Monaghan United 2; Waterford United 0
Having lost their chance to stay in contention for the league the previous week, Waterford United travelled to Kingspan Century Park on Saturday last with a weakened squad.
Injuries and suspensions took their toll and as a result Gareth Cronin had to mix and match his forces and it came as no real surprise when the home side took the lead after 23 minutes. Andy Haran coolly slotted past the Blues goalkeeper Ben Spicer after Conor McMahon intercepted a clearance and he found Haran with a well-placed pass.
Monagahan continued to press forward and Sean Brennan, Darragh Hanaphy and goalscorer Haran all went close. Waterford’s best chance fell to Karl Bermingham but he was just wide with a lob from 25 yards. Goalkeeper Brendan Kennedy was well beaten but the ball went inches wide of the post.
The second half was only a minute old when Monaghan scored once again. Sean Brennan caught Ben Spicer with a lob-volley. The visiting goalkeeper was caught in two minds as whether to punch or catch the ball and as a result the ball went through his hands and into the net. Later on in the game, Spicer produced a wonderful save from Andy Haran.
Monaghan United: Brendan Kennedy, Paul Whelan, Barry Clancy, Aaron Mooney, Conor McMahon, Don Tierney, Cathal O’Connor, Sean Brennan, Darragh Hanaphy, Andy Haran, Brian Gartland. Subs: Kevin Williamson for Whelan (70), Kieran Reilly for Brennan (80), James Hand for Hanaphy (82).
Waterford United.: Ben Spicer, Kieran Fitzgerald, Robbie Clarke, Luke Fitzpatrick, Kevin Waters, Dave Warren, Gary Dunphy, Willie John Kiely, Vinny Sullivan, David Grincell, Karl Bermingham. Subs: Joe Mulcahy for Dunphy (80), Stephen Quigley for Fitzgerald (83).
Referee: Paul Cashera (Dublin).
