MONAGHAN HAVE NO RESPONSE TO DERRY LATE SHOW AT GORTAKEEGAN

18 May 2012 No Comments by The Northern Standard

A LATE fusillade of scoring by Derry City put Tuesday night’s Airtricity League Premier Division clash with Monaghan United out of the home side’s reach in a bewildering flurry of late-on action that stood out in stark contrast to the indifferent footballing fare that had gone before.
Roddy Collins’ side, desperate to improve on their poor home record, would have been hoping to profit from the Candystripes’ rather indifferent run of recent form that culminated in defeat in the Setanta Cup final last weekend to Crusaders.
And there was little early evidence that losing out on what is a particularly meaningful trophy for the Derry side had galvanized them into a meaningful response.
A yawn-inducing first half had the large contingent of travelling supporters fidgeting on their seats as City attempted to unlock a diligent Monaghan defence with Aidan Collins exerting a measured influence, and keeper Michael Schlingermann ever alert.
Schlingermann’s adroitness was put to the full test in the tenth minute when Derry dangerman Patrick McEleney unleashed a surprise shot from around the 30 yard mark that forced the Monaghan custodian to go full length to push the effort around the post.
There was little else of note to set the pulses racing before half-time, little in the way of …

Comments are closed.