In the semi-final of the CMUL Cup, Monaghan United U-14s travelled away to Cavan Celtic on a miserable February afternoon. The weather was barely playable but Monaghan didn’t let it get to them as they started the game the stronger of the two sides. Their first effort on goal came when Cian Brennan broke forward from midfield and drove a long effort on goal which was narrowly saved by the Celtic goalkeeper. Cavan looked to find an opening goal as they struck from range but goalkeeper Ciaran Doyle had no problems cleaning up their effort. Midway through the first half the away side were now truely dominating the game as Cavan struggled to get in behind a defence of Blake Lees, Robin Pratt-Clarke, Fionan O’Gallachoir and Aodhan McQuaid. The next effort came when centre back Robin Pratt-Clarke sailed in a wide free kick, Tomas Galvin reversed the ball back to Cian Bradley-Gillespie who’s effort just went wide. Monaghan were dominating down the right flank as Blake Lees, Cian Brennan and Fionnan O’Braonian were linking up very well, which resulted in Fionnan getting fouled for another free kick. Robin Pratt-Clarke sailed in the following free kick which was headed down by Cian Brennan but there was no takers on the second ball as the Celtic keeper seen the ball wide. Monaghans persistence paid off when Tomas Galvin worked a short corner with Josh Kelly before his cross was met at the back post by Fionnan O’Braonian, who bravely headed Monaghan into the lead, just when the Cavan keeper was about to catch the ball. 1-0 to Monaghan at half time as United dominated.
The rain was now bucketing down but Monaghan started the second half on fire as they pushed to increase their lead. Monaghans midfield was surely dominating now as Patrick Treanor and Tomas Galvin worked the ball to forward Eoin O’Hanlon who seen his effort hit the side netting. Monaghan found their second when Blake Lees sent the ball down the right to Fionnan O’Braonian, Fionnan held up the ball before sending it back to Cian Brennan who launched a long through ball to Tomas Galvin, his first strike was saved but the ball fell back to Tomas who showed great composure and sent the ball into the back of the net. 2-0 to Monaghan and it now takes Tomas to 10 goals for the season. At this point it was all Monaghan as Tomas Galvin, and Patrick Treanor both went close with long range efforts. Monaghan were now looking to use the left hand side as their outlook to as Fionan O’Gallachoir, Josh Kelly and Eoin O’Hanlon, time and time again were linking up fantastically, causing Celtic all sorts of problems. Monaghan were now upping their tempo even more as they pressed forward looking for a greater advantage, as Monaghans midfield of Josh Kelly, Patrick Treanor and Cian Brennan were barely given Cavan Celtic breathing space, with Cian taking Monaghans next effort with a long strike which flew just narrowly past the top corner. United did however increase their lead when Patrick Treanor, who looked like an NFL quarter back the way he was spreading balls, sent the ball forward to Cian Bradley-Gillespie who unselfishly laid the ball off to Cian Brennan who smashed in his third goal of the season and Monaghans third, with a top corner finish. Monaghan Buzzing! But the away side where not done there as minutes before the final whistle Patrick Treanor won the ball in midfield and slipped it through to Eoin O’Hanlon who fired the ball into the back of the net. A deserving goal for Eoin who was a constant threat to the Celtic defence. Monaghan United ran out 4-0 winners in the end setting up a brilliant local derby CMUL Cup Final after Monaghan Town progressed into the final on penalties with a great display.
Our Man of The Match award goes to midfielder Tomas Galvin as he was able to pull the strings in the heart of the Monaghan midfield, rounding off a fine performance with a goal and an assist.
Next Saturday (17th February) Monaghan United U-14’s travel to John Sherlock Park to play Cootehill Harps in the CMUL League. The club & management would like to ask all the parents and family members to come out and support the team.
Man of The Match: Tomas Galvin
Goals: Fionnan O’Braonian, Tomas Galvin, Cian Brennan, Eoin O’Hanlon
Team: Ciaran Doyle, Blake Lees, Robin Pratt-Clarke, Aodhan McQuaid, Cian Brennan, Fionan O’Gallachoir, Patrick Treanor (C), Tomas Galvin, Josh Kelly, Eoin O’Hanlon, Fionnan O’Braonian, Cian Bradley-Gillespie
Managers: Conor Finnegan, Brian Finnegan
Monaghan United U-14's 