Monaghan United -v- Finn Harps
Credit:
Monaghan United welcome Finn Harps to Gortakeegan this Friday evening
as fifth take on sixth in the league table.
Monaghan are so far unbeaten this season after two draws from their opening two games. Mons drew 1-1 with Shelbourne in Tolka Park in the opening game of the new season. Their first home game also ended in a draw, this time 2-2 against Longford Town.
Barry Clancy returns from suspension for Monaghan while Karl Bermingham returns from injury. Shane Grimes remains out injured but they have no other injury worries ahead of the game.
“On the positive side after two opening games we are unbeaten but I am disappointed that we don’t go into Fridays game on the back of two wins”, Manager Mick Cooke said.
“Again being positive we created some very good scoring opportunities and I believe that as the season progresses that we will convert such chances, we have the players capable of doing so. Our opponents this evening Finn Harps were a side that we did well against last season, but any points gained against them will be much more difficult.”
Finn Harps come into the game following a 2-0 victory against Salthill Devon last weekend. Their opening game of the new campaign was a 3-2 defeat to Longford Town.
Tommy Bonner (shin), Chris McBride (thigh strain) and Aaron O’Hagan (knee) have returned to training but may not be fit in time for the match. Kevin McHugh and Oisin McMenamin (both knee) are also doubtful for the game.
“I wasn't pleased with the first half and I let them know that at half-time, but they weren't pleased themselves”, boss James Gallagher said following last week’s 2-0 win. “As a player you don't need someone to tell you that, but that's my job. It was disappointing because you want them to do well, especially in their first home game and in front of a decent crowd.”
“Last year we had a disappointing record against Monaghan and some of the players returning to the club were surprised that we had lost all three games against them – something that had been unheard of in previous years”, Gallagher said. “Mick Cooke will have them well organised and they have a squad of decent, steady players who don’t have any real weak links in their team. We’ll have a good go at them and it is important that we start well and not let them control the game from the off.”
Monaghan United
Injured: Shane Grimes
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
Finn Harps
Injured: None
Doubtful: Tommy Bonner, Chris McBride, Aaron O’Hagan, Kevin McHugh, Oisin McMenamin.
Suspended: None.
Referee: C. Fitzgerald
Paddypower.com odds: Monaghan United 10/11 Draw 11/5 Finn Harps 13/5
Extratime.ie prediction: Monaghan to have too much for Finn Harps. 2-1.
Monaghan are so far unbeaten this season after two draws from their opening two games. Mons drew 1-1 with Shelbourne in Tolka Park in the opening game of the new season. Their first home game also ended in a draw, this time 2-2 against Longford Town.
Barry Clancy returns from suspension for Monaghan while Karl Bermingham returns from injury. Shane Grimes remains out injured but they have no other injury worries ahead of the game.
“On the positive side after two opening games we are unbeaten but I am disappointed that we don’t go into Fridays game on the back of two wins”, Manager Mick Cooke said.
“Again being positive we created some very good scoring opportunities and I believe that as the season progresses that we will convert such chances, we have the players capable of doing so. Our opponents this evening Finn Harps were a side that we did well against last season, but any points gained against them will be much more difficult.”
Finn Harps come into the game following a 2-0 victory against Salthill Devon last weekend. Their opening game of the new campaign was a 3-2 defeat to Longford Town.
Tommy Bonner (shin), Chris McBride (thigh strain) and Aaron O’Hagan (knee) have returned to training but may not be fit in time for the match. Kevin McHugh and Oisin McMenamin (both knee) are also doubtful for the game.
“I wasn't pleased with the first half and I let them know that at half-time, but they weren't pleased themselves”, boss James Gallagher said following last week’s 2-0 win. “As a player you don't need someone to tell you that, but that's my job. It was disappointing because you want them to do well, especially in their first home game and in front of a decent crowd.”
“Last year we had a disappointing record against Monaghan and some of the players returning to the club were surprised that we had lost all three games against them – something that had been unheard of in previous years”, Gallagher said. “Mick Cooke will have them well organised and they have a squad of decent, steady players who don’t have any real weak links in their team. We’ll have a good go at them and it is important that we start well and not let them control the game from the off.”
Monaghan United
Injured: Shane Grimes
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
Finn Harps
Injured: None
Doubtful: Tommy Bonner, Chris McBride, Aaron O’Hagan, Kevin McHugh, Oisin McMenamin.
Suspended: None.
Referee: C. Fitzgerald
Paddypower.com odds: Monaghan United 10/11 Draw 11/5 Finn Harps 13/5
Extratime.ie prediction: Monaghan to have too much for Finn Harps. 2-1.
About Brendan White
Brendan White is Extratime News Editor and is responsible for the news section of Extratime.ie. Brendan also covers matches in Dublin and Waterford. You can contact Brendan on twitter @whitebrendan. View Full Profile