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 (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