Credit:
Monaghan United -v- Longford Town
- Extratime Team
- Thu, Mar 11 2010
Monaghan United host their first home game of the season on Friday night as they welcome Longford United to Century Homes Park (kick off 8pm). The Mons come into this fixture on the back of a solid 1-1 draw against Shelbourne. Having taken an early lead in Tolka Park, manager Mick Cooke believes his side should have left Dublin with all three points.
“I came away from last week’s game disappointed in not having achieved a victory. We took a deserved lead and were unfortunate to have what looked like a very legitimate goal from Philly Hughes ruled off side, had that goal stood I believe we would have closed Shelbourne out of a game that we by and large controlled.”
With the exception of Shane Grimes, Cooke will have a full panel to select from and he is confident that his side can achieve victory.
“I will be disappointed if we can’t kick off the season at home with a home win. Our squad is almost at full strength; Shane Grime was unfortunate to pick up an injury that will see him out for the next few games.”
Longford Town come into the game with three points after a 3-2 win over Finn Harps last Saturday. Manager Tony Cousins will be happy that his team turned a 1-0 half time deficit into a 3-1 lead before conceding a late consolation.
Cousins will have to plan without the services of John Lester and Chris Deans who are both suspended. Aaron Shanahan is available for selection having missed last week’s opener.
Venue: Century Homes Park, Monaghan
Referee: R Rogers
Paddypower.com Odds: Monaghan United evens, Draw 11/5, Longford Town 23/10
Monaghan United
Injured: Shane Grimes
Doubtful: none
Suspended: Barry Clancy
Longford Town
Injured: none
Doubtful: none
Suspended: John Lester, Chris Deans
Prediction: 2-1
