Monaghan United -v- Bray Wanderers

MONAGHAN UNITED
Monaghan United go into Friday’s game against Bray Wanderers in Gortakeegan buoyed by their first win of the season.  It was a confidence boosting display by United in their win last Friday away to Bohemians in a game where they were reduced to ten men in just the third minute of the match.  Chris Bennion’s red card means that he is suspended for Friday’s game.  Michael Schlingerman will start following his fine display in Dalymount Park after coming off the bench when Bennion was sent off.

“I couldn’t ask for a better performance than that which I witnessed from our side last weekend,” said Monaghan manager Roddy Collins speaking to monaghanunited.tv.  “It was a tough call to play all but three minutes of the game with only 10 men in a cauldron that is Dalymount Park against a side of the calibre of Bohemians. If there is one player you don’t want to lose it is definitely your keeper, but we were fortunate to have such an excellent back up in Michael Schlingermann.  He demonstrated his skills with a couple of top drawer saves.”

Willo McDonagh returns for the home side after missing last week’s game due to suspension.  Alan Byrne and Aidan Collins are also available for selection following recent fitness issues.  “Both Alan Byrne and Aidan Collins have made good recoveries,” said Collins.  “Although I still don’t have a complete squad to select from, nevertheless it is probably the strongest it has been since the start of the season.  Again the lads were going very well in training during the week.”

Jason Marks scored the Magic Mons’ winner last Friday with just three minutes remaining in the match much to the delight of the team, travelling fans and manager Roddy Collins. “I have had some great evenings in Dalymount but last Friday’s is up there with the best of them,” admitted Collins. “It was great to see such an excellent turn out of Mons supporters who remained so vocal in their encouragement right throughout the game.” Collins was in flying form in his post-match interview with extratime.ie and even broke into song in celebration in a video now watched over 14,000 times on youtube (see here). 

BRAY WANDERERS
Bray Wanderers conceded two second half goals last Friday to prevent them picking up all three points against champions Shamrock Rovers.  Away to Monaghan this Friday night, they will be looking to build on a fine first half performance where their crisp passing and dynamic movement created a number of chances.  Kieran ‘Marty’ Waters converted two of those chances in a man-of-the-match display.  Bray couldn’t hold out for the win though, conceding the equaliser with just eight minutes remaining in the game.

Bray's Director of Football Pat Devlin was very happy with his team’s display at home to Rovers.  "It was a very good performance, but we didn't just hold out,” said Devlin of the 2-2 draw.  “I have to be pleased with what the lads are doing, we just need to get over the line.”

Whilst last week Bray got a draw against the champions, this week they face bottom side Monaghan.  Bray have a good recent record against United and will be keen to at the very least avoid defeat so that they can ensure they stay above Monaghan in the table.  "It will be a different game in Monaghan.  It's always difficult there, it's never easy against Monaghan and we can expect the same on Friday, we are looking forward to it".

MATCH STATS
The sides last met back in 2010 when both games ended in stalemates.  The sides played out a 0-0 draw in Gortakeegan and a 1-1 draw at the Carlisle Grounds.

Monaghan United have failed to get a win against Bray in their last six meetings.  Wanderers have won four games alongside two draws. 

This game is bottom (Monaghan) v second from bottom (Bray) with both teams on five points having won just one game each this season.  Monaghan’s win came over Bray last Friday while Bray’s only win was away from home against UCD back in mid-March.

BETTING
Monaghan United 6/4; Draw 11/5; Bray Wanderers 7/4.

PREDICTION
Don’t think Roddy Collins will be singing after this game. 1-1 draw.

Monaghan United Injury News:  Alan Byrne, John Reilly, Gareth O' Connor.

Monaghan United Suspension News: Chris Bennion, Keith Quinn.

Bray Wanderers Injury News: Shane O'Connor, Stephen Brennan.

Bray Wanderers Suspension News: None.