Match Report v Carrick Rovers (N) 27th March ’17

In the Final game of the season, two of the strongest teams in the CMUL lined up against each other as Monaghan United and Carrick Rovers played each other in the CMUL Shield Final in Cootehill.  Monaghan were missing some key figures from their team through injury and this proved unfortunate as Carrick Rovers started the game at a high tempo, causing Monaghan problems early on. Monaghans defence of Blake Lees, Robin Pratt-Clarke, Cian Brennan & Fionan O’Gallchoir were defending well, but Carrick kept pressing and pressing at a high tempo. Carricks start to the game was well justified as the went 1-0 up in the first few minutes as they took full advantage of a dangerous corner kick.  Monaghan were rattled and soon belief was shattered as Carrick fired in a second from long range within the first 10 minutes of the game.  But all hopes were not lost as Captain Patrick Treanor encouragement lifted Monaghan.  A change in formation, proved out to be a great move as midfielder Darragh McKenna was pushed upfront. His first moment as a striker changed the tempo of the game as he beat three players inside the box before smashing his shot narrowly against the woodwork.  No goal but Monaghan were buzzing as their injured players Dylan O’Reilly, Cian Bradley-Gillespie & Ciaran Doyle roared encouragement from the sidelines. Monaghans midfield where starting to take full control with Fabian Kaminsky, Patrick Treanor and Josh Kelly beginning to dominate, using forwards Lewis Brady, Darragh McKenna and Eoin O’Hanlon as attacking wide outlets. Monaghan soon found a way back into the game as forward Eoin O’Hanlon fired in a deep cross which was met by the head of Lewis Brady who fired home.  2-1 the scoreline at half time, game on!

Monaghan kicked off the second half on the front foot as forwards Lewis Brady, Darragh McKenna and Eoin O’Hanlon drove at the heart of the Carrick defence. Eoin O’Hanlon came closest to finding an equaliser as he fired in three quick shots from long range, only to be denied by the Carrick goalkeeper.  They did however find an equalising goal when Conal Harpin won the ball in midfield, he found forward Lewis Brady whos cross was met by Eoin O’Hanlon who rocketed the effort into the back of the net.  2-2 after an amazing comeback. Midway through the first half Carrick were pressing hard but with Robin Pratt-Clarke and Cian Brennan in centre back, Blake Lees and Fionan O’Gallchoir in fullback, being protected by Patrick Treanor and Conal Harpin, Monaghan were proving to be a defensive force as time and time again they set up a defensive wall which Carrick were struggling to break through.  Monaghan were beginning to dominate as midfielders Josh Kelly, Patrick Treanor and Conal Harpin took control of possession in the game. But minutes later Carrick did however managed to slip through the Monaghan defence in search of a winning goal, but stand in goalkeeper Donal Moynagh was on hand to pull off a fingertip save and keep Monaghan in the game.  The next effort of the game came from Monaghans captain as he struck a powerful effort from outside the box, but again was denied by the inform Carrick goalkeeper.   Carrick looked to respond and tried to find a winning goal late on but Monaghans defensive unit of Robin Pratt-Clarke and Cian Brennan were putting in an expedition of defending as they made sure no shots where fired at Monaghans young goalkeeper. 2-2 the final normal time score as the game couldn’t be settled and progressed into extra time.

Extra time kicked off as the second half finished with Monaghan once again starting off at a high tempo as Darragh McKenna broke through time and time again and was firing shots at goal as Carricks defence couldn’t handle his pace. As Monaghans legs started to tire, Monaghan introduced a new young player in Daithi Brennan who provided extra pace into the frontline as Monaghan pressed for a winning goal. As the game looked all set to go to penalties, the Monaghan players believed their was still enough time left in the match.  Defender Fionan O’Gallchoir won the ball in midfield, he found forward Eoin O’Hanlon the centre of the field, his disguised pass fell to midfielder Josh Kelly on the right hand side of the pitch.  As everyone expected a cross into the box, Josh had other ideas as he struck the ball from distance.  Time felt like it was standing still, everyone held their breath, as the ball flew into the top left corner of the net.  3-2 to Monaghan!!!! as the players roared in celebration after an inspiring hard fought comeback. 3-2 the game finished, as Monaghan progressed as victors in one of the most entertaining CMUL Shield finals there ever has been, ensuring Monaghan won an impressive double for two years running.

Monaghans Man of the Match award goes to midfielder Darragh McKenna, who playing out of position, ran the opposition defence ragged with his pace and determination, proving an important vocal point in Monaghans forward line, and playing a vital role in Monaghan’s comeback victory.

The Managers would like to thank all the parents of the team for their continued support and efforts all season, the club for all their important work throughout the year, especially Ronan Callan and Pauric Cassidy who went out if their way to help the team, but most of all the players who time and time again put in fantastic performances in each and every game, ending the year with another impressive double.

Man of The Match:  Darragh McKenna

Goals: Lewis Brady, Eoin O’Hanlon, Josh Kelly

Team: Ciaran Doyle, Donal Moynagh, Blake Lees, Robin Pratt-Clarke, Cian Brennan, Conal Harpin, Fionan O’Gallchoir, Patrick Treanor (C), Josh Kelly, Darragh McKenna, Michael McMorrow, Fabian Kaminksy, Lewis Brady, Dylan O’Reilly, Daithi Brennan, Cian Bradley-Gillespie, Eoin O’Hanlon

Managers: Conor Finnegan, Brian Finnegan

Match Report v Cavan Celtic (Home) 12th March ’17

In their final league match of the year, Monaghan United U-13’s hosted a strong Cavan Celtic side at home in Gortekeegan.  After forward Eoin O’Hanlon opened the scoring for the home side, Monaghan unfortunately fell to their first league defeat of the season as the lost 2-1 to Cavan late on.

Monaghans Man of the Match award goes to Josh Kelly who put in fantastic shift in midfield, dictating the tempo of the game from the first whistle, showing both great attacking and defensive qualities.

Next Sunday (19th March) Monaghan United U-13’s play Carrickmacross in the Final of the CMUL Shield in Cootehill. The club & management would like to ask all the parents and family members to come out and support the team.

Man of The Match: Josh Kelly

Goals: Eoin O’Hanlon

Team: Ciaran Doyle, Blake Lees, Robin Pratt-Clarke, Cian Brennan, Conal Harpin, Fionan O’Gallchoir, Patrick Treanor (C), Josh Kelly, Darragh McKenna, Michael McMorrow, Fabian Kaminksy, Lewis Brady, Dylan O’Reilly, Cian Bradley-Gillespie, Eoin O’Hanlon

Managers: Conor Finnegan, Brian Finnegan

Match Report v Cavan Celtic (Away) 5th March ’17

In the semi-final of the CMUL Shield, Monaghan United U-13’s travelled away to a strong Cavan Celtic side.  The match had barely kicked off when the ball fell to forward Cian Bradley-Gillespie, his cross found forward Eoin O’Hanlon who fired home the opening goal in the first few minutes.  Advantage Monaghan. Monaghans midfield where starting to take full control with Josh Kelly, Patrick Treanor and Michael McMorrow beginning to dominate, using wingers Cian Bradley-Gillepsie and Lewis Brady as attacking wide outlets. Monaghan nearly found their second when forward Lewis Brady broke down the wing and cross for Eoin O’Hanlon, whose header sailed narrowly wide.  Monaghan did however find their second goal when Cian Bradley-Gillespie whipped in a dangerous corner, after Cavan failed to clear the ball fell to the feet of Lewis Brady, who fired home Monaghans second.  Cavan looked to respond to going behind but Monaghans defensive unit containing Blake Lees, Robin Pratt-Clarke, Cian Brennan, and Fionan O’Gallchoir, were in no mood to concede as they were equalling anything fired their way as chances came few and far between for the home side as Monaghan defended well. As Monaghan dominated in possession, minutes before half time Cavan Celtic broke on the counter attack and found a lifeline into the game as they fired past Monaghans goalkeeper.  2-1 the scoreline at half time.

The second half kicked off with Monaghan dominating from the word go.  Captain Patrick Treanor was putting in an vital performance in midfield as he broke down Cavan attacks time and time again, and anything that managed to bypass him, centre backs Robin Pratt-Clarke and Cian Brennan where on call to sweep away the danger.  Monaghan found a third goal when forward Cian Bradley-Gillespie once again found himself in a good position out wide, his cross was met in the box by forward Lewis Brady, who fired home his 17th goal of the season. Cavan never gave up hope of a fightback as they found a second gear and were using the right wing as an attacking outlet, but defenders Robin Pratt-Clarke, Conal Harpin and Fionan O’Gallchoir were on hand to remove any danger. However, Cavan kept trying and trying to find a way back into the the game and they nearly done so when they broke through the away sides defence, only to be denied by goalkeeper Ciaran Doyle. Monaghan never took the foot off the pedal in the second half as moments before the final whistle, Darragh McKenna drove down the right hand side linking up with Lewis Brady, they found defender Cian Brennan outside the box, and as the crowd roared “Shoot” he rocketed the ball into the roof of the net, rounding off a 4-1 victory to Monaghan United as they progress to the CMUL Shield Final.

Monaghans Man of the Match award goes to striker Eoin O’Hanlon after he put in a vital performance leading the forward line, kicking off the match with a fine goal, and being a constant threat throughout the entire match

Next Sunday (12th March) Monaghan United U-13’s travel host Cavan Celtic in Gortekeegan in a  League tie. The club & management would like to ask all the parents and family members to come out and support the team.

Man of The Match: Eoin O’Hanlon

Goals: Eoin O’Hanlon, Lewis Brady (2), Cian Brennan

Team: Ciaran Doyle, Blake Lees, Robin Pratt-Clarke, Cian Brennan, Conal Harpin, Shane Freeman, Fionan O’Gallchoir, Patrick Treanor (C), Josh Kelly, Darragh McKenna, Michael McMorrow, Fabian Kaminksy, Lewis Brady, Dylan O’Reilly, Cian Bradley-Gillespie, Eoin O’Hanlon

Managers: Conor Finnegan, Brian Finnegan

Match Report v Lisnaskea Rovers (Home) 17th Feb ’17

In their fifth friendly of the season, Monaghan United U-13’s hosted a strong Lisnaskea Rovers side from Fermanagh.  The game kicked off at a high pace with a Lisnaskea attacker forcing goalkeeper Ciaran Doyle into an early save from long range.  The away side were providing the early pressure but defenders Blake Lees, Robin Pratt-Clarke, Conal Harpin & Fionan O’Gallchoir continued their good run of form to deny any attacking efforts. Monaghan were looking to get inbehind the Lisnaskea defence with defender Robin Pratt-Clarke sending some long balls forward to the attackers, but the away side were defending well, denying the Monaghan attackers.  Midway through the first half midfielders Michael McMorrow, Darragh McKenna and Cian Brennan were starting pile on the pressure in the middle of the pitch and started to dominate in possession using forwards,  Dylan O’Reilly, Eoin O’Hanlon and Cian Bradley-Gillespie as attacking outlets. The first goal of the game did come Monaghan’s way when centre back Conal Harpin won the ball in defence and found forward Eoin O’Hanlon with a tidy pass.  Eoin slipped a defence cutting pass through to forward Dylan O’Reilly who sent the ball past the Lisnaskea goalkeeper.  1-0 to the homeside.  The next chance of the game also fell to Dylan O’Reilly as he rattled a long range left-footed freekick of the crossbar with a fine effort.  Monaghan had a chance to go further a head when forward Eoin O’Hanlon was brought down inside the box, winning a penalty kick. Up stepped midfielder Cian Brennan who fired home Monaghans second.  Cian was having a fantastic game in a new role in midfield and moments later the home side were awarded a long range free kick.  Up stepped Cian who rocketed a freekick towards goal only to be denied by a fine save by the Lisnaskea goalkeeper.

The second half kicked off with Monaghan dominating from the word go. Midfielder Darragh McKenna broke at pace down the right wing, his cross found forward Cian Bradley-Gillespie who found the net with a tidy volley, only for the goal to be disallowed for a correct offside call.  Monaghan were attacking a long down the left hand side as fullback Fionan O’Gallchoir and midfielder Josh Kelly were linking up well playing some fantastic attacking football.  Forward Dylan O’Reilly slid the ball through to Eoin O’Hanlon, who produced a turn in the box that Zinedine Zidane would be proud off, as he beat the centre back and smashed the ball towards goal only to be denied by a save by a very impressive Lisnaskea goalkeeper.  Monaghan were pilling on the pressure as midfielder Darragh McKenna lined up a long range strike on goal, but the away sides goalkeeper was on hand once again.  Monaghans last chance of the game came when Cian Bradley-Gillespie broke through the Lisnaskea defence he sent the ball past the goalkeeper only to see his effort narrowly come off the goalpost. Unlikely not to go in. The final chance of the game, however,  fell to the away side as they took advantage of a defensive error and sent the ball into the Monaghan goal.  2-1 the game finished on a very entertaining afternoon.

Monaghans Man of the Match award goes to holding midfielder Cian Brennan who, put in a powerful shift in centre midfield, dictating the tempo of the game from the first whistle, showing both great attacking and defensive qualities, rounding off his performance with a goal from the penalty spot.

Monaghans United U-13’s Next Fixture to be Announced.

Man of The Match: Cian Brennan

Goals: Dylan O’Reilly, Cian Brennan

Team: Ciaran Doyle, Blake Lees, Robin Pratt-Clarke, Cian Brennan, Conal Harpin, Shane Freeman, Fionan O’Gallchoir, Patrick Treanor (C), Josh Kelly, Darragh McKenna, Michael McMorrow, Fabian Kaminksy, Lewis Brady, Dylan O’Reilly, Cian Bradley-Gillespie, Eoin O’Hanlon

Managers: Conor Finnegan, Brian Finnegan

Match Report v Drumlin Youths (Away) 12th Feb ’17

In the Quarter-Final of the Cavan / Monaghan League Cup, Monaghan United U-13’s travelled away to Emyvale side Drumlin Youths.  Monaghan started the game off at hi-tempo with forwards Cian Bradley-Gillespie, Eoin O’Hanlon and Dylan O’Reilly stretching the Drumlin defence, but were finding it hard to find a breakthrough in the match. Midway through the first half Drumlin were pressing hard but with Robin Pratt-Clarke and Cian Brennan in centre back, Blake Lees and Fionan O’Gallchoir in fullback, being protected by Patrick Treanor, Monaghan were proving to be a defensive force as time and time again they set up a defensive wall which the home side were struggling to break through. Monaghans midfield where starting to take full control with Fabian Kaminsky, Patrick Treanor and Michael McMarrow beginning to dominate, using wingers Cian Bradley-Gillepsie and Eoin O’Hanlon as attacking wide outlets.  Monaghans first real chance came when Eoin O’Hanlon sent in a dangerous corner, Fabian Kaminsky connected with a header only to be denied by the Drumlin goalkeeper.  Monaghan were looking to make the most of their set piece as Dylan O’Reilly found Michael McMorrow with a corner only for Micheal to narrowly head over the bar.  Minutes before half time Drumlin found a breakthrough on goal but goalkeeper Ciaran Doyle was quick off his line and cleared the ball from the oncoming striker.  0-0 at half time as chances were limited.

The second half kicked off the same way the first half finished with chances coming few and far between. It was 50 / 50 in the middle of the park as midfielders Michael McMorrow, Patrick Treanor and Shane Freeman where forced to work hard defensively, by good pressure from the Drumlin side.  Drumlins pressure proved vital as against the run of play, they latched onto a defensive error and looped a long shot into the top of Monaghans net.  1-0 to the home side.  Monaghan looked to press forward for an equaliser, but forwards Dylan O’Reilly, Cian Bradley-Gillespie and Eoin O’Hanlon were denied on numerous occasions.  In the dying moments of the match Monaghan pushed centre backs Cian Brennan, Robin Pratt-Clarke and Conal Harpin forward for a series of corner kicks, but Drumlin were defending well.  The away side had a real chance to equalise as forward Dylan O’Reilly drilled in a deep freekick, it was met by defender Robin Pratt-Clarke who was unlucky not to send the ball into the net.  1-0 the game finished as Drumlin progress into the Semi-Final.

Monaghans Man of the Match award goes to centre back Cian Brennan after he put in a dominating defensive performance in defence and then midfield, forming a strong defensive partnership alongside Robin Pratt-Clarke.

Monaghans United U-13’s Next Fixture to be Announced.

Man of The Match: Cian Brennan

Team: Ciaran Doyle, Blake Lees, Robin Pratt-Clarke, Cian Brennan, Conal Harpin, Shane Freeman, Fionan O’Gallchoir, Patrick Treanor (C), Josh Kelly, Darragh McKenna, Michael McMorrow, Fabian Kaminksy, Lewis Brady, Dylan O’Reilly, Cian Bradley-Gillespie, Eoin O’Hanlon

Managers: Conor Finnegan, Brian Finnegan

Match Report v Cavan Shamrocks (Away) 22nd Jan ’17

In their penultimate league match of the year, Monaghan United U-13’s travelled away to a strong Cavan Shamrocks side.  The game kicked off at a high pace but it was the home side who were providing the early pressure as goalkeeper Ciaran Doyle was called into action early on.  Monaghans first chance of the game came when forward Lewis Brady broke down the right wing, he set up forward Dylan O’Reilly only to see his effort saved. Monaghan were now starting to put heavy pressure on the Cavan backline with forwards Lewis Brady, Dylan O’Reilly and Fionan O’Gallchoir proving to be a handfull. Monaghans next chance came when fullback Blake Lees looped the ball forward to Lewis Brady only to see his effort narrowly denied by the goalkeeper. Monaghan did however break the deadlock, centre-back Cian Brennan brought the ball out of defence before sending a long ball forward, his pass found forward Dylan O’Reilly who put the away side infront. 1-0 to Monaghan.  A few moments later Monaghan nearly doubled their lead when midfielder Josh Kelly played the ball through to Dylan O’Reilly, the Cavan defender looked more likely to win the ball but Dylan’s persistence paid off as he headed the ball past the defender and seen his effort sail narrowly wide. Cavan were trying to get in behind Monaghan but a defence of Blake Lees, Robin Pratt-Clarke, Cian Brennan and Shane Freeman were putting in a great defensive shift denying any Cavan attacking efforts.  But Cavan kept the pressure on the Monaghan defence and as they pushed for an equalizer they were awarded minutes before half time as the levelled the game with a tidy finish.

The second half kicked off with both teams battling it out for possession.  After a stroke of luck Monaghan went ahead once again, midfielder Darragh McKenna broke forward from midfield, he attempted to play through Dylan O’Reilly but when a Cavan defender attempted to clear the through ball, he sent the ball into his own net.  2-1 to Monaghan midway through the second half.  Monaghan were now looking the stronger team as Darragh McKenna, Patrick Treanor and Michael McMarrow started to dominate possession in midfield. But near the end, just like the first half, Cavan were finishing the half as the stronger team as they pressed for an equaliser.  They were denied on numerous occasions by tackles from Robin Pratt-Clarke, Ethan Ballentine and Cian Brennan, with goalkeeper Ciaran Doyle also saving two attempts.   But Cavan kept pressing forward and they capitalized in the dying stages as they fired home an equalising goal.  2-2 the game finished after a very end-to-end battle.

Monaghans Man of the Match award goes to centre back Robin Pratt-Clarke after he put in an eye-catching defensive performance, denying Cavan Shamrocks from scoring on many occasions.

Monaghans United U-13’s Next Fixture to be Announced.

Man of The Match: Robin Pratt-Clarke

Goals: Dylan O’Reilly, own goal

Team: Ciaran Doyle, Blake Lees, Robin Pratt-Clarke, Ethan Ballentine, Cian Brennan, Conal Harpin, Shane Freeman, Fionan O’Gallchoir, Patrick Treanor (C), Josh Kelly, Darragh McKenna, Michael McMarrow, Fabian Kaminksy, Lewis Brady, Dylan O’Reilly, Cian Bradley-Gillespie, Eoin O’Hanlon

Managers: Conor Finnegan, Brian Finnegan

Match Report v Cavan Celtic (Away) 15th Jan ’17

In their twelfth league match of the year, Monaghan United U-13’s travelled away to a strong Cavan Celtic side in a potential league winning fixture for the away side. The game kicked off with Cavan providing the early pressure but defenders Blake Lees, Robin Pratt-Clarke, Cian Brennan & Fionan O’Gallchoir continued their good run of form to deny any attacking efforts.  Though after five minutes into the game, Monaghan switched gear and uped the tempo with Josh Kelly, Darragh McKenna and Patrick Treanor playing some fantastic football, dominating in midfield.  It was the away side that broke the deadlock when forward Lewis Brady broke down the left wing, he laid the ball back to fullback Fionan O’Gallchoir who swung the ball into the box, finding forward Dylan O’Reilly who broke the deadlock with a neat finish.  The next effort fell again to Lewis Brady who ran through the Cavan defence only to see his effort narrowly saved by the goalkeeper. Moments later United near found a second when Josh Kelly broke down the left, his cross found forward Cian Bradley-Gillespie who’s effort rattled the crossbar, only to be then blown for offside.  The pressure from Monaghans forward line and midfield who’s proving too hot to handle and Dylan O’Reilly forced a defensive error from Cavan, he won the ball and fired home his second of the afternoon.  2-0 to Monaghan.  Cavan tried to find a way back into the the game and they nearly done so when they broke through the away sides defence, only to be denied by goalkeeper Ciaran Doyle.  Monaghan were playing some of their best football of the season and soon found a third when the ball fell to Captain Patrick Treanor outside the box, he looped the ball over the Cavan defence, forward Lewis Brady took a gamble, and it paid off as he latched onto the looping ball heading home Monaghans third of the match.  Cavan were failing to get in behind the Monaghan back-line as the centre back partnership of Robin Pratt-Clarke and Cian Brennan were proving to be a brick wall.  Monaghans fourth goal came minutes before halftime when Josh Kelly broke in the Cavan box, his trickery meant that the only option for the Cavan defender was to commit a foul. Penalty to Monaghan.  Up stepped Captain Patrick Treanor who fired home the resulting spot-kick.  4-0 to Monaghan at half-time after one of their best displays of the season.

The second half kicked off with Cavan Celtic showing a “nothing to loose” attitude. They put early pressure on the Monaghan defence and soon found a lifeline into the game as they fired home two goals.  4-2 the scoreline.  Monaghan’s high pressure first half performance was hard to maintain but they soon found new life with their substitutions when forward Eoin O’Hanlon broke free from the Cavan defence and tied up forward Dylan O’Reilly who blasted home his third goal of the afternoon, and Monaghan’s fifth, continuing his fantastic recent goalscoring run. Cavan were working the ball well down the right hand side but were denied by fullback Fionan O’Gallchor and then Shane Freeman on a few occasions, with centre back Cian Brennan sweeping up anything that managed to get past them.  Dylan near found a fourth when midfield Darragh McKenna burst down the right wing and set up the forward, only to see his effort sail narrowly wide.  The game was becoming an end-to-end battle but midfielders Michael McMarrow, Ethan Ballentine and Fabian Kamisky added new life to the Monaghan midfield, providing a defensive shield.  Moments before the final whistle, Monaghan attacked from a corner kicked, the ball was headed clear from the box but forward Dylan O’Reilly sprinted back to win the ball, he burst forward and sent the ball back into the box for centre half Cian Brennan, who smashed home Monaghan’s sixth of the game and therefore crowning Monaghan Champions of the Cavan Monaghan U-13 League.

Monaghans Man of the Match award goes to midfielder Darragh McKenna who, on his first game back from a long-term injury, put in fantastic shift in centre midfield, dictating the tempo of the game from the first whistle, showing both great attacking and defensive qualities.

Next Sunday (22nd January) Monaghan United U-13’s travel away to Cavan Shamrocks in a  League tie. The club & management would like to ask all the parents and family members to come out and support the team.

Man of The Match: Darragh McKenna

Goals: Dylan O’Reilly (3), Lewis Brady, Patrick Treanor, Cian Brennan

Team: Ciaran Doyle, Blake Lees, Robin Pratt-Clarke, Ethan Ballentine, Cian Brennan, Conal Harpin, Shane Freeman, Fionan O’Gallchoir, Patrick Treanor (C), Josh Kelly, Darragh McKenna, Michael McMarrow, Fabian Kaminksy, Lewis Brady, Dylan O’Reilly, Cian Bradley-Gillespie, Eoin O’Hanlon

Managers: Conor Finnegan, Brian Finnegan

Match Report v Glaslough Villa (Home) 8th Jan ’17

In their fourth friendly of the season, Monaghan United hosted Glaslough Villa at home in gortekeegan.  After a very entertaining end to end game, Monaghan ran out 7-3 winners with goals from Dylan O’Reilly and Lewis Brady.

Monaghan kicked things off early when Captain Patrick Treanor played a through ball to forward Lewis Brady, who lobed the goalkeeper with a fine finish against his old side.  The next goal came minutes later when Dylan O’Reilly latched onto a poor goalkick from the away side, he stroke the ball on the half volley, his effort rattled off the side of the post and into the net.  2-0 to Monaghan.  The home side quickly added a third when Patrick Treanor won the ball in midfield and played through Dylan O’Reilly who fired home his second of the game.  Dylan soon rounded off his hattrick when midfielder Josh Kelly broke down the left and pulled the ball back to Dylan at the edge of the area, Dylan found the net as he lobed the ball over the goalkeeper.  4-0 to Monaghan at half time.

The first half kicked off the same as the first ended when defender Robin Pratt-Clarke found Dylan O’Reilly with a long ball, Dylan took the ball down and sent it to the side of the goalkeeper, his fourth goal of the game.  Glaslough uped their game and soon added three goals in quick sucession making the game 5-3, but Monaghan weren’t finished and soon found another goal when midfielder Darragh McKenna broke down the right hand side, his cross fell to forward Lewis Brady who fired home his second of the game.   Forward Dylan O’Reilly wrapped up the goalscoring when he got onto a long through ball from Patrick Treanor, and hired home his firth goal of the game.  7-3 the final score as Monaghan put in a good performance in front of goal.

Monaghans Man of the Match award goes to forward Dylan O’Reilly after he put in a vital performance leading the forward line, adding an amazing 5 goals to his goal tally for the season.

Monaghans United U-13’s Next Fixture to be Announced.

Man of The Match: Dylan O’Reilly

Goals: Dylan O’Reilly (5), Lewis Brady (2)

Team: Ciaran Doyle, Blake Lees, Robin Pratt-Clarke, Ethan Ballentine, Cian Brennan, Conal Harpin, Shane Freeman, Fionan O’Gallchoir, Patrick Treanor (C), Josh Kelly, Darragh McKenna, Michael McMarrow, Fabian Kaminksy, Lewis Brady, Dylan O’Reilly, Cian Bradley-Gillespie, Eoin O’Hanlon

Managers: Conor Finnegan, Brian Finnegan

Match Report v Clones Town (Home) 31st Dec ’16

In their third friendly of the season, Monaghan United hosted Clones Town at home in gortekeegan. After a hard fought 70 minutes, Monaghan ended the game with a 3-0 victory with second half goals from Michael McMarrow and Dylan O’Reilly.

Chances were few and far between in the first half with Dylan O’Reilly and Cian Bradley-Gillespie going closest.  0-0 at half time.

The second half kicked off with Monaghan upping the tempo.  The first goal came when forward Dylan O’Reilly sent in a corner kick, and after Clones failed to clear, midfielder Michael McMarrow fired home his first goal of the season with a neat finish.  The second goal of the game came when Dylan O’Reilly fired in a long corner kick which sailed directly into the top corner of the net.  2-0 to Monaghan.  The third and final goal of the game came when forward Lewis Brady broke down the right wing, his cross was met on the volley by Dylan O’Reilly who sent home his second of the game and Monaghans third.

Monaghans Man of the Match award goes to midfielder Josh Kelly who wowed the crowd with a midfield masterclass performance, dictating the tempo of the game from the first whistle.

Monaghans United U-13’s Next Fixture to be Announced.

Man of The Match: Josh Kelly

Goals: Michael McMarrow, Dylan O’Reilly (2)

Team: Ciaran Doyle, Blake Lees, Robin Pratt-Clarke, Ethan Ballentine, Cian Brennan, Conal Harpin, Shane Freeman, Fionan O’Gallchoir, Patrick Treanor (C), Josh Kelly, Darragh McKenna, Michael McMarrow, Fabian Kaminksy, Lewis Brady, Dylan O’Reilly, Cian Bradley-Gillespie, Eoin O’Hanlon

Managers: Conor Finnegan, Brian Finnegan

Match Report v Cootehill Harps (Home) 9th Dec ’16

In their eleventh league match of the year, Monaghan United U-13’s hosted a strong Cootehill Harps in Gortekeegan.  The game kicked off with Cootehill providing the early pressure but defenders Blake Lees, Robin Pratt-Clarke, Cian Brennan & Fionan O’Gallchoir contined their good run of form to deny any attacking efforts. It was a tough end-to-end game as midfielders Michael McMarrow, Patrick Treanor and Josh Kelly were forced to fight for possession but on most occasions they came out on top. Midway through the first half, Monaghan were starting to pile on the pressure as forwards Lewis Brady and Cian Bradley-Gillespie were proving a handfull in the attacking wide areas, but chances were limited as Cootehill put in some good defensive tackles.  Monaghan did however find the breakthrough when Dylan O’Reilly fired in a dangerous corner kick, the ball looked to be going straight into the goals until a Cootehill defender handled the ball, giving away a spot kick.  Up stepped Captain Patrick Treanor who fired home to the goalkeepers left. 1-0 to Monaghan.  Monaghans second goal came a few minutes later when defender Robin Pratt-Clarke went route one with a deep freekick, the ball looped over the Cootehill defense and fell to Patrick Trenor who fired home his second of the game.  Cootehill looked to respond to going behind but Monaghans defensive unit containing Blake Lees, Robin Pratt-Clarke, Cian Brennan, and Fionan O’Gallchoir, were in no mood to concede as they were equalling anything fired their way as chances came few and far between in the first half. 2-0 the scoreline at half time.

The second half kicked off with the away side proving a vital threat in the wide areas but fullbacks Blake Lees, Fionan O’Gallchoir and then Shane Freeman provided some great defending to stop Cootehills attackers.  Monaghan’s frontline of Lewis Brady, Cian Bradley-Gillespie and Eoin O’Hanlon were causing Cootehill problems in wide area’s but were struggling to get in behind their defense as the away side were defending well. Cootehill nearly found their opening goal as they broke through into the box, they stroke for goal, but goalkeeper Ciaran Doyle pulled off a miraculous diving save, denying a definite goal.  Ciaran was on hand again as moments later he was forced to pull off another diving save.   Cootehill were starting to dominate but Monaghan soon found a third goal on the counter as Cian Brennan won a tackle in defense, he found Patrick Treanor who slide the ball through on goal to Lewis Brady, he used his pace to break free and fire home Monaghans third.  It was a very end to end game as Cootehill gained a lot of possession looking for a way back into the game, forcing midfielders Fabian Kaminsky, Josh Kelly, Michael McMarrow and Ethan Ballentine deeper than they would have liked, but they worked very hard and on numerous occasions their tackling in midfield proved vital to stop the advancing awayside.  Minutes before the end Cootehill began their comeback as they sent home two quickfire goals, but Monaghan did enough in the end to see out a 3-2 victory.

Monaghans Man of the Match award goes to goalkeeper Ciaran Doyle, as he played a very important role denying Cootehill scoring on a number of occasions, highlighted by a memorable diving save in the second half.

Monaghans United U-13’s Next Fixture to be Announced.

Man of The Match: Ciaran Doyle

Goals: Patrick Treanor (2), Lewis Brady

Team: Ciaran Doyle, Blake Lees, Robin Pratt-Clarke, Ethan Ballentine, Cian Brennan, Conal Harpin, Shane Freeman, Fionan O’Gallchoir, Patrick Treanor (C), Josh Kelly, Darragh McKenna, Michael McMarrow, Fabian Kaminksy, Lewis Brady, Dylan O’Reilly, Cian Bradley-Gillespie, Eoin O’Hanlon

Managers: Conor Finnegan, Brian Finnegan