Monaghan United 0 - 0 Waterford United

• Peter Hughes
• Sun, Jul 19 2009


Waterford United's First Division promotion prospects disimproved when they were held scoreless by a stubborn Monaghan United in this drab affair at Kingspan Century Park.

A monumentally dull first half was enlivened in the 34th minute when Monaghan's U-17 Republic of Ireland international goalkeeper Aaron McCarey fingertipped Alan Carey’s thunderous free-kick for Waterford onto the base of the post.

Waterford, who put six past the Mons when the sides last met, dominated possession in the second half but won few clear cut chances from a well organised Monaghan backline. McCarey saved well from Waters’ close-in shot, and Willie John Kiely headed poorly off target when found unmarked by substitute Paul Walsh.

Alan Carey sent a free-kick whistling just wide with five minutes remaining for the visitors and a minute later McCarey made a fantastic reaction save when Waterford’s Dave Warren drove the ball through a crowded box.

With the last kick of the game Karl Bermingham almost won it for Monaghan but his shot was turned off the line by Kenny Browne.

Monaghan United: McCarey; McKevitt, McMahon, Gartland, Grimes; Brennan (O’Connor 70), Byrne, Tierney, Gartland; Bermingham, Freeman (Hanaphy 89).

Waterford United: Devine; Carey, Browne, Murray, Long (Grincell 77); Mulcahy (Walsh 64), Warren, McCarthy (Grant 68), Waters; Cummins, Kiely.

Referee: P. Caschera.