veterngaa (Monaghan) - Posts: 696 - 24/01/2025 18:44:40    2587382

Shelbourne1 (Monaghan) - Posts: 361 - 24/01/2025 18:59:42    2587385

Lack of pace in the back line with the new rules would be a concern. Especially on the break

mhunicean_abu (Monaghan) - Posts: 1057 - 25/01/2025 09:01:12    2587427

Delighted with our first win of the league. Onwards and upwards

MalsBalls (Monaghan) - Posts: 206 - 26/01/2025 07:09:40    2587564

Good start last night plenty of attacking football and these 2 pointers are really going to suit us. You could see Dermot Malones stamp on the squad already

farneygael3 (Monaghan) - Posts: 107 - 26/01/2025 09:25:12    2587580

Felt at start of year if monaghan could get their heads right for div 2 football they'd do alright. Its a new team being built and the drop down may been a blessing in disguise as a few wins will give the newer lads some confidence. Great to see Garland feature so well last night . The new rules will suit him and other players we have.

seanie08 (Monaghan) - Posts: 1853 - 26/01/2025 10:39:02    2587599

veterngaa (Monaghan) - Posts: 696 - 26/01/2025 13:16:42    2587637

Listened to it on radio and it seems like we have finally developing an attacking structure after 6 years of sideways madness, like a demented bear in a cage. Hopefully we get back to Div 1 where the level of talent we have should be playing.
The impact of Freeman and Moran can not be understated here, Garland's performance a prime example, hopefully we hold on to both for a couple of years, their instinct is to attack.
Onwards, upwards and always forward

mhunicean_abu (Monaghan) - Posts: 1057 - 26/01/2025 13:45:27    2587655

veterngaa (Monaghan) - Posts: 696 - 26/01/2025 14:32:56    2587675

mhunicean_abu (Monaghan) - Posts: 1057 - 26/01/2025 14:37:20    2587676

It does the heart good to win against Cavan any time. Conditions weren't actually too bad for the players, a reasonable breeze blowing straight down the pitch towards the town end, but only a little bit if rain. It was flipping cold for the supporters though. Even a warm cup if tea was barely enough to the digits lukewarm.

Wasn't exactly filled with optimism when I seen the midfield pairing and after the first throw in it was even less. McPhillips won it, got fouled, tap and go, overcarried, dissent punished and a score for Cavan. All after 30 seconds. In fairness, McPhillips grew into the game and worked hard.

The winning of the game was down to the pace and workmate of Monaghan's half back and half forward line. The new rules suit Bannigan, Hamill, McCarthy and McAnespie down to the ground. Some superb interplay amongst them, quick hands, abrupt turns and speed over first 5 yards got Monaghan lots of scores. Monaghan moved the ball rapidly, punching holes in the Cavan defence.

Beggan was influential as expected. Delighted for Garland. I've wondered if he would pack it in but new rules suit him big time and his confidence grew the longer the game went on. Of the new players. Dylan Byrne put in a solid shift in defence and has the potential to make it his position. McPhillips definitely proved me wrong on the night but I'd need to see if he consistently produce it. Was delighted to see McCaul and Doogan get some game time too. Bags of potential in those lads.

Monaghan made plenty of mistakes and new rules are taking some getting used to. Some worries about losing too many kick outs as well that need to be addressed. But a win is a win and I think the new management team won't get over excited at the win.

sleater (Monaghan) - Posts: 169 - 26/01/2025 17:07:49    2587718

farneygael3 (Monaghan) - Posts: 107 - 26/01/2025 19:03:32    2587753

Beggan was the main difference in the two teams. The overlap he created in attack was a huge advantage. In comparison the Cavan keeper, and his reluctance to join the attack was plain to be seen. Indeed Cavan often had 4 defenders back along with their keeper when attacking, whereas Monaghan drove on at every chance.

BrehonBlonde (Monaghan) - Posts: 98 - 26/01/2025 19:24:47    2587756

Monaghan37 (Monaghan) - Posts: 45 - 27/01/2025 07:33:39    2587821

mick2007 (Monaghan) - Posts: 560 - 27/01/2025 11:55:27    2587862

What was the story with O'Hanlon, Woods and Mohan on Saturday night? Great to get a win without them but you'd like to see them in the mix for Westmeath, and a must for Ros and Cork too.

Eddie the Exile (Monaghan) - Posts: 1130 - 27/01/2025 12:26:53    2587868

veterngaa (Monaghan) - Posts: 696 - 27/01/2025 14:42:09    2587932

Deadballmerchant (Monaghan) - Posts: 11 - 27/01/2025 15:06:36    2587944

A risk of being overly negative, lets wait for another game or two or four before passing judgement. Westmeath at home next weekend. Then its Roscommon away, Cork at home, Louth away. That'll let us know where we are at...

Away to Meath and finally at home to Down to finish off if we are still in the hunt for promotion but the middle three games will determine if we are going up, scraping for Sam Maguire or risking relegation rolling into Navan.

MrPBoylan (Monaghan) - Posts: 221 - 27/01/2025 16:19:38    2587976

Any chance of Conor Boyle coming back? he was a big loss last year.

Farney (Monaghan) - Posts: 807 - 27/01/2025 17:44:02    2588006