Limerick -v- Monaghan United
Credit:
Monaghan United make the long trip west as Limerick FC host Mick Cooke’s
side at Jackman Park (Kick-off 7:45pm). Just one place separates both sides
in the First Division and a positive result for either side is essential to
keep the good form going into the final games of the season.
Monaghan have had an impressive season, lie 6th in the table, but travel to Limerick with a minor injury crisis as up to eight first team regulars may miss the clash with Pat Scully’s young side.
While, the play-offs are beyond the reach of both sides, Monaghan and Limerick will look for all three points on Friday in order to close the gap on the top five and to build confidence for a promotion bid next season.
Monaghan’s form has been excellent recently, and they showed character to bounce back with an impressive performance against Mervue United last weekend.
Limerick FC have yet to score against Mick Cooke’s side so far this season. 0-0 was the result in Jackman Park in April and Monaghan were 1-0 winners in the return visit in July.
If Monaghan are to get anything from Friday’s game they must keep a close watch on Limerick’s Stephen O’ Flynn who has scored two hat-tricks in his two previous games against Athlone and Shelbourne.
Pat Scully was happy with his side’s performance against Shelbourne last Friday in Tolka Park.
“I am happy with the way we played in attack but to score three goals away from home and not win is very disappointing, things are starting to come together but we must pull together defensively and stop giving away scrappy goals."
Limerick are without goalkeeper Dave Ryan who suspended for this week’s game against Monaghan United. Shane Waters is back in full training this week but faces a late fitness test to determine if he can play against Monaghan. Thomas Lyons is also back in training after a minor knock and he also faces a late fitness test on his injured knee. Both Wayne Colbert and club captain Pat Purcell remain out for another week with knee injuries and Paul Cummins is rehabilitating after a broken ankle and should be back in five weeks.
Depending on availability and late fitness tests, Monaghan could be without Alan Byrne, Sean Brennan, Barry Clancy, Brian Gartland, Conor Mc. Mahon and Brendan Kennedy and club captain Don Tierney.
Extratime prediction: Both sides are hard to break down but Limerick should narrowly win this one. A scrappy 2-1 win for Pat Scully’s side
Monaghan have had an impressive season, lie 6th in the table, but travel to Limerick with a minor injury crisis as up to eight first team regulars may miss the clash with Pat Scully’s young side.
While, the play-offs are beyond the reach of both sides, Monaghan and Limerick will look for all three points on Friday in order to close the gap on the top five and to build confidence for a promotion bid next season.
Monaghan’s form has been excellent recently, and they showed character to bounce back with an impressive performance against Mervue United last weekend.
Limerick FC have yet to score against Mick Cooke’s side so far this season. 0-0 was the result in Jackman Park in April and Monaghan were 1-0 winners in the return visit in July.
If Monaghan are to get anything from Friday’s game they must keep a close watch on Limerick’s Stephen O’ Flynn who has scored two hat-tricks in his two previous games against Athlone and Shelbourne.
Pat Scully was happy with his side’s performance against Shelbourne last Friday in Tolka Park.
“I am happy with the way we played in attack but to score three goals away from home and not win is very disappointing, things are starting to come together but we must pull together defensively and stop giving away scrappy goals."
Limerick are without goalkeeper Dave Ryan who suspended for this week’s game against Monaghan United. Shane Waters is back in full training this week but faces a late fitness test to determine if he can play against Monaghan. Thomas Lyons is also back in training after a minor knock and he also faces a late fitness test on his injured knee. Both Wayne Colbert and club captain Pat Purcell remain out for another week with knee injuries and Paul Cummins is rehabilitating after a broken ankle and should be back in five weeks.
Depending on availability and late fitness tests, Monaghan could be without Alan Byrne, Sean Brennan, Barry Clancy, Brian Gartland, Conor Mc. Mahon and Brendan Kennedy and club captain Don Tierney.
Extratime prediction: Both sides are hard to break down but Limerick should narrowly win this one. A scrappy 2-1 win for Pat Scully’s side
About David Byrne
is a freelance sports reporter based in Limerick who has been following the League of Ireland for as long as he can remember. As an avid Limerick supporter his earliest memory of the League was … View Full Profile