Limerick 0 - 2 Monaghan United

• Andrew Cunneen
• Sat, Jul 23 2011


Limerick fail once more to defeat a side ahead of them in the league table at home, as Monaghan United leave Shannonside with all three points thanks to goals from John Reilly and substitute David Byrne. Roddy Collins will have every reason to be delighted with his side following their battling while Limerick see another massive match pass them by.

Tactical irregularities are the talking point in the south-west of the country as Pat Scully drafted Sean O’Connor into his starting XI following his absence in many of his previous squads. While one may question this decision, one may also question the introduction of Andrew Bhandarkar into the centre of the pitch following David O’Leary's injury. Bhandarkar is naturally a full back and Thomas Lyons, who was also on the bench, would have suited the role far better.

The game started in a regular fashion with both sides feeling their way into proceedings, Limerick kept possession well and passed around their back four quite frequently. Denis Behan appeared to be the target early on for Limerick as he took control of the ball in the Monaghan half. He almost got rewarded for his work rate early on as a fantastic ball from Joe Gamble was just about blocked out by Aidan Collins. Monaghan could breathe a sigh of relief, but it appeared to all in attendance that Limerick would have enough creativity to win the game with relative comfort.

Behan again appeared the likely source of all things attack minded in the Limerick jersey, as his volley just dropped over Gabriel Sava’s bar. Just as things were going well, David O’Leary went in strong into a challenge, coming off the worst despite having a foul given against him. It was then the unusual substitution was made, and a sense of confusion rang around Jackman Park.

Monaghan's first real effort of the night came after twenty minutes as Jordan Keegan played an excellent ball into the path of Sean Brennan. Brennan’s shot was clean but lacked any real pace. Ryan collected comfortably in the Limerick goal.

Limerick were unlucky not to have taken the lead soon after as an inch perfect cross from Sean O’Connor was missed by Denis Behan. The gap between boot and ball must have only been inches, and Monaghan again were given a major let off.

Joe Gamble was shown his first of two yellow cards that evening, as he went in hard to a 50/50 challenge, although perhaps it was a tad harsh on the midfield dynamo.

Mons struck soon after, in what against the run of play to a certain extent. They broke with pace and some awful positioning from Corie Treacy allowed John Reilly to control an excellent cross from the right, and finish with ease.

The second half saw the introductions of Shaun Kelly and Sean Brosnan, who made life more difficult for Monaghan, but still couldn’t help their side find a goal. It was Monaghan who were to have the first real chance of the half when “Fabio” O’Brien crossed across the face of goal, but nobody was there to convert. Limerick didn’t exactly fill their supporters with confidence.

Sean Brennan had the next chance for Mons, his header at the back post was acrobatically saved by Barry Ryan, whose distribution wasn’t of his usual quality on the night. Limerick will be disappointed with their defensive display this evening.

Sean Brosnan was the only man who really threatened in the entire second half, and his effort after sixty five minutes was weak, and never looked to bother Gabriel Sava.

As the half went on, Limerick grew more desperate and resorted to throwing their captain Pat Purcell up front. His aerial presence wouldn’t unlock the door that was the Monaghan United backline.

The majority of the action took place in stoppage time as Monaghan sealed the win with a second goal. Play was held up in the corner as a method of time wasting when the Limerick defenders almost seemed to step aside as a cross flew into the box. David Byrne was on hand to convert and this queued massive celebrations on the Monaghan bench.

The drama wasn’t over just yet though, as Joe Gamble received a second yellow for a late challenge. Gamble will complain, but he flew in out of frustration and this decision will merit him a suspension on a night that never went well for anyone blue from the first whistle. A very poor display in front of a nine hundred strong crowd on Shannonside.

Limerick FC: Barry Ryan, Corie Treacy (Shaun Kelly 72) , John Frost, Pat Purcell, Brian McCarthy, Joe Gamble, David O’Leary (Andrew Bhandarkar 15) , Sean O’Connor (Sean Brosnan 56) , Paudie Quinn, Jeffrey Judge, Denis Behan.
Subs not Used: Shane Cusack, Peter Hynes, Thomas Lyons, Steven McGann.

Monaghan United: Gabriel Sava, Alan Byrne, Aidan Collins, Shane Grimes, Paul Whelan, Sean Brennan, Eric Foley, Jordan Keegan (Michael Isischei) , Keith Quinn (Jason Marks 77) , Declan O’Brien (David Byrne 55).
Subs not Used: Paul Byrne, Roddy Collins, Niall Flynn, Jake Rossiter.
Referee: Graham Kelly.

Attendance: 870.

Extratime.ie Man of the Match: Jordan Keegan