Monaghan United 5 - 1 Kildare County

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Monaghan United added more woe to Kildare’s living nightmare that is this season’s First Division campaign by putting five goals past them on Friday night in Kingspan Century Park.

Eight games have passed so far, and the Thoroughbreds have conceded 31 goals with only three in reply. The win for the Mons sees them leapfrog Longford Town, however the Town play their game in hand on Saturday evening.

The result was never in doubt from the very first minute as Sean Brennan netted to give Monaghan the perfect start. Paul Whelan doubled the lead on 33 minutes and it remained that way until the 52nd minute, when Barry Clancy scored.

Three minutes later, Paul Whelan added his second of the game, and Monaghan’s fourth. Consolation came for Kildare in the form of a 67th minute goal by David O’Riordain. Their brief joy was short lived as Baba Isaaka saw red and Darragh Hanaphy rounded off the rout on 89 minutes with Mon’s fifth.

Kildare County face Wexford Youths at home next week, whilst Monaghan travel to 6th place Athlone Town.

Monaghan United: McGann, Whelan, Clancy, Byrne, Gartland, Tierney, Brennan, O’Connor, McKenna, Bermingham, Grimes. Subs: McCrossan, Freeman, Hanaphy, Lynch, Treacy.

Kildare County: Flynn, Garry, Thorpe, Hegarty, Osbourne, Issaka, Brady, Byrne, Lynch, O’Riordan, Farrell. Subs: McLoughlin, Kinsella, Dunne, McDonnell, Rigney.