Monaghan United -v- Everton

• Aidan Farrelly
• Fri, Jun 03 2011


Last year’s Quarter finalists Monaghan United play host to Cork based Everton in the third round of this year’s FAI Ford Cup on Friday (Kick off 8.00pm). Roddy Collins will take nothing for granted in the potentially tricky tie, as he plans to start his strongest eleven in the hope of progressing to the next round.

United will have to line out without Conor McMahon however, having suffered a leg fracture during his side’s 1-0 victory over Finn Harps on Monday last. Apart from McMahon, Collins will have an almost full strength squad to choose from in their quest to surpass last year’s place in the final eight.

Speaking ahead of the tie Collins, who has guided Monaghan to four wins in their last five outings, is weary of his side labelled with the ‘favourites’ tag in cup encounters.

“From my time in Cork I am familiar with the club, founded over 50 years ago they have a good history especially in underage football .Everton are fortunate in having a good catchment area especially around Togher to recruit in. Everton will go into this game wearing the under dogs tag, they will play for the pride of the club and jersey; with nothing to lose they can afford to give it a lash. Like all managers I detest the title of ‘favourites’, cup competitions are littered with the skeletons of such creatures.

“We got the required result but not the entertaining football especially in the first half that the fans would have liked to see against Finn Harps. It was obvious that the Donegal side came on a containment mission. It is very hard to play attractive attacking football against such tactics, however I always felt comfortable and they never put us under any serious threat. The goal coming just before half time set us up nicely for the second half. The second 45 minutes was much more entertaining and again the winning margin didn't flatter us.

“Conor Mc. Mahon was unfortunate to pick up a leg injury, thankfully it is not as bad as we first feared, I wish him a speedy recovery. The team is gelling well and there is a great spirit of comradery in the dressing room. I am looking forward to this game. Cup ties always have their own magic and can throw up the occasional surprise – though we don’t need one this evening. With a strong panel available to me I will be taking nothing for granted and will be sending out my strongest eleven”.

Whilst cup competitions are known for giant killings, United should have the advantage in skill and experience, and should progress to the next round without too much trouble. And this is just the way Everton will want it, hoping the underdogs prevail and continue their run in this year’s FAI Ford Cup continuous to blossom.

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

Everton
Injured: Unavailable.
Doubtful: Unavailable.
Suspended: Unavailable:

Referee: Darren Coombes
Paddy Power Odds: Monaghan United 1/7; Draw 5/1; Everton 16/1.
Extratime prediction: Monaghan United 4 – 1 Everton.