Credit:
Monaghan United -v- Waterford United
- Brendan White
- Fri, Oct 01 2010
A pivotal moment in the First Division promotion race could take place on Friday night as Monaghan United welcome Waterford United to Gortakeegan in a vitally important clash. Kick-off 8pm. Second and third place in the First Division, both sides will be out for a win to keep the pressure on league leaders Derry City.
Last weekend saw Monaghan United lose their second game in a row to Premier Division Sligo Rovers in the final of the EA Sports Cup 1-0, having lost 3-0 the previous weekend in the FAI Cup. Monaghan’s last league defeat was on August 13th against Shelbourne, but went on to win the next six games.
For Waterford United, last Friday’s 3-0 comprehensive win against Limerick put the Blues firmly back in the race for promotion. Two goals from Liam Kearney and one for Willie John Kiely put an end to a poor Limerick challenge.
Coming into the business end of the season, Monaghan United manager Mick Cooke knows the importance of the game, and the five more to follow.
“On Friday we have the first of what I regard as six cup finals, at only a point behind us Waterford United are breathing down our necks, a win would also rein in present leaders Derry City. With a very comprehensive win against Limerick last weekend Waterford United are definitely on form. The previous outings between the sides were close and we were fortunately to have the advantage of the winning goal each time.”
Monaghan have no injuries or suspensions for the game.
Waterford United manager Stephen Henderson believes that his side have what it takes to beat Monaghan, something his side have failed to do on both occasions this season so far.
“We’re well capable of beating Monaghan”, Waterford United manager Stephen Henderson told Extratime, “once the lads believe that then we’ll give a good account of ourselves. We’ll train well for it, if we beat them we’ll go ahead of them even though they have a game in hand. Psychologically that’ll be a big boost for us to go and beat Monaghan.
Timmy Purcell is the only injury concern for Waterford United having been withdrawn at half-time against Limerick.
Venue: Gortakeegan
Referee: P. Caschera
paddypower.com odds: Monaghan United 13/10 Draw 11/5 Waterford United 17/10
Monaghan United
Doubtful: None
Injured: None
Suspended: None
Waterford United
Doubtful: Timmy Purcell
Injured: None
Suspended: None
Extratime.ie Prediction: 1-1. Both sides are in excellent league form and this will be a very close one.
About Brendan White
Brendan White is Extratime News Editor and is responsible for the news section of Extratime.ie. Brendan also covers matches in Dublin and Waterford. You can contact Brendan on twitter @whitebrendan.