Monaghan United FC -v- Mervue United FC
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Monaghan United will be looking to finally get off the ground when they welcome Mervue United to Kingspan Century Park on Friday night (kick-off 8pm) after a disappointing start to the campaign following a pre-season which promised so much.
One point apiece
Both sides have garnered just one point from their opening three games, however, Mervue will be buoyed by their performance against Finn Harps last week, where they led up until the final seconds of the game. Monaghan have had a tough fixture list so far and should view this game as an ideal way to kick start their campaign.
Winless ways
Mons started with a hard fought draw at Longford Town, which saw them trail 3-0 after 13 minutes before staging a remarkable comeback. However, since then, they have hosted Shelbourne and visited UCD, losing both games without scoring. Mervue too started badly, and it looked like the First Division may be a step too far for the Galway club following losses to Athlone (0-1) and, more convincingly, Limerick (1-4). However, their display against Harps was highly encouraging and should give them the belief that they can do it at this level.
'Tough place'
Mervue manager Johnny Glynn is expecting a very tough encounter against a very experienced Monaghan side, who he sees as genuine promotion contenders. "Monaghan has been a tough place to get points from down through the years," Glynn said, "but the experience of such a challenge is vital to our squad’s development."
Mervue depleted
Monaghan should have a full squad to choose from. Mervue, however, travel without a number of key players. David O'Dowd is suspended, Noel McDonnell and Nigel Keady are both injured, while goalkeeper Ryan Griffin and midfielder Nicky Curran are both only rated 50/50 to start.
extratime.ie prediction: Monaghan United to win 2-0.
One point apiece
Both sides have garnered just one point from their opening three games, however, Mervue will be buoyed by their performance against Finn Harps last week, where they led up until the final seconds of the game. Monaghan have had a tough fixture list so far and should view this game as an ideal way to kick start their campaign.
Winless ways
Mons started with a hard fought draw at Longford Town, which saw them trail 3-0 after 13 minutes before staging a remarkable comeback. However, since then, they have hosted Shelbourne and visited UCD, losing both games without scoring. Mervue too started badly, and it looked like the First Division may be a step too far for the Galway club following losses to Athlone (0-1) and, more convincingly, Limerick (1-4). However, their display against Harps was highly encouraging and should give them the belief that they can do it at this level.
'Tough place'
Mervue manager Johnny Glynn is expecting a very tough encounter against a very experienced Monaghan side, who he sees as genuine promotion contenders. "Monaghan has been a tough place to get points from down through the years," Glynn said, "but the experience of such a challenge is vital to our squad’s development."
Mervue depleted
Monaghan should have a full squad to choose from. Mervue, however, travel without a number of key players. David O'Dowd is suspended, Noel McDonnell and Nigel Keady are both injured, while goalkeeper Ryan Griffin and midfielder Nicky Curran are both only rated 50/50 to start.
extratime.ie prediction: Monaghan United to win 2-0.
About Gordon Hunt
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