Match Report v Monaghan Town (N) 14th April ’18

In the Final of the CMUL Cup, Monaghan United U-14s squared up against local rivals Monaghan Town in Clara Lane, Cootehill, with both sides entering the match on good form. The game kicked off with the home team gaining the early possession quickly putting a defence of Blake Lees, Robin Pratt-Clarke, Aodhan McQuaid and Fionan O’Gallachoir under pressure but they were struggling to get in behind the United defence as they defended very well under pressure. Monaghan Town were looking the better of the two sides and near went infront when they fired in a shot from long range, but goalkeeper Ciaran Doyle was on hand with a fine save. The tide soon turned an Monaghan United soon began to dominate in the attacking areas.  They found the opening goal of the game when forward Cian Bradley-Gillespie sent in a deep corner, Town cleared the ball but Captain Patrick Treanor won the ball back and teed up forward Dylan O’Reilly’s whos shot took a slight deflection and sailed into the roof of the net.  Advantage Monaghan United.  United soon doubled their advantage when Dylan O’Reilly received the ball in the middle of the pitch and drove straight at the Town defence before unleashing a thunderous long range strike into the top corner of the net.  2-0 to United with one of the goals of the season from the impressive young forward.   The next chance of the game came when forward Lewis Brady broke down the left wing and his cross found midfielder Josh Kelly who led off full back Fionan O’Gallachoir, who seen his strike sail narrowly wide.  United were desperate to increase their advantage and nearly done so when Dylan O’Reilly slipped through Cian Bradley-Gillespie who was denied by the Town goalkeeper.  The pair then combined once again when Cian beat the defender before finding Dylan O’Reilly at the front post, only to see his effort go the wrong side of the post.  Advantage was with United but near the end of the first half Monaghan Town began dominating the possession in the middle of the park.  They were showing that United had a fight on their hands and soon found a way back into the game when they scored with minutes left on the board.  2-1 the halftime scoreline

The second half kicked off with United looking to restore a two goal advantage.  Patrick Treanor slipped a through ball to forward Fionnan O’Braonian who found the bottom corner of the net, only to see his goal disallowed for an offside decision.  The next chance also fell Uniteds way when Dylan O’Reilly sent through forward Eoin O’Hanlon, only to see his effort sail wide of the mark.  Uniteds early pressure soon prevailed when Dylan O’Reilly drove to the byline and sent a cross to the back post with forward Dara McKenna firing it into the back of the net with a neat header.  3-1 to United. The game was now 50/50 with a midfield of Eoin O’Hanlon, Patrick Treanor and Jake McGeough battling it out for possession with the Town midfield as both teams tried to find the next goal.  Monaghan United came close when Dara McKenna broke free down the right hand side only to see his shot equalled by a fine save from the Town goalkeeper.  United were throwing everything at their attack and soon nearly found another goal when Eoin O’Hanlon struck close from a corner kick.  Dylan O’Reilly was firing in some impressive corners and United nearly used this to their advantage when Aodhan McQuaid struck from inside the box, only to be denied by some brilliant defending as the ball was cleared from the line.  As United persisted with attacking, Monaghan Town soon found themselves with a lifeline when the broke on the counter attack and struck the ball into the back of the United net.  3-2 now and game on!  The game was now very nervy for United as Town grew in confidence, but Monaghan pushed forward non the less.  Dylan O’Reilly struck in a long free kick, and after Town initially cleared the ball, Patrick Treanor went close from long range.  Monaghan were set up now defensively with Town increasing the pressure, as Jake McGeough, Patrick Treanor and Eoin O’Hanlon were forced to work tirelessly.  However, United broke on the counter as Dylan O’Reilly dribbled forward down the centre, he slipped a through ball to Dara McKenna who made no hesitation and struck the back of the net.  4-2 to Monaghan United.  Monaghan were now buzzing and soon increased their lead, center back Robin Pratt-Clarke won the ball deep and cleared it to Dylan O’Reilly, and just like the previous goal, he found Dara McKenna with a through ball who fired home an impressive second half hat-trick!  The game looked to be over, but not for a second did Monaghan Town think it was, they soon found the back of the net once again only to see their goal disallowed for an offside decision.  They kept the pressure on the Monaghan defence and soon found their third with a very tidy finish. 5-3 now with the game far from over.  With just minutes left on the clock there was still plenty of time for some goals as Dylan O’Reilly slipped through Cian Bradley-Gillespie, only to see another goal in the game ruled out for offside.  The final goal of the game did fall to Monaghan United when Patrick Treanor got the ball deep in Towns half, he lobbed the ball over their defence finding the impressive Dara McKenna, who volleyed the ball into the roof of the net.  6-3 to Monaghan United as Dara ranked up an impressive 4 second half goals.  And thats how it eventually finished, goals galore at both ends as Monaghan United ran out 6-3 winners, progressing as Champions of the CMUL Cup for the second time in three years!

Our Man of The Match award goes to forward Dylan O’Reilly, as he lead his team from the frontline, capping off his amazing performance with two brilliant goals and three assists.

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, but most of all the players who time and time again put in fantastic performances in each and every game, ending the year as runners-up in the league and another impressive Cup Win.

I would like to personally thank Brian Finnegan for all his hard work and dedication to the game and to Monaghan United.  He has been a coaching inspiration to myself and to many many people from this club, giving many kids some of the the best opportunities in the game, and Im sure we would all like to wish him the best in his retirement from the game!

Man of The Match: Dylan O’Reilly

Goals: Dylan O’Reilly (2), Darragh McKenna (4)

Team: Ciaran Doyle, Blake Lees, Aodhan Doyle, Robin Pratt-Clarke, Aodhan McQuaid, Fionan O’Gallachoir, Patrick Treanor (C), Jake McGeough, Tomas Galvin, Josh Kelly, Eoin O’Hanlon, Fionnan O’Braonian, Cian Bradley-Gillespie, Dara McKenna, Lewis Brady, Dylan O’Reilly

Managers: Conor Finnegan, Brian Finnegan

Match Report v Cavan Celtic (H) 24th Feb ’18

Monaghan United kicked off their tenth and final league match at home in Gortekeegan against Cavan Celtic. The game kicked off with the home side on the front foot as they went close early on when midfielders Josh Kelly and Jake McGeough worked the ball towards Tomas Galvin who seen his effort sail narrowly wide. The next effort also fell to Tomas when Jake McGeough read a poor Cavan kickout and slipped through Tomas who seen his effort go wide once again. Monaghan were truly dominating in the early stages and were desperate for an opening goal, Josh Kelly and Tomas Galvin linked up well out the left hand side and tied up Jake McGeough whos effort went close. Monaghan were getting closer and nearly broke the deadlock when forward Eoin O’Hanlon broke down the left into the box, he pulled the ball back finding Jake McGeough who was denied by a fine save. Monaghan found their goalscoring touch when Josh Kelly and Cian Bradley-Gillespie smartly worked a short corner before Josh set up Captain Patrick Treanor at the edge of the box, Patrick looped the ball into the air and over the goalkeepers head, 1-0 to Monaghan with the Captains first goal of the season. Cavan were barely able to get their breath back before Monaghan found their second. Fionan O’Gallachoir drove down the left wing, he found Tomas Galvin in the middle of the park, Tomas lobbed the ball over the Cavan defence finding midfield runner Jake McGeough who volleyed the ball past the Cavan goalkeeper. A fantastic goal for the home side! The famous saying “A team is at its most vulnerable when they’ve just scored” came into play when the away side found themselves back in the game as they broke down the centre of the pitch and fired into the Monaghan goals. 2-1. Monaghan, however, found their second breath and upped the tempo once again with midfielders Josh Kelly, Patrick Treanor and Jake McGeough dominating the middle of the pitch. Cavan Celtic were doing everything they could to get back into the game but were struggling to get any joy as centre backs Robin Pratt-Clarke and Aodhan McQuaid were clearing every attack that managed to come their way, and were determined that no shots were fired at the Monaghan goal. The home side again upped the tempo and soon found their third when centre back Robin Pratt-Clarke sweeped up a Cavan attack and drove down the right hand side, he found Eoin O’Hanlon who neatly slipped a through ball through the Cavan defence to Tomas Galvin who made no hesitation and smashed the ball into the back of the net off the post. The home side had nothing else in their minds but to attack! attack! attack!, and they nearly increased their lead when Eoin O’Hanlon broke into the box, the goalkeeper had his angles correct so Eoin recycled the ball back to Jake McGeough who seen his effort saved. But moments later they did increase their lead, youngster Aodhan Doyle pumped the ball down the right hand side sending Cian Bradley-Gillespie down the right, he beat the full back and sent in a dangerous cross leaving Tomas Galvin with a simple tap in at the back post. 4-1 to Monaghan after another well worked goal. Monaghans next attack Cian broke down the right once again and this time his cross found fullback Fionan O’Gallachoir who smashed a rocket of a volley, only to be denied by a fantastic save. 4-1 the scoreline at half time.

The second half kicked off as the first half finished with Monaghan dominating the early stages. The home side soon made it 5-1 when Josh Kelly and Aodhan Doyle worked the ball down the right hand side and found forward Cian Bradley-Gillespie, again he beat the defender and sent in a dangerous cross and just like the last goal, he found Tomas Galvin who fired home his hat-trick with a brilliant finish. Chances were few and far between for the away side but midway through the second half they broke through 1v1 with goalkeeper Ciaran Doyle, but their effort one goal was claimed by the Monaghan goalkeeper with a fine save. The game was nearly coming to an end but the home side showed no signs of slowing down. Eoin O’Hanlon made a mazy run down the left, he pulled the back to Patrick Treanor who smashed a shot from rang, the keeper saved the shot and then again saved the rebound from Cian Bradley-Gillespie. Monaghan nearly increased their lead when Tomas Galvin linked up with Cian Bradley-Gillespie before finding Patrick Treanor who was denied by the Cavan goalkeeper. The home side soon made it six when Patrick Treanor and Cian Bradley-Gillespie linked up down the right hand side, they reversed the ball into the centre finding Josh Kelly who slipped the ball towards Tomas Galvin who gave the goalkeeper the slip before firing home his fourth goal of the game, and his fifteenth goal of the season. And yet Monaghan still weren’t finished. Minutes before full time the ball fell to Josh Kelly who again slipped the ball through the Cavan defence, this time finding Jake McGeough who fired home his fifth goal of the season. Monaghan in seventh heaven as Josh Kelly ramped up his third assist of the game. There was still time for one more attack as Cian Bradley-Gillespie fired in a dangerous corner kick, Captain Patrick Treanor fired in a rocket of a header only to be denied on the line by a header from a Cavan defender. 7-1 the final scoreline as Monaghan ramped up one of the performances of the season.

There was a serious amount of players in the running for the award but Our Man of The Match award goes to Tomas Galvin who out in a fantastic display upfront for Monaghan capping a fine performance with 4 goals and an assist.

Monaghan’s United U-14’s Next Fixture to be Announced

Man of The Match: Tomas Galvin

Goals: Patrick Treanor, Tomas Galvin (4), Jake McGeough (2)

Team: Ciaran Doyle, Aodhan Doyle, Robin Pratt-Clarke, Aodhan McQuaid, Fionan O’Gallachoir, Patrick Treanor (C), Jake McGeough, Tomas Galvin, Josh Kelly, Eoin O’Hanlon, Cian Bradley-Gillespie

Managers: Conor Finnegan, Brian Finnegan

Match Report v Cootehill Harps (A) 17th Feb ’18

Monaghan United U-14s kicked off their ninth league game of the season away to a strong Cootehill Harps side.  The away side started the stronger of the two when forward Cian Bradley-Gillespie found the ball out wide, he played a one-two with Tomas Galvin before seeing his effort sail over the bar.  The tide soon turned as Cootehill started to battle for every ball, they were now dominating the game but couldn’t get in behind a defence of Blake Lees, Robin Pratt-Clarke, Aodhan McQuaid and Fionan O’Gallachoir.  Monaghan were struggling to get a foothold on the game but against the run of play they managed to take the lead.  Centre back Robin Pratt-Clarke fired in a deep freekick into the box and midfielder Tomas Galvin smashed the ball into the top corner of the net with a left footed volley.  A fantastic opening goal.  However, Cootehill attacked in numbers straight from the kick off and found themselves with a free kick just outside the penalty area.  Their midfielder came up and unleashed an unstoppable freekick into Monaghans net.  1-1 and game on.  Cootehill were again looking the better of the two sides and near went infront when they fired in a shot from long range, but goalkeeper Ciaran Doyle was on hand with a fine save.  Monaghan were now set up on the counter attack and went close to taken the lead when Fionan O’Gallachoir and Eoin O’Hanlon worked the ball to midfielder Josh Kelly who just struck wide from range.  Monaghan were now taking the upper hand with midfielders Patrick Treanor, Cian Brennan and Josh Kelly now taking a stronghold on the game.  Minutes before half time Monaghan went infront.  Again Robin Pratt-Clarke fired a long ball forward, Fionnan O’Braonian got the ball inside the box and tied up midfielder Cian Brennan who smashed the ball into the back of the net. 2-1 to Monaghan at half time.

Monaghan kicked off the second half looking to increase their lead as midfielder Cian Brennan went close with a long range free kick.  Cootehill upped the game and were starting to play some impressive football with Monaghan seeming to be second to every ball.  The away side were pegged back and had to opt for a counter attacking strategy as Cian Brennan broke forward down the right hand side, he found Fionnan O’Braonian who sent in a fantastic cross but no Monaghan player was able to get onto the end of it, in what was a great goalscoring chance.  From here on in the game was pretty much one sided as Cootehill grew in strength.  Their winger broke forward and unleashed an effort from wide which was going into the net only for a finger tip save from goalkeeper Ciaran Doyle.  Luck was not on Monaghans side however as Cootehill scored from the resulting corner kick.  Monaghan were now throwing everyone forward in search of a winner an near found one when Cian Brennan slipped the ball out wide to Eoin O’Hanlon, he found Tomas Galvin with the cross but Tomas’ effort sailed narrowly over the bar.  In the dying moments, Cootehill capitalised on Monaghans all out attack and broke forward themselves, firing in a goal sealing an impressive 3-2 victory as Monaghan slipped to their second league defeat of the season.

Our Man of The Match award goes to centre back Robin Pratt-Clarke who put in an impressive performance at the heart of the Monaghan back line, while also being heavily involved in both Monaghans goals.

Next Saturday (24th February) Monaghan United U-14’s host Cavan Celtic at home in Gortekeegan in the CMUL League. The club & management would like to ask all the parents and family members to come out and support the team.

Monaghan United U-14s management and players would also like to thank defender Cian Brennan for his three years with the team and we would like to wish him all the best in the future as he joins the Monaghan United Cavan FP under 15 Airtricity squad.

Man of The Match: Robin Pratt-Clarke

Goals: Tomas Galvin, Cian Brennan

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

Match Report v Cavan Celtic (A) 10th Feb ’18

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

Match Report v Cavan Shamrocks (A) 27th Jan ’18

Monaghan United U-14s kicked off their eighth league game of the season away to a strong Cavan Shamrocks side. It was the away side who started the strongest of the two when they tested goalkeeper Ciaran Doyle in the opening stages, but the Monaghan goalkeeper was on hand to deny them with a strong save. The game soon reserved on its head as Monaghan quickly upped their tempo with a midfield of Patrick Treanor, Cian Brennan and Fionnan O’Braonian starting to dominate possession. It was Monaghans first game without forward Lewis Brady who unfortunately will miss the rest of the season due to injury, but the away side were happy to welcome back last seasons top scorer Dylan O’Reilly back into the starting lineup. And it didnt take long before he had an influence on the game as he latched onto a Cian Brennan through ball, his shot stung the hands of the goalkeeper before his strike partner Cian Bradley-Gillespie followed up with a neat finish into the back of the net. 1-0 to the visitors. A front three of Tomas Galvin, Dylan O’Reilly and Cian Bradley-Gillespie were proving a real pain for the Cavan defence as they stretched them on numerous occasions and the three combined once again for Monaghans second. Dylan received the ball and drove from deep down the centre of the pitch, he slid the ball out wide to Tomas Galvin who cut back and sent in a low cross into the box, finding Cian Bradley-Gillespie, who fired the ball into the back of the net for his second goal of the day. Midway through the first half Monaghan were truely dominating the game as Cavan struggled to get in behind a defence of Blake Lees, Robin Pratt-Clarke, Fionan O’Gallachoir and new signing Aodhan McQuaid. In fact at times the home side were struggling to get the ball outside their own half as forward Cian Bradley-Gillespie chased down a backpass to the Cavan goalkeeper, the resulting keeper kick fell to Tomas Galvin who struck from range only to see his effort sail closely over the bar. As Monaghan defended a corner kick, Tomas Galvin cleared the ball, sending Cian Bradley-Gillespie through on goal only this time the Cavan goalkeeper was equal to the resulting shot. The away side kept on pressing and pressing for more goals and near found a third when new signing Aodhan McQuaid headed a Cian Bradley-Gillepsie corner only to see his header cleared off the line. United were desperate to extend their lead, and nearly done so when midfielder Josh Kelly received the ball out wide, his cross found forward Dylan O’Reilly who shot first time, but as the ball was destined for the back of the net the Cavan goalkeeper somehow managed to tap the ball over the crossbar for a corner kick. Dylan was denied once again as he headed in the resulting corner kick only to see his effort just about saved as half the ball crossed the goal line, another great save from the Cavan goalkeeper. 2-0 the halftime scoreline as Monaghan put in a dominating performance.

The second half kicked off at a much lower tempo than the first, but Monaghan still looked the stronger of the two teams as Patrick Treanor, Cian Brennan and Josh Kelly now had a strong hold on the game. Things were dampened for the away side when forward Dylan O’Reilly was taken off through injury, the team and management would like to wish him well and hope for a speedy recovery.  The home side were doing everything in their power to try and find a breakthrough, but Captain Patrick Treanor was putting in a defensive exhibition in midfield and was cleaning up anything that came his way. The tempo of the game started to pick up as Monaghan front three of Eoin O’Hanlon, Fionnan O’Braonian and Tomas Galvin were putting huge pressure on the Cavan defence barely giving them time to breath. Their pressure paid off when Tomas Galvin forced a mistake from the Shamrocks goalkeeper and laid the ball off to Josh Kelly who made no mistake in firing the ball into the back of the Cavan net. 3-0 to the visitors. Monaghan were not done just yet, Josh Kelly was again on hand as he read a kickout from the Cavan goalkeeper, he took the ball out of the air and laid it off to midfielder Fionnan O’Braonian who, when everyone thought he would pass it out to the right, reversed the ball to the left finding Cian Bradley-Gillespie in acres of space, allowing him to round off his hat-trick with a bottom corner finish. A wonderful piece of play from the three Monaghan men. Monaghan were unable to keep a clean sheet as the final attack of the game resulted in a Shamrocks goal, but it was the away side who left the pitch the happier after a strong team performance rounded off with some well worked team goals.

Our Man of The Match award goes to forward Cian Bradley-Gillespie, as he put in a fantastic performance, stretching the Cavan defence on a number of occasions and capping off his fine performance with 3 well taken goals.

Next Saturday (3rd February) Monaghan United U-14’s travel to Cavan Astro to play Cavan Celtic in the CMUL Cup. The club & management would like to ask all the parents and family members to come out and support the team.

Man of The Match: Cian Bradley-Gillespie

Goals: Cian Bradley-Gillespie, Josh Kelly

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, Dylan O’Reilly

Managers: Conor Finnegan, Brian Finnegan

Match Report v Carrick Rovers (H) 6th Jan ’18

In their seventh league match of season, Monaghan United U-14’s kicked off a top of the table clash with Carrick Rovers at home in Gortekeegan.  The game kicked off at a high tempo as both teams looked to find that vital opening goal.  But it was the away side who kicked off the stronger of the teams and they soon found themselves at an advantages when they broke through the Monaghan defence and fired themselves into the lead. Carrick were on a high and soon near doubled their lead as they agin broke through 1v1 with the Monaghan goalkeeper, only this time Ciaran Doyle stood tall to save the resulting shot. Monaghans defence was being put under a serious amount of pressure, with defenders Blake Lees, Robin Pratt-Clarke, Cian Brennan & Fionan O’Gallachoir being pushed to their limits, but Monaghans defence denied Carrick on a number of occasions. The home team began to fight back as midfielders Josh Kelly, Patrick Treanor and Tomas Galvin dug deep to keep possession.  Josh Kelly broke forward from deep and slipped the ball to midfielder Tomas Galvin who fired in a thunderous strike, forcing a fine save from the Carrick goalkeeper. A front three of Eoin O’Hanlon, Cian Bradley-Gillespie and Lewis Brady were doing all they could to stretch and get in behind the away sides defence, they managed to get in a number of times but a stubborn Carrick defence were defending very strongly and Monaghan were finding efforts on goal limited. Carrick were determined not to let Monaghan back into the game and soon found themselves testing the Monaghan goalkeeper once again, but again Ciaran Doyle saved.  The game was becoming an entertaining 50/50 battle as midfielder Jake McGeough drove from midfield and played through forward Lewis Brady, his shot nearly struck the back of the net, only for a fine save from the Carrick goalkeeper who tipped the ball over the bar.  Monaghan were proud to reintroduce forward Dylan O’Reilly back onto the field as he made his first appearance of the season after a long injury layoff.  It didn’t take long before he became a menace to Carrick as he stretched the Carrick defence, allowing Lewis Brady to break forward 1v1 with the goalkeeper, he opted to round the goalkeeper before seeing his effort hit the side netting.

The second half kicked off with Monaghan looking the stronger team as they looked to find an equalising goal.  They found it moments before half time when forward Dylan O’Reilly broke through the Carrick defence at pace, his shot seemed to have crossed the goal line but a defender cleared the ball up into the air, Dylan never gave up and struck the rebounding clearance into the back of the net with a fantastic overhead kick. 1-1 and game on.  The old saying “A team is most vulnerable when they have just scored?” came into play as Carrick barely gave Monaghan room to breath before they fired themselves back infront again.  The home side had it all to do once again and near found an equaliser when Dylan O’Reilly broke through 1v1 with the goalkeeper, but was denied by a strong save.  Carrick where given a chance to increase their lead when they where correctly awarded a penalty kick, in which they didn’t hesitate to smash into the back of the net.  The next chance of the game fell again to the away side as they continued to press, they broke through the Monaghan defence, but goalkeeper Ciaran Doyle was on hand to save the 1v1 chance.  United where now throwing everything they had to find away back into the game.  Defender Robin Pratt-Clarke fired in a long free kick which Tomas Galvin latched onto the end of, but his effort on goal was denied by another fine save.  But as Monaghan attacked, Carrick didn’t sit back and in a matter of minutes they scored two fine goals, increasing their advantage to 5 goals to 1.  The final chance of the game fell to the home side as they tried to salvage anything from the game when Fionnan O’Braonian broke through the Carrick defence on the right hand side, but the away sides goalkeeper was putting in a fine display and made another impressive save.  5-1 the final scoreline as Monaghan fell to their first league defeat of the season after a very impressive Carrick Rovers performance.

Our Man of The Match award goes to forward Dylan O’Reilly, who after a long injury layoff, came back with a sharp performance, rounding off his comeback with a brilliant overhead goal.

Monaghan’s United U-14’s Next Fixture to be Announced

Man of The Match: Dylan O’Reilly

Goals: Dylan O’Reilly

Team: Ciaran Doyle, Blake Lees, Robin Pratt-Clarke, Cian Brennan, Fionan O’Gallachoir, Patrick Treanor (C), Tomas Galvin, Josh Kelly, Jake McGeough, Eoin O’Hanlon, Fionnan O’Braonian, Lewis Brady, Cian Bradley-Gillespie, Dylan O’Reilly

Managers: Conor Finnegan, Brian Finnegan

Match Report v Cootehill Harps (A) 2nd Dec ’17

In the first round of the CMUL Cup, Monaghan United U-14s kicked off away to a strong Cootehill Harps side.  After an amazing start to the current campaign, the away side were able to keep up their impressive run as they put in a very strong dominating performance, rounding off a 5-2 victory with goals from Lewis Brady and Josh Kelly, with strong performances throughout the team.

The were a lot of contenders for the Man of the Match award as the players put in a strong team performance but our Man of The Match award goes to forward Lewis Brady as he capped off a fine performance with four wonderful goals.

Next Saturday (9th December) Monaghan United U-14’s host Cavan Celtic at home in Gortekeegan. The club & management would like to ask all the parents and family members to come out and support the team.

Man of The Match: Lewis Brady

Goals: Lewis Brady (4), Josh Kelly

Team: Ciaran Doyle, Blake Lees, Robin Pratt-Clarke, Cian Brennan, Fionan O’Gallachoir, Patrick Treanor (C), Tomas Galvin, Josh Kelly, Eoin O’Hanlon, Fionnan O’Braonian, Lewis Brady, Cian Bradley-Gillespie

Managers: Conor Finnegan, Brian Finnegan

Match Report v Cavan Shamrocks (H) 18th Nov ’17

In their sixth league match of the season, Monaghan United U-14’s kicked off against Cavan Shamrocks in Gortekeegan. It was the away side who looked like the inform team as Shamrocks were putting pressure on Monaghan right from the word go. As they were dominating possession, their tidy football was unable to break through a strong defence of Blake Lees, Robin Pratt-Clarke, Cian Brennan and Fionan O’Gallachoir. Monaghans first chance of the game came when forward Lewis Brady broke behind the Shamrocks defence down the right, he pulled the ball back to find midfielder Jake McGeough who fired narrowly wide from long range. Lewis was involved in Uniteds next chance as Captain Patrick Treanor picked up the ball and slipped through Lewis who was denied by the goalkeeper. The game was end to end but both teams were failing to find the deadlock as Shamrocks broke down the left before firing on goalkeeper Ciaran Doyle who continued his fine form with a strong save. Monaghan were sitting back and trying to use the space in behind to break forward at pace, Midfielder Tomas Galvin found the ball out wide and swung in a dangerous cross towards Lewis Brady who again was denied. Unlucky from the striker. Shamrocks were attacking a lot down the left hand side but were failing to gain any ground behind Robin Pratt-Clarke and Blake Lees as Blake won the ball and drove down the right wing. He slipped the ball forward to Fionnan O’Braonian, Fionnan beat the full back before firing in a dangerous cross into the box, it found fellow winger Cian Bradley-Gillespie who’s header was gathered by Shamrocks goalkeeper. A wonderful counter attack. The last chance of the game came when Cian Bradley-Gillespie fired in a deep corner, the ball fell to centre half Cian Brennan who smashed the ball over. 0-0 the halftime scoreline.

Monaghan started off the second half like wildfire as straight away substitute Eoin O’Hanlon beat two players down the middle before finding Tomas Galvin who struck narrowly wide. United’s tempo had hugely increased and it didn’t take long before the two combined once again as Eoin sent a long ball in behind the Shamrocks defence, Tomas Galvin picked up the ball and pulled it back to Lewis Brady, who showed that persistence pays off, and he rattled the back of the Shamrocks net. 1-0 to Monaghan. Monaghan soon nearly found a second when Cian Brennan won the ball and broke out from the defence, he found Lewis wise who sent in a dangerous cross but the Shamrocks goalkeeper sprinted out and claimed the ball before Cian Bradley-Gillespie could pull the trigger. Minutes later Josh Kelly played a long ball to Lewis Brady, this time he found Cian Bradley-Gillespie who’s shot was denied again by the Cavan keeper. Lewis was provider once again as he pulled the ball back to Tomas Galvin who’s shot sailed just over the bar. Monaghan were desperate for a second goal as they kept pressing and pressing when Josh Kelly broke down the left, he found Eoin O’Hanlon who fired wide. Cian Bradley-Gillespie was given 100% effort the hole match and he finally got what he deserved he made a diagonal run across the pitch, his run was found by a long ball from Cian Brennan, and he slipped the ball past the Shamrocks keeper for Monaghans well deserved second. In the dying moments of the game Captain Patrick Treanor won the ball and drove forward from deep. He was soon brought down for a free kick. Up stepped centre back Cian Brennan who rocketed the resulting free kick into the top left corner of the net. A wonderstrike that would be shown for many years if it was in the Premier League, as Monaghan ran out 3-0 winners maintaining their 100% league record, going three league games without conceding a goal. Onwards and Upwards as United march on!

The were a lot of contenders for the Man of the Match award as the players put in a strong team performance but our Man of The Match award goes to centre back Cian Brennan as he capped off a rock solid defensive performance with an assist and a top corner free kick.

Next Saturday (25th November) Monaghan United U-14’s host Cavan Celtic at home in Gortekeegan. The club & management would like to ask all the parents and family members to come out and support the team.

Man of The Match: Cian Brennan

Goals: Lewis Brady, Cian Bradley-Gillespie, Cian Brennan

Team: Ciaran Doyle, Blake Lees, Robin Pratt-Clarke, Cian Brennan, Fionan O’Gallachoir, Patrick Treanor (C),  Jake McGeough, Tomas Galvin, Josh Kelly, Eoin O’Hanlon, Fionnan O’Braonian, Lewis Brady, Cian Bradley-Gillespie

Managers: Conor Finnegan, Brian Finnegan

Match Report v Monaghan Town (A) 12th Nov ’17

In their fifth league match of the season, Monaghan United U-14’s kicked off against local rivals Monaghan Town in Gortekeegan. The game kicked off with the home team gaining the early possession quickly putting a defence of Blake Lees, Robin Pratt-Clarke, Cian Brennan and Fionan O’Gallachoir under pressure but they were struggling to get in behind the United defence as the away side defended very well under pressure. Monaghan Town were working the ball a lot down the left but a United right flank of Blake Lees and Fionnan O’Braonian were putting defensive a lot of pressure on the Town wingers, and Robin Pratt-Clarke cleared up any loose balls to clear any danger. The first chance of the game came when midfielder Jake McGeough won the ball from a Town kickout, he switched the play and found Tomas Galvin, Tomas slipped a defence splitting pass through to Cian Bradley-Gillespie who drew a fine save from the Monaghan Town goalkeeper. The game was a 50/50 battle and the away side were struggling to find any space in behind the Monaghan Town defence and this resulted in shooting from range as Jake McGeough won the ball and laid it off to Captain Patrick Treanor who unleashed Monaghan’s next effort on goal from outside the box, which just flew wide of the post. 0-0 the halftime scoreline as chances were few and far between.

The second half kicked off with Monaghan United starting to dominate, but the first chance fell to Monaghan Town when their winger broke through the United defence but goalkeeper Ciaran Doyle was quick off his line and pulled off a wonderful safe as the winger attempted to lob him. Chances were still few and far between but the left back Fionan O’Gallachoir decided to take matters into his own hands when he dribbled past two Town defenders before firing a cross into the Town box, his namesake Fionnan O’Braonian made a late run to the back post and volleyed home the first goal of the game. 1-0 to Monaghan United. The goal livened the game up and soon the tempo was raised. Monaghan Town broke down the right hand side and fired a dangerous ball into the box but as the ball was scrambled about, Robin Pratt-Clarke blocked the ball twice before clearing his lines. United retaliated and went straight up the pitch, Jake McGeough slipped the ball into Fionnan O’Braonian who was denied by a fine save. The next chance of the game also fell to Fionnan as he received a ball from Tomas Galvin, but was also denied a second goal. Things got nervy as Monaghan Town were correctly awarded a penalty kick but goalkeeper Ciaran Doyle was determined to keep a clean sheet as he save the spot kick before clearing the ball from danger. United were buzzing as the team ran to praise their goalkeeper. United were now more up for the game and moments later it showed when Cian Bradley-Gillespie fired in a dangerous corner kick, a defender attempted to clear the ball but the ball was directed towards centre back Cian Brennan who rose to head the ball into the roof of the net. 2-0 to Monaghan United. United nearly found a third with their next attack as Jake McGeough found Tomas Galvin who was denied by a strong save. Monaghans 5 man midfield were working very hard to force Monaghan Town from advancing and this proved vital when Captain Patrick Treanor won the ball on the right, he directed the ball into the centre of the pitch, finding Jake McGeough who neatly passed the ball from outside the box into the bottom corner of the net. A wonderful tidy strike from the midfielder as Monaghan Untied went 3-0 up. As the sun was setting and the game was coming to an end, Monaghan United were finding their second wind and kept pushing and pushing for more goals. Cian Bradley-Gillespie drilled in a deep cross finding forward Lewis Brady whos effort sailed narrowly wide. With the game coming to close Monaghan decided to swap Lewis Brady wide to utilise his pace and pushed Tomas Galvin into a forward role and in the last chance of the game the two combined when Lewis Burst down the right hand side, his cross found Tomas who tapped home Monaghan United fourth goal of the game. And thats how it ended as Monaghan United made it 5 league wins from 5 with a strong second half performance which capped a 4-0 victory for the away side.

The were a lot of contenders for the Man of the Match award as the players put in a strong team performance but our Man of The Match award goes to centre back Robin Pratt-Clarke as he put in a very strong defensive performance which was vital to the away side keeping a clean sheet.

Next Saturday (18th November) Monaghan United U-14’s host Cavan Shamrocks at home in Gortekeegan. 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: Fionnan O’Braonian, Cian Brennan, Jake McGeough, Tomas Galvin

Team: Ciaran Doyle, Blake Lees, Robin Pratt-Clarke, Cian Brennan, Fionan O’Gallachoir, Patrick Treanor (C),  Jake McGeough, Tomas Galvin, Fionnan O’Braonian, Lewis Brady, Cian Bradley-Gillespie

Managers: Conor Finnegan, Brian Finnegan

Match Report v Cappry Rovers (A) 29th Oct ’17

In the Ulster Semi-Final of the National Cup, Monaghan United U-14s hosted a very strong Cappry Rovers (Donegal) side at home in Gortekeegan.  Cappry had won the Ulster National Cup the previous year so came into the match with a very big reputation.  But it was the home side who started the stronger of the two as Monaghan looked to use attack as their best form of defence, as Eoin O’Hanlon, Lewis Brady and Dara McKenna looked to stretch the Cappry defence in the early stages.  Cappry had changed from their normal formation and added an extra man into midfield, and this was forcing midfielders Josh Kelly, Patrick Treanor and Tomas Galvin to work tirelessly in the middle of the park. The first chance of the game came when midfielder Tomas Galvin slipped a through ball through to striker Dara McKenna who tried to lob the goalkeeper only to see his effort sail narrowly over the bar.  Cappry found their second gear and soon upped the tempo of the game. Monaghans defence was being put under a serious amount of pressure, with defenders Blake Lees, Robin Pratt-Clarke, Cian Brennan & Fionan O’Gallachoir being pushed to their limits, but Monaghans defence denied Cappry on a number of occasions.  However, Cappry kept pressing and pressing and soon they managed they managed to find their breakthrough when they worked the ball through the homesides defence before slotting home.  The Donegal sides nerves were gone and they showed no signs of slowing down as they kept attacking Monaghan, they near found a second goal only to be denied by two fantastic saves by goalkeeper Ciaran Doyle.  Cappry kept a persistent attacking tactic as they kept pushing for a second and they soon found it when their midfielder broke forward and drilled a longe range shot into the roof of the net, showing exactly why he has be selected for the Irish Under 14s team.  Monaghan had to retaliate and soon started to up their tempo as midfielders Josh Kelly and Tomas Galvin continued to get on the ball and find our three forwards. 2-0 the halftime scoreline as Cappry put in a very impressive performance.

Monaghan had a big ask to do in the second half as they started the half at a very high pace.  Their hopes were soon shattered as Cappry broke forward on the counter attack and found their third goal of the game.  Monaghans heads were down and suddenly they nearly fell further behind only for a fingertip save by goalkeeper Ciaran Doyle.  Monaghan had no choice but to show some fighting spirit, midfielder Jake McGeough won the ball in midfield with a hard tackle and laid it off to Tomas Galvin, Tomas rocketed a shot at goal forcing a the Donegal goalkeeper to palm the ball out for a corner.  Monaghan were desperate to find a way back into the game and soon went close again when Tomas Galvin stroke once again from range, but his shot sailed wide.  On the left, Fionan O’Gallachoir, Josh Kelly and Cian Bradley-Gillespie were proving to be a nuisance in the Cappry side as they constantly attacked in the latter stages.  Josh received the ball from deep and slipped the ball to Cian Bradley-Gillespie, Cian attacked the end line before striking the ball across the six yard box, all it needed was a tap in, but no-one had arrived on the end of the ball.  The last chance of the game came when Fionnan O’Braonian won the ball and fired it forward, allowing Dara McKenna to burst down the right hand side of the pitch, he cut into the box before shooting from a tight angle, only to be denied by the crossbar.  3-0 the final scoreline as Cappry progress into the Ulster final of the National Cup, setting up a trilling counter against Carrick Rovers.

This weeks Man of The Match award goes to midfielder Josh Kelly as he worked tirelessly up and down the pitch, while also playing some very attractive football going forward.

Monaghans United U-14’s Next Fixture to be Announced

Man of The Match: Josh Kelly

Goals: N/A

Team: Ciaran Doyle, Blake Lees, Robin Pratt-Clarke, Cian Brennan, Fionan O’Gallachoir, Patrick Treanor (C), Josh Kelly, Jake McGeough, Tomas Galvin, Fionnan O’Braonian, Lewis Brady, Cian Bradley-Gillespie, Eoin O’Hanlon, Dara McKenna

Managers: Conor Finnegan, Brian Finnegan