Preview: Monaghan United vs Kildare County

• Keith Wallace
• Fri, May 23 2008




Monaghan United will be out for revenge this weekend when they entertain Kildare County at Kingspan Century Park on Friday evening (kick-off 8pm). United suffered an embarrassing 4-0 defeat at the hands of County in a re-arranged fixture just three weeks ago. The Mons replied to that defeat with two good draws away to Limerick 37 and at home to Dundalk, however, their run was stopped by leaders Shelbourne on Tuesday night as they suffered a 2-0 loss at Tolka Park.

“I was disappointed not to have taken a point against Shelbourne,” Monaghan manager Mick Cooke said. “However, our lads played with great determination and commitment and we were unlucky not to get on the score sheet in either half. I am looking forward to tomorrow’s meeting with Kildare. Each and everyone of the team want to make up for the terrible result against them in Newbridge earlier this month. We generally have done well at home against them. Our aim is to collect all three points.”

Kildare, for their part, have recovered somewhat in recent weeks after a disastrous start to the season. However, good home wins over Monaghan and Wexford Youths have been tempered by terrible away results - including a 6-0 battering in Dundalk and a 5-0 trouncing at Shels. John Ryan’s troops have yet to win on the road this season in six attempts, however, they will fancy their chances here. Monaghan have been in superb form against the top four at home as they have beaten both Shels and Sporting Fingal and held Dundalk to a draw. However, their indifferent moods have been shown by home losses to Wexford and Athlone Town.

Team News: Monaghan will be able to welcome back right-back Paul Whelan, after he missed Tuesday’s loss at Shels through an automatic one-match ban. Brendan Kennedy and Brian Gartland are also available now after recovering from injury, meaning that Mick Cooke will have a full panel to choose from. Kildare team news to follow.