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 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 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

Match Report v Drumlin Youths(Home) 2nd Dec ’16

In their tenth league match of the year, Monaghan United U-13’s hosted Drumlin Youths in Gortkeegan.  The game had barely kicked off when Monaghan were awarded a corner kick from the left hand side.  Forward Dylan O’Reilly whipped in a fantastic cross which was met on the volley by forward Cian Bradley-Gillespie at the back post, finding the back of the net.  1-0 to Monaghan early on.  The second goal came a few minutes later when forward Lewis Brady broke down the left wing and floated the ball across the box, finding Cian Bradley-Gillespie at the back post who fired home with another brilliant volley.  2-0 up and Monaghan were on form. Monaghans midfield where starting to take full control with Josh Kelly, Patrick Treanor and Michael McMarrow beginning to dominate, using fullbacks Blake Lees and Fionan O’Gallchoir as attacking wide outlets.  Monaghans next effort fell to midfielder Josh Kelly, who was having a great first half, but his edge of the area effort was denied by a fine save from the Drumlin goalkeeper.  The game started to open up as Drumlin looked for a way back into the game but centre halfs Cian Brennan and Robin Pratt-Clarke were showing their class as they put in a great defensive performance.  As the first half was fading to a close, midfielder Fabian Kaminsky won the ball in midfield with a good tackle, the ball fell to fullback Blake Lees who looped a high through ball to forward Dylan O’Reilly who fired home United’s third goal of the game, his 21st of the season, as the first half ended 3-0 to the home side.

The second half kicked off with Drumlin coming out of their shell and putting pressure on the Monaghan defense.  They near found a goal only for a world class save from goalkeeper Ciaran Doyle, who denied a definate goal.  It was 50 / 50 in the middle of the back as midfielders Michael McMarrow, Fabian Kaminsky and Ethan Ballentine where forced to work hard defensively, by good pressure from the Drumlin side.  Drumlin were working the ball well down the right hand side but were denied but fullback Fionan O’Gallchoir, and then Shane Freeman on many occasions, with centre back Cian Brennan sweeping up anything that managed to get past them.  Out of nowhere to ball broke in midfield to forward Eoin O’Hanlon, he skipped past a Drumlin defender before launching a long range shot, which rocketed into the top right hand corner of the net.  4-0 to the home side.  Monaghan were buzzing after the goal and this showed in their performance as they started to gain control of the game once again.  Captain Patrick Treanor won the ball in midfield with a fine tackle, he then took matters into his own hands as he drove into the Drumlin box before firing home from a tight angle.  5-0 to Monaghan with a great solo goal.  The game was not over their as moments before the final whistle Drumlin palyed some good football and broke into the Monaghan box before firing home.  5-1 the final score as Monaghan push on in the league with a good performance.

In a match were every player deserves great credit, Monaghans Man of the Match award goes to centre back Cian Brennan, who was a phenomenal rock in the heart of defense, 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

Goals: Cian Bradley-Gillespie (2), Dylan O’Reilly, Eoin O’Hanlon, Patrick Treanor

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 Ballyjamesduff (Home) 27th Nov ’16

In their ninth league match of the year, Monaghan United U-13’s hosted Cavan side Ballyjamesduff in Gortkeegan.  After a great run of form, Monaghan continued their recent goalscoring streak by putting seven goals past Ballyjamesduff.  After watching Monaghan United U-15s wrap up their league title before the match, the under 13’s were in a mood for putting on a performance, and so they did.  The game kicked off at a very high pace as forward Lewis Brady dibbled past three players and broke through on goal before rattling the post and being denied an opener.  It did come minutes later as forward Cian Bradley-Gillespie found Dylan O’Reilly who fired home the first goal of the game.  A few minutes later the home side nearly added a second as the ball broke to Lewis Brady within the penalty area, his effort was denied by the crossbar.  Monaghans second goal of the game did come when, Blake Lees, Cian Bradley-Gillespie and Josh Kelly played some neat football down the right hand side before finding Lewis Brady inside the box, Lewis laid the ball to full back Fionan O’Gallchoir who rocketed the ball into the roof of the net.  The first goal of the season from the impressive leftback. Monaghan soon added a third when Cian Bradley-Gillespie broke down the right wing and played a through ball to Lewis Brady, who fired past the goalkeeper. Moments later Cian Bradley-Gillespie mirrored the last attack, this time finding Dylan O’Reilly with a through ball, one on one with the goalkeeper, there was only one outcome as Dylan added his second with a neat finish. Monaghan were on fire and showed no signs of slowing down as just before half time Dylan O’Reilly rocketed in Monaghans fifth goal, completing his second hattrick in two games.

The second half started off as the first half finished with Monaghan coming out on top as midfielders Josh Kelly, Fabian Kaminsky and Patrick Treanor where putting serious pressure on Ballyjamesduff as they kept possession for long periods in the middle of the pitch.  Fullback Fionan O’Gallchoir, now pushing forward as a winger, beat two players before setting up Cian Bradley-Gillespie whos effort sailed narrowly wide.  Midfielder Fabian Kaminsky won the ball in midfield, his through ball found forward Cian Bradley-Gillespie who was denied by a fingertip save from the Ballyjamesduff goalkeeper.  Ballyjamesduff kept their spirits high and were trying to find away back into the game but Ciaran Doyle was proving unbeatable as he cleared any oncoming danger. Monaghan were making the most of Eoin O’Hanlons fantastic corner kicks and they finally broke the second half deadlock as centre half Cian Brennan rose highest to meet Eoins corner and thumped home a powerful header into the back of the net.  6-0 with Cian’s first goal of the season.  With Robin Pratt-Clarke and Cian Brennan in centre back, being protected by Patrick Treanor and then Ethan Ballentine, Monaghan were proving to be a defensive force as time and time again they set up a defensive wall which the away side were strugglin to break through. Full backs Blake Lees and Shane Freeman where proving great attacking outlets as they respectively played through Eoin O’Hanlon andCian Bradley-Gillespie who both went close. Cian Bradley-Gillespie was putting in an impressive performance on the wing but unfortunately it wasnt his lucky day as he latched onto a Ballyjamesduff defensive error, he lobbed the goalkeeper from a wide area, only to find his goal disallowed for an offisde decision after a great finish.  Forward Lewis Brady was having similar luck after his impressive performance as he broke through on goal, only to be denied by the goal post for the third time in the match. The home side did find a seventh goal as forward Dylan O’Reilly was fouled in the penalty area, he fired home the resulting penalty kick adding his 20th goal of the season, sending Monaghan on their way with a 7-0 victory.

In a match were every player deserves great credit, Monaghans Man of the Match award goes to forward Dylan O’Reilly, who put in an instrumental performance in centre forward, continuing his great run of form by adding four goals.

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

We would also like to congratulate Ronan Callan, Terry McDonald, Peter Richardson & the Under 15’s squad on their fantastic achievement wrapping up their league title after winning every one of their games.

Man of The Match: Dylan O’Reilly

Goals: Dylan O’Reilly (4), Lewis Brady, Cian Brennan, Fionan O’Gallchoir

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 (Away) 20th Nov ’16

In their eighth league match of the year, Monaghan United U-13’s travelled away to Cavan to face a very strong Cootehill Harps side, that denied Monaghan a win on three occasions last season.  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. However, the first chance of the game did fall Cootehills way, only to be denied by goalkeeper Ciaran Doyle.  Monaghans first chance of the match came to forward Eoin O’Hanlon, who broke free only to see his effort sail narrowly wide.  The next chance also fell to the away side as Monaghan broke on the counter attack as forward Lewis Brady dribbled past two defenders before playing through Eoin O’Hanlon one on one with the goalkeeper, only to be denied by a fantastic fingertip save.  Monaghan did however find the breakthrough midway through the first half when Captain Patrick Treanor found forward Dylan O’Reilly who rattled the back of the net with a well place finish.  1-0 to Monaghan at the break.

The second half continued with Cootehill again dominating from the kickoff as they looked to find an equaliser, but Monaghans defence were in fantastic form and they soon won the ball and broke again on the counter, as Josh Kelly ran down the right handside before finding Dylan O’Reilly.  Dylan drilled in a low cross and the ball deflected off an unlucky Cootehill defender into the back of the net.  2-0 to Monaghan.  Monaghan began to really get a strong grip of the game and it didn’t take long before they added another goal.  Midfielder Josh Kelly found himself in space in the middle of the park, before splitting the defence with a wonderful ball to Dylan O’Reilly, Dylan took a snapshop with his right foot and fired past the keeper for Monaghan’s third goal of the game.  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.  It was a very end to end game as Cootehill gained a lot of possession, forcing midfielders Fabian Kaminsky, Michael McMarrow and Patrick Treanor 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 homeside. Monaghan were up for it and Cootehill were struggling to get in behind a defence of Ethan Ballentine, Robin Pratt-Clarke, Cian Brennan and Fionan O’Gallchoir. But, around 10 minutes before the end, Cootehill did find a breakthrough as they tried to spark a comeback with a well worked goal.  But it was Monaghan who finished the strongest as Captain Patrick Treanor once again sent forward Dylan O’Reilly through on goal who rounded off his hat-trick with a tidy finish, his 16th goal of the season. Overall it was a well fought battle from both teams, but in the end Monaghan ran out 4-1 winners.

In a match were every player deserves great credit, Monaghans Man of the Match award goes to midfielder Josh Kelly, who put in an instrumental performance in centre midfield, highlighted by a creative assist for Monaghans third goal.

Next Sunday (27th November) Monaghan United U-13’s host Cavan side Ballyjamesduff at home 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: Josh Kelly

Goals: Dylan O’Reilly (3), 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 Monaghan Town (Home) 13th Nov ’16

In their seventh league match of the year, Monaghan United U-13’s hosted local rivals Monaghan Town in Gortekeegan.  As both teams play fast exciting football it was always set up for an entertaining fixture, and it did not disappoint the watching fans. The game kicked off with Monaghan Town providing the early pressure but defenders Blake Lees, Robin Pratt-Clarke, Cian Brennan & Fionan O’Gallchoir stood tall to deny any attacking efforts.  United’s first chance of the game came when Fabian Kaminsky looped the ball through to forward Lewis Brady, only to be denied by  a fine stop.  Fabian then had a chance himself as he struck the ball from the edge of the box, only to sail narrowly wide.  The first goal of the game fell to Captain Patrick Treanor as he met a Dylan O’Reilly corner with an overhead kick into the back of the net.  United’s next chance came when Robin Pratt-Clarke sent a long free kick over the Town defence leaving midfielder Michael McMarrow through on goal, only to be denied by a fantastic save. Chances were few and far between in the first half as both teams cancelled each other out. Monaghan United nearly found a second before halftime as an Eoin O’Hanlon goal and an own goal were both disallowed.  1-0 to Monaghan United at halftime.

The second half kicked off wide the away side starting stronger as they looked to find an equaliser.  They nearly done so as their forward struck from wide, only to be denied by a world class diving save from goalkeeper Ciaran Doyle.  Ciaran was again a the centre stage moments later as he was forced to leave his line and act as sweeper, making a great defensive clearance, as a Monaghan Town forward broke through on goal.  The homes sides first effort of the second half fell to forward Cian Bradley-Gillespie, only seeing his effort sail narrowly over the crossbar. The away side were proving a vital threat in the wide areas but fullbacks Blake Lees, Fionan O’Gallchoir and Shane Freeman provided some great defending to stop the Town attacks. They did however find a second moments later as forward Dylan O’Reilly struck from a direct free-kick.  Dylan then continued his fantastic recent goalscoring form as defender Fionan O’Gallchoir played him through on goal, which he tucked his shot neatly into the corner.  The home side were starting to get a real stronghold on the game with midfielders Josh Kelly, Patrick Treanor, Conal Harpin and Ethan Ballentine starting to dominate in possession.  Their fourth goal came as Cian Bradley-Gillespie latched onto a through ball and fired past the Town goalkeeper into the net.  4-0 to Monaghan United.  The final and best goal of the game came to the away side as a Monaghan Town forward fired a long range volley into the roof of the net as the game finished 4-1 to Monaghan United.

In a match were every player deserves great credit, Monaghans Man of the Match award goes to Blake Lees, who was fantastic at rightback as he put in a great performance attacking and defending down the right wing.

Next Sunday (20th November) Monaghan United U-13’s travel away to Cavan to face a strong Cootehill Harps side.  The club & management would like to ask all the parents and family members to come out and support the team.

Man of The Match: Blake Lees

Goals: Patrick Treanor, Dylan O’Reilly (2), Cian Bradley-Gillespie

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 Shamrocks (Home) 6th Nov ’16

In their sixth league match of the year, Monaghan United U-13’s hosted Cavan Shamrocks in Gortekeegan.  The pitch was in fantastic shape, lining up a great game of football.  The game kicked off at a high speed when forward Lewis Brady teed up Eoin O’Hanlon who went close early on.  The first goal of the game came moments later when forward Dylan O’Reilly received the ball from a Cavan Shamrocks goal kick and fired home past the goalkeeper.  1-0 to Monaghan. Monaghan pressed forward again when Lewis Brady crossed the ball to Dylan O’Reilly who seen his effort rattle against the crossbar.  Monaghan were fired up and it didn’t take long before they added a second.  Midfielder Patrick Treanor received the ball at the edge of the box from a corner kick, he sent a defense splitting pass through to Lewis Brady who fired home.  The home side where nowhere near finish as they looked to keep their good run of form going.  Dylan O’Reilly added Monaghan’s third when his corner kick when buzzing past the goalkeeper into the roof of the net.  3-0 to Monaghan.  The next chance of the game fell to the away side as they looked to get back into the game, but goalkeeper Ciaran Doyle was on hand to stop their effort.  Patrick Treanor nearly added a fourth only to see his header denied by the Cavan goalkeeper.  However, with minutes left in the first half Dylan O’Reilly continued his great goalscoring form as he soon added a fourth and then a fifth in quick succession.  His 10th and 11th goals of the season, which includes 8 goals in four matches.  Monaghan nearly scored the goal of the season when Captain Patrick Treanor met Dylan O’Reillys corner with a bicycle kick, only to be denied by the away sides goalkeeper.  5-0 to Monaghan at half time.

The second half kicked off with Monaghan showing no mercy as they looked to continue their goalscoring form.  Forward Eoin O’Hanlon broke through the right hand side dribbling past a defender, his effort was denied by the goalkeeper but Patrick Treanor was on hand to send home Monaghans sixth goal.  Cavan Shamrocks tried to respond but Monaghans defensive unit containing Blake Lees, Robin Pratt-Clarke, Cian Brennan, Shane Freeman and Fionan O’Gallchoir, were in no mood to concede as they put in a fantastic defensive performances, equalling anything fired their way. The home side were making the most of their set pieces when the ball fell to midfielder Josh Kelly from a corner at the back post who sent the ball pass the Cavan goalkeeper.  7-0. Monaghan kept pressing forward with Michael McMarrow, Fabian Kaminsky and Josh Kelly all going close.  The home side found an 8th when defender Fionan O’Gallchoir broke in from the left hand side and found Fabian Kaminsky, Fabian slide the ball through to Lewis Brady who scored his second of the morning.  Lewis then found his hat-trick when he reacted quickest to a saved effort from Dylan O’Reilly and scored Monaghans 9th.  The final goal of the game fell to Cavan Shamrocks as they didn’t let their heads drop, but the game finished with Monaghan running out 9-1 winners in a game where every player played their part.

In a match were every player deserves great credit, Monaghans Man of the Match award goes to Captain Patrick Treanor who was instrumental in the heart of the Monaghans midfield, proving a vital attacking and defensive outlet throughout the entire game.

Next Sunday (13th November) Monaghan United U-13’s host local rivals Monaghan Town at home 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: Patrick Treanor

Goals: Dylan O’Reilly (4), Lewis Brady (3), Patrick Treanor, Josh Kelly

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, Eoin O’Hanlon

Managers: Conor Finnegan, Brian Finnegan

Match Report v Drumlin Youths (Away) 28th Oct ’16

In their fifth league match of the year, Monaghan United U-13’s travelled away to Drumlin Youths. After being in separate divisions last season this was the first meeting between the two teams.  The game kicked off with Monaghan dominating form the word go.  The first chance of the game came when Fionan O’Gallchoir set up forward Cian Bradley-Gillespie only to see his effort sail narrowly wide.  The focus of the game was the fine midfield battle as both teams fought for possession with midfielders Patrick Treanor, Darragh McKenna and Eoin O’Hanlon coming out on top.  Even though Monaghan maintained most of the possession, chances in the first half were few and far between as forwards Lewis Brady and Dylan O’Reilly both went close.  Monaghan were coming out on top on most occasions with Robin Pratt-Clarke, Cian Brennan, Blake Lees and Fionan O’Gallchoir putting in their best defensive performance of the season to stop any Drumlin advances in attack. 0-0 at halftime.

The second half kicked off with Monaghan upping their tempo with Josh Kelly, Patrick Treanor, Darragh McKenna and Fabian Kaminsky starting to dominate in the middle of the park.  Patrick Treanor won the ball from a goalkick and fed through Dylan O’Reilly who was narrowly denied.  Goalkeeper Ciaran Doyle was rarely tested this afternoon, but soon was called into a save to deny Drumlin from a direct freekick.  The next chance of the game also fell to Dylan O’Reilly as he dribbled past three defenders before seeing his effort go over the bar.  Dylan didn’t give up as he soon received the ball from midfielder Darragh McKenna, before firing Monaghan in front with a tidy finish.  Monaghan were inspired by the goal as forward Eoin O’Hanlon received the ball outside the box before seeing his effort denied by the goalkeeper. Monaghan went in search of a second as captain Patrick Treanor won the ball in midfield and drove forward sending in a long shot which was denied by the Drumlin goalkeeper.  Drumlin uped their efforts late on to find an equaliser but defenders Robin Pratt-Clarke, Shane Freeman and Conal Harpin made three fantastic tackles between them to deny Drumlins efforts.  1-0 the game finished with Monaghan coming out on top.

Monaghans Man of the Match award goes to defender Robin Pratt-Clarke who was a phenomenal rock in the heart of defense, forming a strong defensive partnership alongside Cian Brennan and then Conal Harpin.

Next Sunday (6th November) Monaghan United U-13’s host Cavan Shamrocks at home 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: Robin Pratt-Clarke

Goals: Dylan O’Reilly

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, Cian Bradley-Gillespie, Lewis Brady, Dylan O’Reilly, Eoin O’Hanlon

Managers: Conor Finnegan, Brian Finnegan