Salthill Devon -v- Monaghan United

• Simon O'Gorman
• Mon, Oct 11 2010


Salthill Devon continue their battle to get away from the foot of the table while Monaghan United resume their pursuit of promotion when the two teams meet in a re-arranged Airtricity First Division fixture at Drom on Monday night. (Kick off, 7.45pm)

Salthill, currently four points adrift at the foot of the table, have a monumental task on their hands if they are to avoid the end of season relegation play-off. The Galway club suffered a big blow to their hopes of survival when they lost to Mervue United last weekend but, with three of their remaining games to be played at the Drom complex, manager Emlyn Long believes his side are still in with a chance.

“A four point gap with four games to play may sound like a big ask but the belief is still there among the squad, the hunger is still there.”

Long will be without first choice ‘keeper Ronan Ford who is suffering from a persistent back injury but striker Mikey Gilmore should be fit enough to take his place in the starting eleven. He will, however, be missing Daryl Horgan who is still away with the Republic of Ireland U-19 side.

Monaghan United, meanwhile, must put Saturday’s defeat to Cork City at Turners Cross behind them. Victory at Drom would place them just one point behind Division leaders Derry City and with a ‘last day of the season’ clash against the Candystripes in the offing, they know that automatic promotion to the Premier Division is still in their own hands.

“We know what we have to do”, said Mons boss Mick Cooke. “We have defeated all of our remaining opponents already this season so with the right focus and mindset we can do it again.”

Cooke has a fully fit squad to choose from but knows that, despite their lowly position, Salthill Devon offer a genuine test. “Salthill won’t rollover. They showed a remarkable improvement in their second game against us. It is their first season in the League and they did well in the big step up so it would be a fatal mistake to under estimate them.”

The defeat in Cork brought Monaghan’s run of five straight league victories to an end but, with a squad that have scored 55 times in the league this season, Mons fans will be confident of breaching a Salthill back line that have conceded on 73 occasions.

Salthill Devon
Injured: Ronan Forde.
Doubtful: None.
Unavailable: Daryl Horgan (U/19 International duty).
Suspended: None.

Monaghan United
Injured: None.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.

Extratime Prediction: A 2-0 win for Monaghan.