Mons On Song
Friday 5th August 2011. Airtricity League Division 1
Monaghan United 1-0 Athlone Town
Monaghan United kept themselves in the promotion race with a 1-0 win over Athlone Town in Gortakeegan with former Town player Declan O’Brien once again scoring against his old employers.
It was an early, and somewhat fortunate goal that proved to be Towns undoing as O’Briens close range effort crept goalwards off Micheal Schlingermanns legs as he fell back, and the ball just about crossed the line before the Town defenders could try to scramble it back onto the pitch. Credit to Mons starlet Sean Brennan though for the pin point pass to put O’Brien through.
Town started the game with a 4-5-1 formation which saw Michael Schlingermann, Joe Woods and Dave Ryan all return to the starting line up. Jason Hughes forged a lonely attack but unfortunately, even though he has proved to be lightning quick on the turn, the majority of the time the ball was pumped in high, much to the delight of the Monaghan centre halves who almost effortlessly headed the attacks away. Mons had a few more chances with O’Brien hitting the bar from close range while also having a penalty appeal turned down. To be fair he probably should have been awarded the spot kick but despite being fouled, the leap he made to the ground made it look more like theatrics. Not often a striker can trick a referee into not giving a penalty!!!
The second half saw the introduction of Noel McGee, Mark Sherlock and a return for Garry Higgins to bolster the attack. But it was at the expense of an injured Decky Fallon,meaning Wayne Colbert reverted to right full while Dave Ryan tucked back into a centre midfield role.
While Athlone didnt have many real clear cut chances, and I cant recall too many shots on target, they played quite well overall and it was unfortunate that the early goal went in as they were good for a draw.
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Declan O'Brien hits the deck under pressure from Paul Danaher
AC Sports Images 