Monaghan 4-2 Mervue United

An injury-hit Monaghan United outgunned a game Mervue United in this goalfeast at Kingspan Century Park.

Daragh Hanaphy (35) drove through a crowded penalty area to send Monaghan in with a deserved half-time lead.

A double from Karl Bermingham (49, 67), both powerhouse finishes to fine passing moves, put United in command until a defensive lapse allowed Pat Hoban (71) to grab Mervue a lifeline.

Mervue keeper Eoin Martin gifted Monaghan debutant Philip Donnelly a goal (73) but a Hoban penalty (79) was reward for the visitors' never-say-die attitude.