Airtricity League – Premier Division Bohemians 1 – 2 Monaghan United

Airtricity League Premier Division
Bohemians 1 – 2 Monaghan United.
When Monaghan United were reduced to 10 men with scarcely three minutes on the clock few of their supporters could have dreamed of this result. United’s keeper Chris Bennion received a straight red card when he rushed from his area to take down the advancing Karl Moore the referee adjudged to be a last man tackle, fortunately United had a replacement keeper of the calibre of Michael Schlingermann to spring from the bench, however it was at the expense of forward Tony Griffiths. Shortly after the sending off Dinny Corcoran had the first chance of the game when he missed from close in and at the other end United had a half chance Stephen Maher dragged the ball wide of the post. Despite their numerical disadvantage it was United who were mostly dictating the pace. Approaching the half hour mark Darragh Reynor came close when he hit the crossbar with a cross that put the keeper under severe pressure. But United should have taken the lead in 36th minute when Jordan Keegan unselfishly crossed to Stephen Maher and with the keeper at his mercy he scuffed his chance. Dinny Corcoran had a good attempt for Bohs but he was denied by a brilliant save from Schlingermann. Then in 44th minute United’s captain Robert Bayly raced with the ball from half way before releasing to the unmarked Daniel Mc Guinness in side the area but his low strike was very weak and easily gather by the keeper. That brought the first half action to an end.
After the interval United immediately went on the offensive and forced two corners within as many minutes and their pressure paid off in the 49th minute, Jordan Keegan collected the ball near the corner flag he forced his way past two defenders before picking out Stephen Maher about ten yards out in front of goal, Maher’s strike hit the inside of the foot of the post and seemed to take an age before it crossed the line and United were deservedly in the lead. Immediately Bohs tried to take the challenge to United but they couldn’t break down the defence, however on 62 minutes they got the equaliser through no fault of the defenders, it was a stunning strike from second substitute Ryan Mc Evoy, he won the ball in mid field and from 35 yards out let fly to the top corner of the net for a contender for goal of the season. For a few minutes Bohs were controlling matters but gradually United got back on top and were totally frustrating the home side. On 78 minutes Dinny Corcoran came close with a rare chance to taking the leads following a corner he headed narrowly wide. There is no doubt but that the travelling supporters would have settled for a draw at this stage but entering the final 10 minutes United started to dominate and it was they who were going in search of the lead and not surprisingly it came, in 87th minute an attack in Bohs area saw what appeared like a push and a foul on Conor Murphy but the fall fell to Jason Marks and from close he struck and silenced the large crowd apart from the United supporters who were massed behind the goal into which Marks struck and did they celebrate.
This was a genuine all round display from all fourteen players used, having to play almost the entire game a man down brought out the best in the side. One has to remember that United went into this game missing key players in defenders Aidan Collins, Alan Byrne midfielders Keith Quinn and Willo Mc. Donagh. After his long lay off from injury last season this was the game that Conor Mc. Mahon discovered his old form.
United have their first of what we hope a many wins to follow.
Bohemians: Andy McNulty; Owen Heary, Evan McMillan, Dave Mulcahy; Derek Pender (Andy Mulligan 80), Karl Moore, Adam Martin Ryan McEvoy 53), Luke Byrne; Keith Ward, Dinny Corcoran, Davie Byrne (Keith Buckley 38 ).
Subs Not Used: Stephen Traynor, Andy Mulligan, Neil Harney, Dan Mahon, Craig Sexton.
Monaghan United: Chris Bennion; Shaun Maher, Paul Whelan, Conor McMahon; Danny McGuinness (Jason Marks 73);Robert Bayly, Stephen Maher (Bobby Ryan 84), Darragh Reynor; Conor Murphy, Jordan Keegan, Tony Griffiths (Michael Schlingermann 5).
Subs Not Used: Roddy Collins, Owen Humphey, Shane Dunne.
Bookings: Stephen Maher (27), Shaun Maher (64), Chris Bayly (67).
Sent off: Chris Bennion (3)
Referee: Dave McKeon
Attendance: 1,378
Man of the match: Conor Mc Mahon (Monaghan United).