Monaghan United -v- Cork City

• Jessica Farry
• Thu, Jun 16 2011


With both sides on equal points and only two behind leaders Shelbourne, Friday’s clash between Monaghan United and Cork City at Gortakeegan could be crucial for both in the title race (Kick-Off 8pm).

The Mons will be hoping for revenge after they were denied the victory at Turner’s Cross earlier on in the season. That particular meeting was the debut of Fabio O’Brien and he earned himself a brace but goals from Graham Cummins and a cruel deflection off Jimmy Fallon meant Cork took a point with them. Monaghan are currently unbeaten in five league games with their most recent victory being against Salthill Devon with a score line of 5-2.

Brothers Sean and Ryan Brennan will be making a welcome return while Conor McMahon and Aidan Collins will be out due to injury. Ryan Brennan has attracted a lot of interest from overseas and it is expected that there will be scouts at the game to have a look at him.

Speaking prior to the game, Mons manager Roddy Collins suggested that Cork City face a very tough challenge; “The Cork game is coming at the right time as our form is super and our confidence sky high. We fear no team in the country - First or Premier. Cork will face their toughest challenge of the season so far.”

“They will have to overcome two huge obstacles on Friday, firstly, prevent us from scoring which no-one has achieved this season, secondly ,to beat us on our own patch which has become a fortress.”

“This is a battle we are relishing, it will not determine the final outcome of the season as there are many games to play and points to fight for, but to put one over on the big spenders would be a statement for all the so called weaker clubs.”

Cork City are unbeaten so far this season, most recently defeating Athlone Town 2-0. Graham Cummins has been on fire for City this season and has also attracted interest from clubs overseas.

City have several absentees going in to this game. Shane Duggan is suspended, Neal Horgan is unavailable due to work commitments and Simon Holland is suffering from tonsillitis. Gearóid Morrissey and Davin O’Neill both return to Tommy Dunne’s squad. Gearóid Morrissey was missing for the Athlone game because of a groin strain and Davin O’Neill has missed the last three games.

Looking at Friday’s game, Tommy Dunne was reflecting on the previous meeting of these two sides; “Looking back on our previous meeting with Monaghan at Turner’s Cross, I thought we played well, and possibly could have been a couple of goals ahead at half time. On the other hand, we conceded from a set piece at a time where they could have closed the game out, but I was pleased that we got back into it. Overall, we played well and deserved something out of the game”.

“We know it will be tough going up there. Monaghan are going very well, they are winning games like ourselves, so will be interesting. We’re looking forward to it now, we’re unbeaten and we will be positive and travel there looking to claim the three points.”

Monaghan United
Injured: Conor McMahon, Aidan Collins.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.

Cork City
Injured: Simon Holland.
Doubtful: None.
Unavailable: Neal Horgan.
Suspended : Shane Duggan.

Referee : Neil Doyle.
Paddy Power Odds : Monaghan United 6/4; Draw 2/1; Cork City 13/8.
Extratime prediction : 1-0 win for Cork City.