Monaghan United -v- Shelbourne

• Andrew Cunneen
• Thu, Jun 30 2011


All eyes will be on proceedings in Gortakeegan this Friday evening as Monaghan United look to close the gap on First Division leaders Shelbourne when they tackle the Reds in a top of the table clash. A Monaghan victory would see the gap close to a single point. (Kickoff 8pm)

Both Monaghan and Shelbourne exited the EA Sports Cup during the week at the hands of Limerick and Sligo Rovers respectively. Monaghan were hammered by a youthful Limerick side at Jackman Park by five goals to nil while Shelbourne were extremely unlucky to bow out to Sligo at Tolka Park on Monday evening in a game they largely dominated. But a late Richie Ryan free kick sent the Drumcondra outfit packing. Both sides opted to field a second string XI for those matches and the defeats won’t have any major affect long term.

In Shelbourne’s last league outing, they overcame Athlone Town by two goals to nil. Kevin Dawson put the Reds in front before a Philly Hughes penalty sealed the win for Shels. The major problem for Shelbourne in that tie was the withdrawal of defender Stephen Paisley. Paisley, who went off with a back injury. He looks set to return for this crucial tie against Mons on Friday night. They will however, need to make do without the services of Kevin Dawson and Chris Mulhall, both of whom were sent off in injury time against Sligo Rovers on Monday night.

Monaghan also won their last league game, winning a closely fought game at Flancare Park by three goals to one. The scoreline is somewhat deceptive as it took two goals in injury time for Mons to secure the win. Conor McMahon is the only real injury problem for Mons, as they didn’t risk many first team players against Limerick on Tuesday evening.

Previous encounters tend to favour the Reds, but this season, their only meeting took place in Tolka Park, a game which saw Monaghan leave Dublin with all three points thanks to a late goal from Declan O’Brien. This still remains Shelbourne’s only league defeat of the season. This fixture last season played out a two nil win for the Reds.

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

Shelbourne:
Injured: None.
Doubtful: Stephen Paisley.
Suspended: Chris Mulhall, Kevin Dawson.

Referee: John McLaughlin.
Paddy Power Odds: Monaghan 17/10 Draw 11/5 Shelbourne 7/5.
Extratime prediction: A 2-1 home win for Mons.