Limerick 37 vs Monaghan United

• David Byrne
• Thu, Sep 18 2008




Limerick 37 will look to bounce back to winning ways when they host their rivals for fifth place at Jackman Park on Friday (kick-off 7:45pm). Mike Kerley’s young side will have taken a lot of positives from last Friday’s game against Shelbourne despite their 2-1 defeat against the Dublin side. Limerick battled away to the final whistle and despite the defeat, Kerley’s side will be confident going in Friday’s clash with Monaghan as they continue to rebuild for next season.

Meanwhile, Monaghan United will be in a confident mood when they travel south to play Limerick after a morale boosting 1-1 draw away to Waterford United last weekend. Mick Cooke’s side still have their ambitions set on fifth spot which Limerick currently occupy, so a result in Jackman Park will be a huge boost to Monaghan. The fact that Monaghan manager Mick Cooke was disappointed with an away draw against title chasers Waterford shows how far he has brought the ambitious club forward.

Both sides will be playing for fifth place for the rest of the season and although it is not a promotion or play-off place it would be a huge confidence boost for both sides as they build towards next season.

Kick-off is at 7:45pm at Jackman Park.

Limerick 37 Team News: Limerick are still without defender Jamie Wunsch who is suffering from a hamstring injury he received in Waterford but goalkeeper Brian Collopy returns to the squad after a hamstring injury. Other than that, Mike Kerley has a nearly fully fit squad to choose from for Friday’s clash with Monaghan, with Paul Walshe the only doubtful due to illness.

Monaghan United Team News: Mick Cooke’s side have no suspension worries but goalkeeper Brendan Kennedy and striker David Scully are still out through injury, otherwise Monaghan have a full squad to pick from.

Extratime Prediction: Limerick are clear favourites with the bookies at 8/11 with a draw at 23/10 while Monaghan are priced at 7/2. I am going to agree with the bookies and go for a 2-0 win for Limerick.