Monaghan United -v- Limerick FC

• Andrew Cunneen
• Thu, May 05 2011


After being drawn against each other in the last eight of the EA Sports Cup, both Monaghan and Limerick must first face-off in the First Division this Friday night at Gortakeegan, in what is surely both sides’ priority. (Kickoff 8pm)

Last week saw two very different results for the sides; Monaghan were handed their first defeat of the season by this season’s somewhat surprise package, Mervue United. While Fahys Field has been declared a tough place to visit this season, very few imagined any other result than an away win. Ignorance ultimately proved to be the our downfall as a hard fought and oveall well deserved win, saw Mervue prevail by a scoreline of three goals to one.

Meanwhile, on Shannonside, Limerick trounced ex-boss Mike Kerleys young Athlone side by three goals to nil in a game which never seemed to be out of Limerick’s. Limerick have been somewhat disappointing thus far, and will look to correct this with a win over one of the Division’s big sides, a feat which usually evades the Blues.

In terms of squad availability, Roddy Collins will have the bigger headache, as both talisman Declan “Fabio” O’Brien and Paul Whelan will miss this game through suspension, both being red-carded in the previous league meeting in Galway. As Collins has repeatedly mentioned the lack of depth in his squad, it will be interesting to see that fares out.

Limerick will be close enough to full strength, despite the ever-absent Garry Sheahan, whom is still recovering from a broken leg, and will be out for some time yet. Thomas Lyons is in contention for a place, although doubtful, strained ankle ligaments, his ailment. Chris Breen is the latest to be added to the injury list, pulling his hamstring in a recent Munster Senior Cup game against Douglas Hall, three weeks being his expected absence.

In what could be considered a dress rehearsal for the EA Cup game at the end of June, this encounter certainly won’t lack passion and could well be decided by the odd goal. Monaghan’s suspensions could prove vital in this one, as well as the previous weeks’ results. Expect a tough contest which will surely be decided by the narrowest of margins.

Monaghan United
Injured: None.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: Declan O’Brien, Paul Whelan

Limerick FC
Injured: Garry Sheahan, James O’Brien, Chris Breen
Doubtful: Thomas Lyons
Suspended: None.

Referee: John McLaughlin
Paddy Power Odds: Monaghan 13/10 Draw 11/5 Limerick 15/8
Extratime prediction:One nil to the home side.