Monaghan United 1 - 4 Derry City

The nightmare of last Saturday’s Setanta Cup Final defeat was erased from Derry City’s memories with a comprehensive 4-1 victory over Monaghan United in Gortakeegan. 

Those watching the game may have been disappointed by the lack of excitement in a rather dull first half but they were in for a treat in the 2^nd half, particularly the last seven minutes of the game.

Derry were the stronger of the sides for most of the game but were unable to score until the 55^th minute when David McDaid took full advantage of a confused Monaghan United defence to put the ball beyond Michael Schlingermann in the Mons goals.  This spurred Derry on and they started to create more and more chances for themselves as time ran on. 

Monaghan United were not completely out of the game however and some changes to personnel seemed to inject new vigour in the team. Darragh Reynor came very close to scoring but sent the ball over the bar just after the game had restarted from half time.

United put some pressure on Derry with Gerard Doherty being forced into pulling off a save from Conor Murphy who was dangerous for most of the game.  Substitute Daniel McGuinness was also a constant threat when he came on and in the 82^nd minute he did well to have his shot on target but Gerard Doherty had it covered.

Moments later McGuinness was the orchestrator of United’s closest chance when his fine shot deflected off Dermot McCaffrey and hit the inside of the corner of the crossbar and spun out. 

The 84^th minute saw the start of a goal deluge that would last until the dying seconds of the game.  Derry’s Stephen McLaughlin put his side well into the driving seat with team mate Patrick McEleney making it three nil five minutes later with a contender for goal of the season. 

The game was not over however as Monaghan United found themselves with a glimmer of hope when Conor Murphy clawed one back in the 90^th minute but this flicker was quelled in extra time with Rory Patterson making it 4-1 in the 92^nd minute.

Monaghan United: Michael Schlingermann; Conor McMahon, Aidan Collins (Daniel McGuinness 57), Shaun Maher (Darragh Reynor 46), Roddy Collins; Bobby Ryan, Stephen Maher, Jordan Keegan, Jason Marks; Owen Humphrey (Tony Griffiths 55), Conor Murphy. 

Subs not used: Chris Bennion, Gareth O’Connor, Shane Dunne, Cillian Corcoran.

Bookings: Shaun Maher (20, C Murphy (63).

Derry City:  Gerard Doherty; Simon Madden, Dermot McCaffrey, Ryan McBride, Shane McEleney; Ruaidhri Higgins, Patrick McEleney, Owen Morrison (Brian McGroary 75), Rory Patterson; David McDaid, Stephen McLaughlin. 

Subs not used: Eugene Ferry, Eddie McCallion, Matthew Crossan, Ryan Curran, Michael Barr, Caoimhin Bonner.

Bookings: Morrison (73).

Referee: Derek Tomney.