Saints Slain As Monks Land Derby Victory
Thursday 19th April 2012. CCFL Senior Division.
Monksland United 2-1 St Peters. Cushla Park.
First half goals from Ian O’Reilly and Les Browne were enough to secure a midweek West Athlone derby win for Monksland over neighbours St Peters.
Monksland took an early lead when Browne and O’Reilly linked up well along the left wing, with the latter firing the ball past Philly Dully from close range.
Although St Peters battled hard with a number of close chances they just couldnt break down the Monksland defence to nick an equaliser, and they were punished again before the break when a cross from the right wing found Les Browne unmarked inside the penalty box and the Monksland man steered a header past Dully into the net.
The second half brought much frustration to both sides with lunging tackles flying in and dissent rife in both camps. Monksland were the first to feel the wrath of the referee when Keith O’Reilly was first booked for time wasting on a free kick, and subsequently sent off for complaining the decision. Ironicially moments before the sending off O’Reilly had been urging team mates not to talk back to the referee for fear of a booking.
Peters were thrown a life line late in the game when substitute Paul Allen moved quickly in the Monksland box to put away a well taken goal on the turn. But the joy was short lived when the Saints were then reduced to 10 men with Mickey Nugent, who himself was only on as a second half substitute, recieving his marching orders. While the decision came as a surprise to both sides, the referee assistant indicated that Nugent had committed 3 fouls in quick succession to deserve the card.
Click Here For More Photos From Monksland Utd v St Peters
Les Browne steers the ball past Philly Dully and Paschal Dillon for Monkslands winning goal
AC Sports Images 