Limerick -v- Monaghan United

• Andrew Cunneen
• Thu, Jul 21 2011


A guaranteed three point gap in the playoff spot is up for grabs for the winner of this encounter on Shannonside between Limerick FC and Monaghan United. Roddy Collins and Pat Scully shouldn’t have any problems in motivating their respective sides for this encounter which is most definitely the stand out tie in the First Division this weekend. (Kickoff 7.45 pm)

Limerick come into this game with form favouring them, having only lost one game in their last fifteen competitive encounters, whilst Monaghan have lost three of their last four. In their last game, Limerick ran out one nil winners in the midlands thanks to a Sean Brosnan goal that the Shannonsiders were rather fortunate to get. However, it must be pointed out, that if a team are to achieve promotion from the First Division, these single goal winning margins are a key factor.

Monaghan however, haven’t been as lucky in recent times and Roddy Collins will look to correct this trend. His side have lost four of their last five fixtures, with their most recent defeat coming at the hands of Mervue United. This setback was somewhat self-inflicted, as two own goals helped Mervue run away with all three points. A change in fortune is greatly needed for Mons as they tackle a very tough Limerick side who don’t lose many.

Limerick and Monaghan have met twice already this season, and will do so twice more. In their previous clashes, Limerick have come out the better, having knocked Monaghan out of the EA Sports Cup by five goals to nil. Lims were also denied all three points earlier in the season at Gortakeegan thanks to a very late Aidan Collins header deep into injury time. This point well deserved after Limerick had dominated for large spells of play.

Both sides are tied on 37 points apiece and a win for either side will be a massive boost to their promotion hopes. Cork City also lie on the same tally, but they play on Saturday against a very resilient Longford Town at Flancare Park, so a win for either side could potentially see them clear in second place, which means an automatic promotion place. Games don’t come much bigger at this level.

Limerick FC:
Injured: Stephen O’Flynn (knee), Shaun Maher (calf), Garry Sheahan (leg), Brian O’Callaghan (knee), James O’Brien (hernia).
Doubtful: Shane Tracy.
Suspended: None.

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

Referee: Graham Kelly.
Paddy Power Odds: Limerick 17/20, Draw 9/4, Monaghan 3/1
Extratime prediction: The home side to just about snatch it 1-0 in front of a very respectable home attendance.