Monaghan United -v- Salthill Devon

• Andrew Cunneen
• Fri, Sep 09 2011


Whatever the outcome of the Monaghan United debacle regarding their game against Finn Harps, Roddy Collins will have his squads’ mind set on their clash against Salthill Devon, because complacency at this stage of the season will be punished. Gortakeegan hosts an encounter that the home side will expect to win. (kick-off 8pm)

Monaghan have had a tough week. After earning a goalless draw against Sligo Rovers in the FAI Cup a fortnight ago, their replay didn’t go the way Mons would have liked; suffering a 4-0 defeat to the Cup holders. On top of that, it looked for all the world that Mons would be denied a win in Donegal by ten-man Finn Harps, but recent developments may alter that. Either way, Salthill are a side Monaghan will be expected to beat.

At the other end of the table, Salthill Devon sit bottom with just ten points. Obviously, avoiding relegation is the cap on their ambition for the season, and this feat isn’t completely out of reach as only goal difference separates themselves from Wexford Youths. Having gotten a credible draw in Jackman Park three weeks ago, Devon failed to push on from that result, losing 3-1 at home to Athlone Town.

The sides have already met twice this year, with Monaghan coming out of both encounters with the three points. The first game took place in Gortakeegan with the Mons winning by three goals to nil. The second tie was a thrilling encounter, seeing Mons scoring three times in the last fifteen minutes to secure a 5-2 win in Drom despite falling behind.

Mons manager Roddy Collins is proud of last week's result and looks forward to Fridays’ encounter. He said: “In all my years going to Finn Park as both player and manager I always found it a tough venue to get anything out of and so it was last weekend. Nevertheless we came away with a very valuable point, considering our recent good run in the league some of our followers probably had higher expectations from the game. But not wishing to make excuses one still has to remember that we had two very competitive outings against Sligo Rovers in less than seven days whereas Finn Harps were fresh after a two week break, believe me it was a factor and also anyone who was following Harps form of late would know that are playing with a renewed vigour since the change in management, so I knew a tight encounter was in prospect. As on our previous visit there the sending off did affect the game. I must complement the fine following we had in Finn Park who for most of the game out shouted the larger home crowd; such support does make a difference.”

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

Salthill Devon:
Injured: Unavailable.
Doubtful: Unavailable.
Suspended: Unavailable.

Referee: Rob Rogers.

Paddy Power Odds: Monaghan 1/12 Draw 13/2 Salthill 22/1

Extratime prediction: Monaghan 3-0 Salthill.