Monaghan 0-0 Dundalk

Dundalk’s pace-setting at the top of the eircom League First Division stalled with an indifferent performance and allowed a defensively resolute Monaghan United hold them scoreless at Kingspan Century Park.

In a poor first half Dundalk’s Paul Marney and Paul Crowley pulled all the strings in midfield but created few meaningful chances on goal. 

Dundalk’s best move saw United ‘keeper Danny Woods save bravely at the feet of Tiernan Mulvenna, and two minutes from the interval Dundalk's Jamie Duffy started a neat passing move which he finished with a low drive to the net, but teammate Robbie Farrell was clearly offside and the effort didn’t count.

Monaghan, for whom centre-backs Wayne Byrne and Aaron Mooney were outstanding, were a bit more adventurous in a brighter second half, with Ian Maher forcing a good save from Chris Bennion. 

Dundalk responded by forcing a succession of corners, from one of which defender Ben Whelehan was inches away with an overhead kick.

After two long-range efforts from Darren Meenan, Monaghan seemed content to play for the point and Dundalk, energised by the introduction from the subs’ bench of Trevor Vaughan and Paul Smyth, took control.

Lilywhites’ defender Aidan Lynch thundered a 79th minute header off the crossbar from David Crawley’s free-kick.

The sending off of full-back Paul Whelan for a second yellow card offence ensured a tense final ten minutes for Monaghan. 

Intense Dundalk pressure almost produced a goal for substitute
Robbie Martin but ‘keeper Danny Woods made a fine save and United held out for a share of the points.

Monaghan United: Woods; Whelan, Byrne, Mooney, Williamson; Tierney, McCrossan, Maher; Meenan (Malone 88), Lanigan (Collins 81), Hand.

Dundalk: Bennion; Ryan, Lynch, Whelehan, Crawley; Duffy, Crowley, Marney, O’Connor (Smyth 75); Farrell (Vaughan 68), Mulvenna (Martin 88).

Referee: H Whoriskey