EA Sports Cup - Limerick -v- Monaghan United

• Andrew Cunneen
• Tue, Jun 28 2011


A place in the last four of the EA Sports Cup is up for grabs at Jackman Park on Tuesday evening as Limerick host Monaghan in what promises to be a heated contest as the two promotion hopefuls divert their attention from the league for this cup quarter-final meeting on Shannonside. (Kickoff 7.45pm)

Limerick will be looking to get to the last four of this competition for the first time in nearly a decade, while Monaghan are no strangers to the latter stages of this competition; falling at the final hurdle last year to Sligo Rovers.

Both sides come off the back of impressive away wins in the league, with both sides conquering their opponents by scoring three goals apiece. Limerick left it late, but somehow managed to take all three points in Ferrycarrig Park; winning by the odd goal in five. Mons also left it very late to overcome a resilient nine-man Longford side, but they ran out comfortable winners in the end, by three goals to one.

The sides have only met once so far this season; drawing one-all in Gortakeegan; a match which Limerick dominated from start to finish, but somehow were undone by a corner kick deep into stoppage time. These sides did meet in last year’s quarter-final of this very cup however, the result favouring Monaghan by a rampant scoreline of three goals to nil. Sean Brennan was highly impressive in that particular fixture.

While both managers respect the cup, promotion is obviously the main aim for both sides come the end of the season, but neither team would turn down a spot in the last four of a cup that has grown in importance for Airtricity League clubs.

Extratime caught up with Pat Scully after his side’s win over Wexford and he spoke about the Monaghan tie in a respectful manner. “It will be a tough game; they’re a good team, a physical team. While promotion is definitely the aim for us this year, I’d always want to win.”



Limerick FC:
Injured: Garry Sheahan, Brian O’Callaghan, James O’Brien, Stephen O’Flynn.
Doubtful: Shane Tracy.
Suspended: John Frost.

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

Referee: Graham Kelly.

Paddy Power Odds: Limerick 5/4 Draw 11/5 Monaghan 15/8

Extratime prediction: 1-1 after 90 minutes.