great goal to give Monaghan the edge at half time. The second half resumed and Seatown drew level and they took the lead when United seemed to lose their way. With some encouragement from the side line, Monaghan found themselves level at 3 all with a fine strike from Kevin Loughran. United were dealt a blow when Conor Lavelle went off injured. 

 

The full time whistle went with the side's level at 3 all. United, with only 10 men, had to draw on all their experience to ensure they progressed in the cup. Good performances from Pauric Murphy and Kevin Murray ensured Monaghan were still in with a chance.   United were rewarded for their effort when Kevin Loughran sealed the game with a fine strike. 

 

This was a very tough game for Monaghan who played most of the game with ten men. We have to realize that when we are down to ten men we need to be extra careful with tackles and talking back to the referee.   We are now into the semi-finals against Slane on Saturday next.

 

We wish man of the match Conor Lavelle a speedy recovery from his injuries and also to our other players who are out injured. 

 

TEAM: Conor Forde, Fergal McMahon, Shane Owens, Shane Loughran, Conor Forde, Evan Doherty, Benin Devlin, Conor McCarthy, Shane Power, Kevin Loughran, Conor Lavelle, Paul Byrne, Pauric Murphy, David McBride, Ryan Shields, Kyle Byrne, Michael Galligan.

 

MANAGERS: Paddy Owens and James Forde   COACH: Brian Finnegan                                             

 

 

                                                McCARTHY HATTRICK HERO AS MONS ADVANCE

 

Monaghan United's Under 15's travelled to the far side of Drogheda on Wednesday last to take on Meath side Duleek in the Dundalk Cup.  Travelling with a limited number of players, we were hoping to continue our run in the Cup.  Captain for the day, Kevin Loughran, won the toss and he got the game under way. 

 

Monaghan were lucky to find themselves in front with a well taken goal from Conor McCarthy but Duleek were not to be denied their chance and with the help of some local support, they equalised after a mix up in the United defence left a clear shot on goal.  The sides remained level up to half time.

 

The management were somewhat dismayed at how unorganised the team were.  Monaghan took to the field in the second half with both sides determined to advance, with Duleek hitting the woodwork on 2 occasions.  With all tied when the final whistle went, both teams knew extra time was inevitable.  

 

With the start of extra time, a brilliant goal by Conor McCarthy settled United down and they were fortunate then when Duleek conceded an own goal.  Evan Doherty popped up to head home another goal for United moments later to bring the score to 4-1. 

 

Most of the United players played their hearts out in extra time and it paid off as Conor McCarthy rounded the game off and sealed his hattrick with a crisp volley.  Duleek put up a very good performance against a Monaghan United side that lack belief and respect.  This is our chance to get some silverware for our season and we really need every man to put his best effort in. 

 

Man of the Match:  Conor McCarthy

 

Team:  Ryan Sheilds, Conor Forde, Fergal McMahon, Shane Owens, Shane Loughran, Conor Forde, Evan Doherty, Benin Devlin, Conor McCarthy, Shane Power, Kevin Loughran, Conor Lavelle, Paul Byrne, Pauric Murphy, David McBride, Michael Galligan, Kevin Murray.

 

Managers:  Paddy Owens and James Forde  Coach: Brian Finnegan 

 

 

UNDER 15'S PROGRESS IN DUNDALK CUP

Monaghan United 6 -1 Walshestown

 

Monaghan United travelled to Walshestown on Saturday last for the first round of the Dundalk Cup. The team were hoping to put our recent result behind us which saw us finishing second in the league. 

 

With a slightly depleted side due to some injuries Monaghan got the game started when captain for the day Shane Owens won the toss. Monaghan settle in well and found themselves in front when striker Kevin Loughran lobed the keeper with a fine effort. This was closely followed by goals from Conor McCarthy and another one from Kevin Loughran. 

 

Monaghan went in at half time with a three nil score line. With the usual team talk by the coach at half time Monaghan took to the field hoping to clinch victory. Monaghan continued where they left off with a nice goal from Shane Power. 

 

However Monaghan did seem to relax a little and this allowed Walshestown nip in for a goal. There was very little that goalkeeper Ryan Shields could do with this shot. Monaghan pressed forward and were rewarded with a goal from Fergal McMahon. 

 

Kevin Loughran sealed his hattrick with a fine goal after he worked hard to retrieve the ball from the side line and with a fine shot left the 'keeper reeling. There were good performance from Kevin Murray and Conor Lavelle. This was a very spirited performance from Monaghan especially with some players unable to play due to some injuries. WE have another game this Wednesday against Duleek in Meath. Here's hoping for a good run in the cup to round off the season. Man of the match was hattrick hero Kevin Loughran. 

 

TEAM: Ryan Sheilds, Conor Forde, Fergal McMahon, Shane Owens, Shane Loughran, Conor Forde, Evan Doherty, Benin Devlin, Conor McCarthy, Shane Power, Kevin Loughran, Conor Lavell, Paul Byrne, Pauric Murphy, David McBride, Michael Galligan.

 

MANAGERS: Paddy Owens & James Forde   COACH:  Brian Finnegan

 

UNDER 15'S BOW OUT OF NATIONAL CUP ON PENALTIES

 

Arklow Town 2-2 Monaghan United (AET)

Arklow win 5-3 on penalties

 

Monaghan United under 15's travelled to sunny Arklow on Saturday last to try and advance to the last eight of the National Cup.. Selecting from a near full strength squad, Monaghan were hopeful of a good outcome to the game. Captain for the day Shane Loughran got the game under way when he won the toss and decided to play against a very strong sun. 

 

The game was played in a very sporting manner with both teams eager to advance. Arklow got the first goal of the game when the ball came off a forward's knee and into the net. 

 

Monaghan held their game together well and with good performances from Benin Devlin and Kevin Loughran up front they were always a threat. With United applying the most pressure, this was rewarded with a goal from Fergal McMahon near half time. This was just what Monaghan needed before the break.

 

Monaghan United resumed the second half with great belief and there were good performances from Conor McCarthy and Shane Power. Kevin Loughran was clear on goal on two occasions but play was called back by the referee instead of advantage being played. The sides were still level at full time with both teams feeling the heat of the day and the game!

 

In the first period of extra time Arklow were again in front after a shot to the right corner. In the second half of extra time with good pressure from Monaghan, a superb volley by Shane Power made sure that penalties were inevitable. Monaghan were unsuccessful in the penalty shoot out and thus ended a very credible run in the National Cup. 

 

This was a spirited performance against an Arklow team which have not conceded a goal in their own league this season. The team is a credit to themselves and the hard work they put in. The management and players wish to thank Monaghan United for the sponsorship of a nice team meal which was enjoyed on the way home. We were also glad of the support of some of the parents who travelled on the day. Thank you!

 

TEAM: Conor Forde, Fergal McMahon, Shane Owens, Conor Lavelle, Shane Power, Shane Loughran, Conor Forde, Conor McCarthy, Kevin Loughran, Benin Devlin, David McBride, Paul Byrne, Pauric Murphy, Evan Doherty, Shane Loughran, Kevin Murray.

 

MANAGERS: Paddy Owens and James Forde        COACH: Brian Finnegan

 

MONS GET 'MORE FROM THE CUP 

Monaghan United   5 - 0   Tullamore

Monaghan United continued their winning streak with a fine win in the Evans National Cup at Gortakeegan on Saturday last. Captain for the day Fergal Mc.Mahon got the game off to a good start by deciding to play with the swirling breeze when he won the toss.

Monaghan had most of the play in the first half and it wasn't surprising when the opened the scoring with a fine header from their captain Fergal Mc. Mahon. The score seemed to settle United and inspired some fine football. A great move on the right hand side of the field and a slick pass to Kevin Loughran ended with him striking a brilliant left footed strike to the net, this left the score 2-0 in Monaghan's favour at half time.

On the resumption of play for the second half United took up where they left off and this pressure sawsub David Mc. Bride going close. Paul Byrne another sub had a good game when he came on. Monaghan United extended their lead to three when Kevin Loughran scored his second. United continued to press and a nicely taken corner was met on the volley by Fergal Mc. Mahon and he to completed his brace. This score allowed Monagan to continue to ring the changes and give every player possible a chance. Monaghan rounded off the scoring when Shane Loughran made it six goals from his last six games with a brilliant strike.

This was another fine performance from Monaghan United.The game was well marshalled by referee Paul Mc Keown. Both sets of player enjoyed the refreshments afterwards in the club house courtesy of the parents of the home team.

If we keep up the good work on the training field we will get our just rewards

Team:  Conor Forde, Conor Lavelle, Fergal Mc. Mahon, Shane Owens, Shane Power, Evan Doherty, Shane Power, Shane Loughran, Conor Mc. Carthy, Benin Devlin, Kevin Loughran, Paul Byrne, Pauric Murphy, David Mc. Bride, Kevin Murray.

Managers: Paddy Owens and James Forde.

Coach: Brian Finnegan.

 

 

Under 15's

 

UNDER 15'S SEND ROVERS HOME REELING

 

Monaghan United's Under 15's played host to Albion Rovers on Saturday last in a top of the table clash at Gortakeegan. United had a full strength squad and they welcomed back Michael Galligan who had been out for some time. Monaghan took to the field and captain for the day was Fergal McMahon. 

 

The first half was very competitive with each side looking for an opening. Monaghan go the break through on the 29^th minute when Kevin Loughran got a great goal from a very tight angle on the left side. United went into the break a goal up but they knew that this would not be enough. 

 

A good team talk at half time and two changes which saw David McBride and Michael Galligan come on. There was some very good work by our midfield players but the game remained very tight. In form goalkeeper Conor Forde took off some very good saves which seemed to inspire the team. With a lot of pressure, Monaghan were rewarded with another goal which came from Shane Loughran making it four goals for him in the last four matches. This was a from him lying on the field!

 

Monaghan seemed to be in control and when Shane Power broke through the Albion defence with only the 'keeper to beat, he seemed to take pity on the opposing side and sent the ball wide. Specsavers have some good offers on at the moment Shane!

 

There were very good displays by Conor McCarthy and Kevin Loughran and Monaghan rounded the game off with a nice goal from Garbhan McKenna. This was a super performance by United and with only three games left, we have every chance to win the league. We must listen at training and work hard in the coming weeks if we are to reap our rewards. As befits a great team effort, there were many players who could be man of the match and the honour went to Conor Forde.

 

TEAM: Conor Forde, Fergal McMahon, Shane Owens, Shane Power, Conor McCarthy, Evan Doherty, Benin Devlin, Michael Galligan, Conor Forde, Kevin Murray, Paul Byrne, David McBride, Pauric Murphy, Ryan Shields, Shane Loughran, Kevin Loughran, Garbhan McKenna, Conor Lavelle.

 

MANAGERS: Paddy Owens and James Forde. COACH: Brian Finnegan

 

Monaghan United progress in National Cup

 

Monaghan United 2    - 0     St. Michaels (Tipperary)

 

Monaghan United were hosts to St. Michaels from South Tipperary in the National Cup at Gortakeegan on Sunday last. Captain for the day Kevin Loughran got the game under way after a good warm up in excellent conditions. Although Monaghan United were playing with a full strength squad they knew that they were up against a real challenge. 

 

Both sides created plenty of chances in the opening half, but despite their best efforts their it remained scoreless at the interval. Some fine football especially from Evan Doherty and Shane Loughran in midfield ensured that Monaghan were still in with a good chance. A good team talk from the managers and coach got United into apositive frame of mind for the second half and having returned to the field the ever reliable Fergal Mc. Mahon produced some fine defensive work to keep a clean score sheet. Like the first half it remained scoreless and extra time was required.

 

During the first period of the additional time Monaghan eventually got the required break through following good work from Shane Loughran, he sent Conor Mc. Carthy clear and his crisp left footed strike found the net. St Michaels applied a lot of pressure to get back on terms and bring the game to penalties and it took a super save from Conor Forde to prevent them from doing so. This proved to be the turning point of the game and United doubled their scoring in the second period of extra time with an excellent strike from Shane Loughran.

 

This was a very tough encounter for Monaghan United who had to raise the standard of their game to ensure that they would progress to the last 32 of the National Cup. Each player produced a person best performance to achieve this win and it would unfair to award the man of the match to any one of them as each would be entitled to that honour on the day.

After the game both teams and their mentors enjoyed some refreshments in the Clubhouse.

It was a fine achievement by United who now face Tullamore in the next round.

All players are encouraged to keep up the training in order to be able to reproduce it on match day. 

 

For older match reports and news go here