2013/14 CMUL U16 Champions!!!! Well done lads, up against it, it seemed from the off with the quality of opposition and losing players to rivals but stayed strong throughout and showed the character of the team. Onto the League Cup now.

CMUL U15 League

Clones Town 0-2 Monaghan United

The Mons knew a win would secure them the title, this seemed to have an adverse affect on them as nerves clearly showed. Not to take away from Clones who put in a superb performance and had a few great chances themselves only Abraham to pull off two great saves. The second save from Cameron Dowd who was through on goal was world class safe to say as he had to shift his feet quickly and save at his near post when it looked like the shot would go across the goal.

For the first 10 minutes Monaghan passed well around the back and looked comfortable. They always looked to play out from the back even when under pressure but they seemed to hit a wall when trying to cross the halfway line. Conor Doyle wasn’t getting his usual service and he was well marked by Clones’ two centre-halves. Eli Ward managed to pick out a few passes feeding Conor and Darren Geoghegan in but no clear-cut chances came from these plays. Besorah Moba came off midway through the half and was replaced by Niall Crawley who played left back allowing Soky John to push up into the midfield. Mathew McQuaid had a very good game at centre-half for Monaghan, Ethan O’Leary beside him made some great cross field passes and was excellent at distributing the ball. Lubula Kwima held the midfield well winning the ball constantly in the middle while Lewis Gibson combined well with the backline keeping the ball. Half-time came with it tense at 0-0.

The second half nearly started with a goal, Eli played Conor through but as the ‘keeper rushed out he poked the ball just wide of the post. The extra pace and bite up front started to show with Soki, Eli and Conor combining to make the first goal which was a huge relief to the away side. Soki and Eli combined well to get into the box before Soky placed his shot under the ‘keeper into the net. United’s joy was clear to see, they pressed on to try and finish the game but it didn’t come easy. Eli played Conor through with a well weighted pass but he shot just wide again. Eli then had a chance to score, Conor flicked the ball through but Eli’s outside of the foot effort curled wide. Finally after a long ball Darren, Conor wrestled his way past his markers and side footed the ball into the corner from the edge of the box, it was a very cool finish under pressure.

At the final whistle the Monaghan players seemed delighted with the win as it had been hard fought, though I don’t think the fact that they are now LEAGUE CHAMPS has sunk in yet. A big match like this one needed a few big performances, the biggest performance came from ‘keeper Abraham Dixon who showed why he is so highly rated and one of the best ‘keepers in the country at this time, Man of the Match no doubt.

Monaghan United Squad: Abraham Dixon, Thomas Croarkin, Niall Crawley, Mathew McQuaid, Ethan O’Leary, Lewis Gibson, Lubula Kwima, Eli Ward, Conor Doyle, Darren Geoghegan, Besorah Moba, Marc Treanor, Alan McMahon, Abdullah Sabri, Soky John.

Lavey United 3-10 Monaghan United

CMUL U16 League

It was an early start for the young lads and it wasn’t helped as they were late leaving Gortakeegan with the bus only leaving at 9:30am. Though this didn’t deter the Mons and even with some tired heads they emulated their first half performance against Ballyhaise, putting Lavey to the sword ruthlessly with great passing football and finishing.

Alvaro Morales was the first on the scoresheet, Tyler O’Hanlon provided the through ball and Alvaro slotted it home early on for 1-0. Jason McBride quickly added a second as he finished well at the back post from a Dillon Kelly corner. Alvaro again was slipped through on goal, this time by Jason McBride and the Spaniard coolly finished again with ease. Tyler added his name to the scoresheet with a marvelous strike from just outside the box after Alvaro had a shot parried away by the Lavey ‘keeper. Remy McKenna had some great play on the right wing, he set up Conor Doyle with a good cross, Conor had a simple tap in at the back post. Alvaro then completed his hat-trick as he rounded the ‘keeper and passed into the empty net, again he was assisted by Tyler O’Hanlon. It was 6-0 at half-time, United looking very good for their money.

It was expected Monaghan would pull their foot off the gas slightly in the second half, though they still managed to score four more goals. Lavey scored 3 as the Monaghan players were all forward trying to get in on the scoring leaving few back. Lavey also scored from a corner with a good header. Remy McKenna had two great chances to score, the second time around his shot was parried into the path of Shane McMahon who won’t get an easier finish in his career. He had moved into midfield with Jason dropping to centre-back as wasn’t fully fit coming into the game. No matter where he played though his passing was immaculate. Conor Gaffney and Lewis Gibson both got on for the second half, Conor got his first goal for the club as he was assisted by Conor. Doyler also completed his hat-trick with two more clinical finishes.

Tyler pulled the strings in midfield today, his passing and dribbling was excellent as he set up 5 goals in total. Conghal Treanor and Dillon gave United great width and attacking threat down the left flank. Colm Lennon and Stephen Corrigan were superb at the back snuffing out the talented Eoin Cooney on many occasions. The Man of the Match award goes to Alvaro Morales for his great first-half hat-trick and overall slick play from the Spaniard.

Monaghan United Squad: Abraham Dixon, Stephen Corrigan, Dillon Kelly, Shane McMahon, Colm, Lennon, Conghal Treanor, Remy McKenna, Tyler O’Hanlon, Jason McBride, Conor Doyle, Alvaro Morales, Conor Gaffney, Lewis Gibson. 

This team is sponsored by McKenna’s of Dublin Street.

Monaghan United 0-1 Cavan Shamrocks

CMUL U16 League

United played their title rivals in a crucial game at Gortakeegan on Saturday last. It was a real 6-pointer with a win for Cavan the only thing that would keep them in the race for the league. It was a well contested game of football between two groups of players who had great respect for each other’s ability.

The action was box to box in the first half, a Keelan O’Reilly cross deflected off Conor Doyle’s shoulder into Alvaro Morale’s path inside the box but his shot was saved by the ‘keeper from close range. Jason McBride then crossed for Keelan who knicked the ball from under the ‘keeper but his off balanced shot towards goal was cleared off the line by a Cavan defender. Keelan then crossed for Conor who’s powerful header was well saved by the Cavan goalkeeper. Cavan had plenty of good opportunities themselves, Stephen Smith crossed for Mathis who’s header was tipped over the bar by Abraham Dixon showing excellent reflexes. Cavan then took the lead from a freekick taken by Thomas Donohue, a attacking header at the back post was tipped onto the bar by Abraham but the ball kindly fell to another Cavan attacker who headed home into an empty net. Alvaro had the chance who set Conor up who was free on the edge of the box but was caught in possession after one too many touches. This concluded an exciting first half.

The second had less clear cut chances for United, Conor Doyle had a run inside the box but lost his balance attempting to cross, Keelan O’Reilly had to be replaced at half-time after his collision with the ‘keeper left him with a dead-leg. Shane McMahon moved into midfield with Stephen Corrigan stepping over the centre-back, Lewis Gibson came on at right back. Shane, Tyler O’Hanlon and Jason McBride were overrunning the Shamrocks’ midfield at times but their defense done well to clear nay threats. Jason’s vision and wide range of passing was on show as he made some terrific attempts at playing his attackers through, though they were thwarted each time by excellent defending or a poor final touch. Stephen and Colm Lennon done excellently at centre-back together while Dillon Kelly largely contained the threat of Conor Smith on the right wing. He later moved up to attacking midfield with Conghal Treanor replacing Alvaro and moving to left-back. Dillon and Tyler got up the pitch well getting the ball in the final third but again the final pass was missing. Shamrocks had a goal disallowed and Abraham got down well to save a one-on-one from a Cavan striker.

Monaghan hadn’t played at their best but had still moved the ball around well as well as pressing high forcing Cavan to play long much of the time. The game finished 1-0 with the hosts unfortunate to come out with nothing, but the visitors defended very well with Tiernan O’Reilly and Adam Quirke both having good games.

Monaghan’s Man of the Match goes to Jason McBride for his great range of passing through the game.

Monaghan United Squad: Abraham Dixon, Stephen Corrigan, Shane McMahon(C), Colm Lennon, Dillon Kelly, Lewis Gibson, Tyler O’Hanlon, Jason McBride, Conor Doyle, Alvaro Morales, Keelan O’Reilly, Remy McKenna, Conghal Treanor, Conor Gaffney.

Monaghan United 6-2 Ballyjamesduff JFC

CMUL U15 League

Monaghan started the game in a slow fashion, very similar to their start against Carrick last week. Though they had the better of possession and chances they couldn’t capitalize on them early on as Conor and Soki went close. Ethan O’Leary and Cormac McKenna held the midfield with Eli Ward playing his normal 10 role behind Conor up front. Soky John and Alvaro Soriano started on the flanks but Soky had to be moved to left back to contain the threat of Aaron Reilly who was menacing throughout.

Defensive frailties again showed as Monaghan conceded a soft goal , but Conor Doyle pulled it level as he was played through by Abraham Dixon with a long kick-out and he passed it by the ‘keeper who was injured in the process. United then went ahead as Ethan chipped the ball through to Conor who finished with his left foot this time placing the ball in the bottom corner, out of reach of the goalkeeper. Though Bally’duff were gifted another soft goal as United gave away possession on the edge of their own box and the Cavan outfit capitalized with a close range finish. This concluded the first half with the Mons not playing at their best.

Ethan O’Leary’s corners had been causing Bally’duff huge problems and another of his curling crosses led to Monaghan’s 3rd, after some ricochets Conor got a touch on the ball and it crossed the line before the ‘keeper had cleared it making it 3-2. From here United became comfortable and their passing improvement substantially. Conor went on the rampage scoring the next 3 goals to bring his tally in the game to 6. Thomas Croarkin, who had moved to right midfield set-up Conor’s 4th, Eli Ward played Conor through to round the ‘keeper and score his 5th. He finished up the scoring with another good finish from a pass from Niall Crawley playing on the left wing. Alan McMahon and James Bourke both had cameo’s at the end, Alan made several quality passes to Tommy on the right wing while James linked up well with Eli on the left wing.

The last 15 minutes were exhibition stuff from Monaghan, the passing was slick and confidence seemed high again. Conor Doyle was no doubt Man of the Match as he managed to score all 6 of Monaghan’s goals.

Monaghan United Squad:Abraham Dixon, Thomas Croarkin, Niall Crawley, Mathew McQuaid, Ethan O’Leary, Cormac McKenna, Martynas Pilvinis, Lewis Gibson, Soky John, Conor Doyle, Alan McMahon, James Bourke, Alvaro Soriano.

U-13 CMUL League

Monaghan United 4-1 Ballyjamesduff 

Ballyamesduff were the visitors to Gortakeegan, last weekend in what proved to be an entertaining match. Both teams have met several times this season and the Cavan side really put United under pressure on those occasions.

Both teams began strongly and Ballyjamesduff were first to score early in the first half with a well taken free kick just outside box. But the Monaghan lads just shook it off and kept the pressure on playing fast flowing passing football. United were winning every ball and kept the Ballyjamesduff keeper very busy and were justly rewarded with the equaliser with some fine passing between Aaron Mulligan, Harry Mallon , Terence McDonald and eventually to Leon McCabe who then rifled the ball home. Both sets of supporters were very impressed with the passing movement of the Monaghan lads.
Annan Connors made some really strong creative runs up the left wing and the Cavan team just could not handle him and he bagged himself a very well taken and deserved goal to make it 2-1 to United.
Elijah Dixon returned for his first game in nearly 5 months and was a constant thorn in the side to Ballyjamesduff on the right wing.
Leon McCabe and Terence McDonald played the striker’s role to perfection and set each other up time after time and kept the Ballyjamesduff keeper very busy. Terence McDonald and Aaron Mulligan showed their natural ability and ball control today with flicks ,trickery and one touch passing. Harry Mallon and Jakob Frizelwich dominated midfield and were at the heart of everything. Jakob also made some great clearences and assisted the defence several times. The United backline of Joseph Duffy, Dylan Ballentine and Steven McCloskey were rock solid and encouraged and helped each other superbly throughout and showed exactly what team work is all about. The next United goal came from a long pass from Steven McCloskey which fell to Leon McCabe who made a fine solo run and rewarded himself with his second of the game with a fine shot.
Caolain Woods came off the bench for Terence McDonald who had worked tirelessly throughout the game and young Woods made a few fine runs and was unlucky not to find the net himself. Conor McGuire also came on and used his speed to its full potential as Ballyjamesduff found it difficult to contain. He put in cross after cross to give the visitor’s defence all kinds of trouble. Harry Mallon put the game to bed with his first goal of the season, with a fierce shot that the keeper could not handle.

Final score: Monaghan United 4-1 Ballyjamesduff

Monaghan United 5-2 Carrick Rovers

CMUL U15 League

In what can only be described as “Typical Sunday evening weather” two top teams played out a top of the table clash. It never stopped raining throughout the game but Monaghan had a full compliment of players including Cormac McKenna from the U14 team. Ethan O’Leary stepped back into his centre-half role alongside Mattie McQuaid. Lewis Gibson and Besorah Moba anchored the midfield with Eli Ward being given license to support Conor Doyle up front. Monaghan reverted to having two wingers, Soky John and Darren Geoghegan.

United were very slow to start giving away possession and sitting too deep allowing Carrick to press them high up the field. Indeed it was sloppy defending and this deep line that lead to Rovers’ first goal, Jerome played Lorcan Murnaghan through with a lovely pass, Abraham saved his shot but Sean Burns finished the rebounder. After 20 mins Besorah was replaced by Cormac in midfield who had an outstanding game. His introduction seemed to be the game changer as United were now winning the ball in the middle and pressing Carrick into their own half. Monaghan hit Carrick on the counter, Conor Doyle’s pace and acceleration was too much for the Carrick defender, he took it by him and finished coolly from close range to level the game. A smart set-piece move from the training ground led to the Mons second. A clever 1-2 between Eli and Darren running from the near post led to Eli laying the ball to Cormac inside the box, however he miss hit his shot. Luckily it landed straight to Soky’s feet and from close range he couldn’t miss for 2-1. Eli came very close with a well hit free-kick from the right side of the box brushing the side netting.

United certainly seemed on top but had another slow start to the second half. Jerome got by Thomas Croarkin on the right flank and crossed the ball in, Abraham parried it but it fell kindly to Lorcan who smashed home their equalizer. The impetus then went back to Monaghan who had taken Soky off due to injury and replaced him with an impressive Jordan Murray. Jordan had some excellent plays on the left wing, with clever turns and a burst of pace he beat his marker but seemed to take one touch too many at the end. From another set-piece which Darren took Monaghan went ahead. After some ricochets around the box Cormac volleyed the ball into the roof of the net, no less than he deserved for his performance.

The game took another twist as Carrick had a man sent off for a handball on the goal-line preventing a certain goal. Conor stepped up and calmly placed the ball into the bottom corner to widen the gap between the sides. Rovers’ didn’t give up and had some good play with 10 men but left a lot of space behind their defence. On the break Abraham played the ball long down the field to Conor who took an excellent first touch and played to Eli, Eli played the ball through first time to Conor who rounded the ‘keeper and tapped in for his hat-trick. The game finished 5-2 with both teams having given excellent account’s for themselves. The football was intense and the passing was superb for the most on both sides, a good advertisement for schoolboy football in the county.

Man of the Match goes to Cormac McKenna, who despite playing a year above himself dominated the midfield. He tackled and incepted many Carrick moves but his passing was also slick and accurate. Many of United’s good plays came from him winning the ball back for his team.

Monaghan United Squad: Abraham Dixon, Thomas Croarkin, Mathew McQuaid, Cormac McKenna, Besorah Moba, Lewis Gibson, Eli Ward, Conor Doyle, Darren Geoghegan, Soky John, Alan McMahon, James Bourke, Martynas Pilvinis, Jordan Murray, Niall Crawley, Ethan O’Leary.

Ballyhaise Celtic 1-5 Monaghan United

CMUL U16 League

Monaghan played perhaps their best football all season in the first 20 minutes and subsequently went 5-0 doing so. They played with pace and at an intensity the Cavan side could not match. The passing was slick and accurate all the way from Abraham Dixon in goals to Conor Doyle upfront. Stephen Corrigan replaced ill Colm Lennon at centre-halve and was perhaps United’s Man of the Match tackling and intercepting nearly anything Ballyhaise threw at them. Shane McMahon played alongside and also put in a solid performance getting forward to join in on the attacks which he does so well.

Monaghan’s first goal was set-up by Spanish playmaker Alvaro Morales, he cleverly chipped the ball over the centre back to Keelan O’Reilly who lobbed the ‘keeper from close range. Jason McBride then got on the scoresheet with an impressive long range shot, the ‘keeper with the sun in his eyes couldn’t see the shot coming until it was too late. Conor Doyle was next in line to score, Keelan O’Reilly’s cross from the left was cleared but dropped to Conor just inside the box to fire home into the bottom corner for 3-0.

Alvaro added to his assist with a well taken goal, a superb volley from the penalty spot driven into the top corner. Conor then made it 5 with another excellent goal. Tyler O’Hanlon had a shot which deflected into Conor’s path, he shifted the ball across the defender with his right foot before placing the ball in the corner with his left. It was some great footwork from the big forward.

Half-time came and Monaghan were comfortable and clear. The second half was another dominant display though without the clinical finishing seen in the first. Alvaro, Jason, Conor and Tyler all had chances but the Ballyhaise ‘keeper made some fine saves. Ballyhaise then got a consolation goal, Alpha their best player on the day hit a free-kick from 40 yards out, it was meant as a cross but nobody ended up getting anything on it and it surprising bounced into the bottom corner. Abraham was disappointed in goal but was in better spirits shortly afterwards with a fine save from close range. Conor Gaffney and Conghal Treanor got good spells on the pitch and both put in good displays. Dillon Kelly pushed into the no.10 role and prospered their always looking dangerous on the ball. Despite the chances the Mons didn’t manage to score in the second half and it finished 5-1. Another player who had a great game was Remy McKenna on the right wing. He showed great energy and beat his marker numerous times getting several good crosses into the attackers in the box.

Our Man of the Match today was Stephen Corrigan who was excellent in an unfamiliar position of centre-half. He read the game brilliantly and always found a pass in the tight spaces.

Monaghan United Squad:Abraham Dixon, Stephen Corrigan, Dillon Kelly, Shane McMahon(C), Lewis Gibson, Keelan O’Reilly, Remy McKenna, Jason McBride, Tyler O’Hanlon, Conor Doyle, Alvaro Morales, Conghal Treanor, Conor Gaffney.

Monaghan United vs. Drumkill Rovers 

CMUL U15 League 

It was probably the thinnest it’s been this season with only 12 players available. Debutant Alan McMahon played a part in the game coming on in the second half in midfield and doing very well. Besorah, Soki, Ethan, Jordan and Alvaro Soriano were all missing from the squad for different reasons.

United were very slow off the blocks and they struggled to get their passing game going at all. They had a bit of luck winning a free-kick at the edge of the Drumkill area. James Bourke stepped up and scored his second freekick of the season chipping into the back post with style. Rovers’ posed problems and asked questions of Monaghan’s centre-halves Darren Geoghegan and Mathew McQuaid who dealt quite well apart from the odd error. Two of these nearly proved fatal as both players were let off the hook after mistakes though Drumkill couldn’t capitalize. Finbar McGinn lined out up front alongside Conor Doyle. United played there new formation of two banks of 2 in the middle. Lewis Gibson and Marc Treanor holding the midfield allowing James Bourke and Eli Ward to push forward. Indeed without Soki John’s pace as an outlet United seemed too narrow and lacking options. Though Tommy Croarkin did get up and down the right wing very effectively. Niall Crawley put in a very solid defensive display at left back against some good opponents. Monaghan finished the half strongly dominating possession and playing fluid football but got nothing from it.

In the second half the game continued to be a messy affair with the ball constantly changing hands. Monaghan cleared a Drumkill effort off the line and they had a few shots go wide after some good chances. United weren’t their normal clinical selves and Conor wasn’t getting it all his own way but he still came up with a well taken goal. Put through on goal by Eli Ward he finished past Luke Perkins in nets with his left foot to make it 2-0. Thomas switched roles with Finbar, going right wing and Finbar filled in at right back. The game finished at 2-0, Drumkill played really well and were unlucky not to bag a goal. United weren’t at their best but still got the 3 points which is important at this stage of the season.

Monaghan’s Man of the Match Thomas Croarkin who gave 100% throughout the game and always looked to go forward. He was positive and tackled well.

Monaghan United Squad:Abraham Dixon, Thomas Croarkin, Niall Crawley, Mathew McQuaid, Darren Geoghegan, Lewis Gibson, Marc Treanor, James Bourke, Eli Ward, Conor Doyle(C), Finbar McGinn, Alan McMahon.

Hi guys,

The club are running a Last Man Standing competition in order to raise some funds for the schoolboy’s teams.

We need your support to help our club. It’s not all about charity though as you can win some money in the process. Deadline for joining is January 11th 11:45am.

Here’s a quick guide to help you along. Click here

Here’s the link to the fundraiser: http://www.runlastman.com/competitions/64-monaghan_united_schoolboys-monaghan-united-schoolboys-last-man-standing

Thanks,

Morgan

Cootehill Harps 1 – 12 Monaghan United

CMUL U15 League

United were short a few of their regulars such as Ethan O’Leary, Jordan Murray and Finbar McGinn but they showed their strength in depth with a good performance. The first half was competitive with both teams giving it there all. Monaghan’s technical skill and passing game showed as they dominated the ball passing in triangles around the pitch. Cootehill had a very high line which Monaghan exploited. Conor Doyle was played through down the right flank, he ran into the box rounding the keeper and shot but it was blocked on the line by the defender. Unfortunately it rolled onto his arm and a penalty was awarded. Conor stepped up and slotted the ball into the bottom right corner. Cootehill then applied some pressure with the wind causing some problems for the Monaghan backline. They got a break when their striker was aloud space just inside the box to shoot well into the goal.

This was when United started really controlling the game with some excellent passing and moving between the midfield 4 of Eli Ward, James Bourke, Lewis Gibson and Marc Treanor. Soki John then played Conor in to score his second from a tight angle. The good  combination play let to the next few goals with James Bourke this time playing Conor through. Conor poked the ball beyond the onrushing Cootehill ‘keeper in style. Eli was the next provider with Conor receiving before rounding the ‘keeper and passing the ball into the net. By far his best goal of the afternoon came next. After a good passing move the ball was cleared to Tommy Croarkin on the right wing, he crossed it in first time to Conor on the edge of the box who controlled with his chest before taking the shot on the half volley to score. This brought an end to proceedings in the first half.

The game remained good for the first 10 minutes of the second half with Besorah Moba coming on for Marc, Conor this time turned provider when he crossed to the far post where Tommy was waiting and fired home from close range. Niall Crawley played left back and was a constant menace down the left wing as he always looked to overlap. As the resistance fell, Soki got himself a hat-trick, nobody could match his blistering pace as he was set up by Conor, James and Eli respectively. Mathew McQuaid and Darren Geoghegan both got on the scoresheet late on but the game was over before this. For Darren’s goal, Eli made a great solo run into the box beating 3 players before squaring it to Darren on the far post. The first half was a good exhibition of passing football as well as the start of the second. United were comfortable in possession and a joy to watch.

Going on the first 60 minutes of the game Man of the Match has to go to Conor Doyle for his 5 goals, the midfield were at the heart of all his goals but you still need someone to put the ball in the net.

Monaghan United Squad: Abraham Dixon, Thomas Croarkin, Niall Crawley, Mathew McQuaid, Darren Geoghegan, Lewis Gibson, Marc Treanor, Besorah Moba, Eli Ward, Soki John, James Bourke, Conor Doyle(C)

U-12 LEAGUE

No Joy For Monaghan

Monaghan United   0

Ballyjamesduff       3

Monaghan United U – 12′s suffered their third defeat of the season on Saturday last against a strong Ballyjamesduff side in Gortakeegan. United started well controlling much of the play with new signing Josh Hagan linking up well with Terry McDonald upfront. The midfield four of Kevin Fitzpatrick, Dylan Ballantine, Joshua Clerkin and Josh Deeney held their own and were ably supported by James McKenny, Tiarnan O’Rourke, Tiarnan Kierans, Dean Doherty at the back with Nathan Lavery in goal. Monaghan were unlucky not to go ahead and were thwarted only by the brillance of the Ballyjamesduff keeper. The first half ended in stalemate with neither side holding the advantage.

Monaghan introduced Adam McBride and Adam McGarry at the start of the second half and continued to press forward. A costly defensive error in the 10th minute allowed the Ballyjamesduff winger to score with a speculative left footed shot. The goal rocked the home side and within 5 minutes they conceded another. Monaghan introduced Riaghan Gallagher, Shay Cooney, Dylan Reilly and Jake Power to add impetus to the attack but to no avail. The home sides inability to hold onto the ball and some poor decision making allowed Ballyjamesduff to score another goal in the dying minutes to leave the final score at 0-3.

Monaghan United: Nathan Lavery, Dean Doherty, Tiarnan Kierans, Tiarnan O’Rourke, James Mc Kenny, Kevin Fitzpatrick, Dylan Ballantine, Joshua Clerkin, Josh Deeney, Terry Mc Donald, Josh Hagan, Dylan Reilly, Adam Mc Bride, Adam McGarry, Jake Power, Riaghan Gallagher, Shay Cooney.

This team is sponsored by The Hillgrove Hotel and Monaghan Electrical.

U-13 LEAGUE

Six Of The Best For United

Monaghan United   6

Cootehill Harps    2    

Cootehill where the visitors to Gortakegan on Sunday last  and United put in another excellent performance.

Monaghan began the game with venom and were firing in attack after attack and kept the pressure on the backline of Cooethill for long periods and were playing some very impressive football. Leon McCabe and Aaron Mulligan totally owned the two wings and where superb, taking on players and crossing some sublime balls  into the Cootehill box Shea Treanor and Terence McDonald the two mons strikers were unlucky not to have both scored in the first 5 mins.

The deadlock was broken when a perfectly timed pass from Jakob Frizelwich to Joseph Duffy who in turn flicked on a lovely header to the oncoming Shea Treanor who calmly chipped the keeper,1 nil.

Cootehill created a fair few chances and broke away a few times but their attacks were easily dealt with by the backline of Annan Connors, Dylan Ballintine, Steven McClusky and Lorcan O’Rourke, who were all brilliant throughout the game. Dylan Ballintine made a great run up the right wing and set Aaron Mulligan on his way to cross in a perfect ball for Terence McDonald to slot home, 2 nil.

Cooethill were awarded a free kick just outside the mons 18 yard box which beat the mons keeper, who was having a pretty good game up to that point 2-1.

The young mons kept pressing and attacking and after some great work from Leon McCabe got their third goal from a sweet cross from leon to  Terence McDonald who sloted home. Terence has proved to be a nuisance to all defences in every game and then came off to let Caomihn Woods into the action and the young player got stuck in straight away and showed great skill, ability and strength.  Conor McGuire came on also and fought hard and won some great tackles and like Caomhin Woods he showed strength and ability

Jakob and Joseph also came off to allow subs Jack McKenna and Harry Mallon to come on. They also got straight into the game and dominated the centre of the park. Ryan Leonard also came on and played great for Shea Treanor and took annan’s left back position to allow Annan a more attacking role. Annan tore Cootehill apart and was unstoppable. He could have went through a few times but set up goals instead of going himself which has to be praised. Aaron Mulligan once again took on player after player and got on the score sheet himself 4-1. Annan made a another powerful run and in  turn set up Leon McCabe for United’s 5th goal and quickly afterwards Leon made a solo run and powered his way into the box and scored United’s 6th of the game. Leon always works hard and totally deserved his two goals. 6-1.

Cootehill got another free kick closer than the last one and made it count by getting their 2nd goal as a consolation.  united dominated most of the play for most of the game. But credit has to go to Coothill who kept plugging away and their keeper pulled off some pretty great saves. Well done to both teams. Man of the match Annan Connors.

This team is sponsored by Kieran McMahon Tyres, Plantation and The Four Seasons Hotel.

Ballyjamesduff 2-5 Monaghan United 

CMUL U15 League 

Monaghan’s longest away trip of the season is always a difficult one, Ballyjamesduff had a strong team and were hungry for revenge after the National Cup 6-1 loss earlier this season. United were missing some key individuals for this one, mainly Ethan O’Leary and Martynas Pilvinis who were both out with injury/illness. The Mons were also missing forwards Jordan Murray and Finbar McGinn who have been in good form recently.

With the bad weather in, the pitch was heavy and wet making passing a little more challenging but both teams played good football nonetheless. Marc Treanor joined Mathew McQuaid in a makeshift centre-half parntership with usual full-backs Soki John and Tommy Croarkin in place. Indeed it was probably Tommy’s best game so far this season as he constantly got in behind the Bally’duff defense after some clever overlaps with Darren Geoghegan. Soki had the job of marking talisman Aaron O’Reilly on the right wing and so had to be more reserved than usual. Lewis Gibson and Besorah Moba held the midfield anchor with Eli having spells on the pitch after he took a knock in yesterdays U14 win against the same opponents. Conor Doyle got the ball rolling scoring a clicker of a goal after only 10 minutes on the clock. From the ‘keeper’s kick-out he controlled the ball on his chest before letting in bounce and striking it on the volley into the top corner, perfect technique from a man in form. Soki John was the next man to threaten when Alvaro Soriano played him through on goals but a last heavy touch was too far ahead and despite his best efforts the ‘keeper got down to smother the ball.

Conor had several more good chances before the interval, all 3 from corners kicks delivered by Darren Geoghegan. Two were cleared off the line by a defender and the third parried away by the goalkeeper. Mattie McQuaid struck a great free-kick from 35 yards out but the ‘keeper made a good save tipping the ball over the crossbar. Alvaro had a great chance and came close with a right-footed effort grazing the side netting. It wasn’t all one way traffic as Abraham Dixon was called into action with a brilliant double save off Aaron Reilly from close range. James Bourke had the Mon’s last effort of the half with a free-kick which almost wriggled over the line but was stopped on the line by the goalkeeper.

After the second half the Mons turned up the heat with some excellent attacking play. Conor Doyle and Alvaro became much more active and they combined well for the second goal. Alvaro dribbled past a BJD defender before unleashing a powerful shot which the goalkeeper could only parry into the path of Conor who fired home his second of the afternoon. Soon after it was Conor who played an inch perfect through ball into Alvaro who coolly slid the ball under the ‘keeper for his second in two games. Alvaro grabbed his second goal with another excellent finish into the corner, this time set up by Eli Ward who has been United’s ‘assist king’ this season.

Monaghan’s build up play continued to threaten the opponents goal but Bally’duff pulled their way back into the game. Two poor passes in the middle led to Aaron Reilly scoring two quick goals, the second in particular a fine volleyed shot. United then took control again with Conor Doyle forcing a fine save from the BJD ‘keeper once again before he wrapped up the game with his third. Again it was the combination of Alvaro and Conor that created the goal, Alvaro played a great through ball into Conor who dinked the ball past the onrushing ‘keeper with his left foot to finish the scoring.

Tommy Croarkin, Conor Doyle and Alvaro Soriano all had stand our games with the later providing two goals and two assists to his team getting the Man of the Match award on this occasion. Well done Alvaro!!

Monaghan United Squad: Abraham Dixon, Tommy Croarkin, Niall Crawley, Mathew McQuaid, Marc Treanor, Lewis Gibson, Besorah Moba, Eli Ward, Conor Doyle, Alvaro Soriano, James Bourke, Darren Geoghegan.

Monaghan United 2-0 Drumkill Rovers

CMUL U16 League

A nice evening under lights for once and not too cold as the Mons took on Drumkill, a local derby which both teams were desparate to win the bragging rights in school. Monaghan dominated possession with the trio of Jason McBride, Tyler O’Hanlon and Alvaro Morales proving too much for their opponents at times. Jason and Alvaro’s passing was superb and when Tyler got on the ball he was direct and dangerous with his dribbling.

Jason had the first attempt on goal with a free-kick which he curled towards the back post only for the ball to smack the crossbar and land in the penalty area. Though nobody could convert the chance and the ball was cleared. Dillon Kelly then went close as his pile-driver of an effort on the half-volley from the edge of the box again cracked against the woodwork. Monaghan were banging on the door and it wasn’t long until they took advantage of their good play. Jason McBride swung the corner into the middle of the box where Remy McKenna caught the ball perfectly on the volley and it flew past everyone into the back of the net. An unstoppable strike of the highest callibre from young McKenna. Alvaro played a beautifully weighted pass into Mantas but the Drumkill ‘keeper Ryan Connolly came out quickly to clear the ball. Drumkill’s biggest threat came from another Spaniard, no not another Alvaro, but Dani diMarco who was menacing up front with his pace and skill.

For the second half Monaghan improved their passing and began to spread the ball much better, they used their width well exploiting the space out wide. Tyler came into the game more as his stamina showed with some excellent runs and link up play with Conor Doyle who replaced Mantas up front. Shane McMahon and Colm Lennon kept Rovers’ forwards quite in the second half with the opposition only salvaging a few chances which required the excellent keeping of Abraham Dixon to maintain the confidence in his own team. Stephen Corrigan put in a great shift at right back, not much got by him and he attacked well on the break. It was Jason once again who was the provider of the second goal. He controlled the ball well on the bounce before chipping the ball into Conor Doyle’s path, 1 on 1 with the ‘keeper Conor lobbed the ball into the net with finesse. A show of a confident striker on top of his game. Lewis Gibson replaced Alvaro midway through the second half and showed his class touch always keeping things simple. Conghal Treanor, Conor Gaffney and Nils Ziegert also came on as subs and all put in solid performances.

Man of the Match on this occasion was a decision between 3 players, Shane at the back, with Tyler and Jason in the midfield. Jason gets the nod with his excellent display of passing and two good assists.

Monaghan United Squad: Abraham Dixon, Stephen Corrigan, Shane McMahon, Colm Lennon, Dillon Kelly, Alvaro Morales, Remy McKenna, Keelan O’Reilly, Jason McBride, Tyler O’Hanlon, Conor Doyle, Mantas, Nils Ziegert, Conor Gaffney, Conghal Treanor, Lewis Gibson.