MONKSLAND UNITED 3
MOUNTMELLICK UNITED 1
Monksland United maintained their grip on top spot in the CCFL Senior Division when they came from behind to beat bottom team Mountmellick United at Cushla Park last Sunday morning.
The respective league positions might have suggested an easy outing for the hosts but the Laois outfit did not travel to make up the numbers. The visitors may have yet to record a win in the league but were anxious to rectify the situation and inflict a first defeat on the table toppers.
Monksland were looking to bounce back after exiting the Paddy Cotter cup at the first hurdle but struggled a little in the opening stages. It was no surprise then that Mountmellick shocked the home fans when they opened the scoring. With just three points separating the top four on the table, Tony O’Sullivan’s men could ill afford to drop any points. Bad enough that it would happen at home but to the bottom club would make it worse.
The response though was admirable as the ‘Land recovered to score three goals without reply. One of the rising young stars in the Monksland squad is Michael Harrington and he has grabbed the opportunity to play at senior level with both hands, the youngster involved in all three goals.
Having scored the equaliser, Harrington then set up Dylan Jinks for the lead goal. The United top scorer has also been in great form and followed up on recent scoring feats with another goal. The home team were now fully in control and any chance of a shock had disappeared. Aidan Reilly has returned to action and was involved in the last goal when he set up Harrington for his second and Monksland’s third goal. The win leaves the Cushla Park team still on top of the table with seventeen points, three ahead of Ballinahown and with a game in hand. United have now completed their competitive action in 2022 and will head into the New Year with bright hopes of lifting the title.
It was a winning weekend for the club as both their underage teams, also competing in the Combined Counties League, were successful. The under 17s were also in action against Mountmellick, again enjoying home advantage, while the under 19s made the short trip to take on Ballymahon. The under 17s fought back to head off at half time on level terms. For long periods after the break, it looked like the spoils would be shared but the hosts struck for the winner with a quarter of an hour remaining. Niall Derwin was the home hero as he headed a corner kick to the net.
The under 19s had a much easier task as they put four past Ballymahon without reply. Charlie Kelly handed the visitors a narrow half time lead but the floodgates opened after the break. Mark Greene doubled the lead from the penalty spot. Ryan Moran made it three nil and the rout was completed when John Shine finished off a free kick.
