- Fintan Cassidy
- Sat, Mar 22 2008
Kingspan Century Park has been a bad hunting ground for Shelbourne of late, with the Reds losing both of their games there last season, by four goals to nil in June followed by a single goal defeat in October. Last night was no better for the visitors, with the Mons holding out for another one nil victory, which lifted them to second in the table, on the night, behind Sporting Fingal.
Dermot Keely made two changes to his side which comfortably beat Kildare County last weekend. Mark Rutherford came in instead of Robbie Hedderman at left full, while James Chambers lost out to Alan Mulcahy on the right wing.
The game was only eight minutes old when Rutherford fouled James Maher close to right-hand touchline 25 yards out. James Hand floated the ball across the area with the strong breeze carrying it on. Six foot plus right back,Paul Whelan, rose unchallenged to head the ball past the diving Delaney into the net.
Shelbourne tried hard to get back on terms but struggled to find that final pass to unlock the home defence. Anto ‘Bisto’ Flood probably had the best chance for the Reds after twenty minutes, when he took a pass directly in front of goals. However, he got no power into his shot and Brendan Kennedy easily gathered. A bad mistake by centre half Alan Keely almost let the home side in for a second goal, but Alan Murphy was on hand to cover for him
The large and vocal travelling Shelbourne support who easily outnumbered the locals, might have expected to see their team effect a major turnabout in the second half, with the wind behind them, but it was the Mons who looked the more threatening with the Shels midfield marked absent. Just after the hour mark, manager Keely made two changes which really brought them back into the game. James Chambers and Philly Hughes introduced a sense of urgency and hard work into their team as they pushed hard to find an equaliser. Chambers himself went close a couple of times while Keddy and McGill also might have scored.
Both sides were reduced to ten men when McCrossan scythed down Rutherford with a horrendous studs-up tackle. O’Halloran joined him for an early shower, having gotten involved in the ensuing ‘afters’. With all three subs used Rutherford had to come back on the pitch having received treatment for almost five minutes. The visitors continued to seek a leveller, with centre half Alan Byrne - on for Alan Keely after the break - pushing up to form a three man attack. However, United held firm, to once again rule the roost over the Reds.
Monaghan United: Brendan Kennedy; Paul Whelan, Brian Gartland, Aaron Mooney, Ian Malone; Stephen McCrossan. Dom Tierney, Ian Maher, Eoin Lanigan (Robbie Collins 62), Darren Meenan (Wayne Byrne 81); James Hand (Philip Sheppard 66).
Subs not used: Danny Woods, Darragh Hanaphy.
Sent Off: McCrossan (83).
Shelbourne: Dean Delany; Alan Murphy, Alan Keely (Alan Byrne 46), Damien Brennan, Mark Rutherford; Alan Mulcahy (James Chambers 60), David McGill, Greg O'Halloran, James Keddy; Anto Flood, David Freeman (Philip Hughes 60).
Subs not used: John McGuinness, Mark O'Brien.
Sent Off: O'Halloran (83).
Referee: Neil Doyle.
