Waterford United 1-1 Monaghan United

Waterford United and Monaghan shared the points last night at the RSC, in an entertaining one all draw. Both sides had chances to win the game, but it will be Monaghan who will feel as if the three points were there for their taking.

A major cock up in the Monaghan defense gifted Waterford a goal after twenty five minutes. Dave Warren hit a hopeful ball over the top from deep inside his own half, aimed in the general direction of Karl Bermingham. Danny Woods came racing out of his box, perhaps unnecessarily, and his headed clearance struck defender Conor McMahon, before falling kindly for Bermingham, who finished easily from seven yards into the open goal.

It was unfortunate for McMahon, as he didn’t put a foot wrong during the game. He excelled defensively and was an asset carrying the ball into midfield and starting attacks for his side. Prior to that, neither side had created any clear cut openings. Monaghan had the better of the play, but were limited to two long range efforts – from Dom Tierney and Sean Brennan, both of which had sailed harmlessly over the bar.

It had been obvious after the first couple minutes of play that winger Sean Brennan easily had the beating of Stephen Quigley. The former Dundalk full back was caught hopelessly out of position on more than one occasion – and Monaghan really should have taken advantage.

Vinny Sullivan came close to extending the home sides lead five minutes before the break. Bermingham and Robbie Clarke combined well on the left, with the full back putting a dangerous ball into the box from the by-line. Sullivan lost his marker with a dart to the near post, but his glanced header went narrowly wide of the back upright.

Quigley’s night went from bad to worse, when early in the second half he was issued with a straight red card for a lunge on ex Kildare player Barry Clancy. Clancy then returned from treatment on the sideline just in time to play a part in Monaghans equaliser. Brian Gartland managed to get a cross in from the right, which Clancy retrieved at the back post, just as it looked like it was about to go out of play. Darragh Hanaphy didn’t have much room in the box, but he turned smartly and finished clinically from eight yards with a powerfully driven shot.

Warren's part in the goal was to be his only noteworthy involvement in the game. He left the action just after the hour mark, making way for Dave Grincell. The young striker from Kilkenny nearly made an immediate impact. He latched on to a through ball from Kevin Watters, but shot straight at Woods. Brennan was still looking lively for the visitors. He tested Packie Holden with a low drive midway through the half.

Gareth Cronin made the foolhardy decision to go 3-4-3 shortly after Quigley had been dismissed. It left his side extremely short at the back when Monaghan looked to counter attack. On one such occasion substitute Eoin Lannigan found himself in a great position on the edge of the box, but his half hearted effort cleared the crossbar with ease.

Sullivan should have again got his name on the score sheet in the final quarter of the game. Waters provided the cross this time, but at the back post from a favourable angle, the striker somehow conspired to head well wide of the post.

Centre back David Breen kept his side in the game with a last ditch tackle on Lannigan nine minutes from time. Then it was Holdens turn to be the hero, saving point blank from Brennan, and then a minute later denying the former Drogheda Town man again. Woods lost the plot on two further occasions in the final five minutes, but his defenders held firm and made sure his antics didnt have any further bearing on the score.

Waterford United: Packie Holden; Stephen Quigley, David Breen, Kenny Browne, Robbie Clarke; Dave Warren (David Grincell 64), John Hayes (Fitzgerald 56), Kevin Waters, Michael Foley; Vinny Sullivan (Willie John Kiely 88), Karl Bermingham.
Subs not used: Ben Spicer, Gary Dunphy.

Sent Off: Quigley (49).

Monaghan United: Danny Woods; Paul Whelan, Conor McMahon, Aaron Mooney, Barry Clancy; Sean Brennan, Dom Tierney, Brian Gartland, Stephen McCrossan; Darragh Hanaphy (Eoin Lanigan 69), Cathal O'Connor (Kieran Reilly 75).
Subs not used: Ronan McGann, Kevin Williamson, James Hand.

Referee: Neil Doyle.