Monaghan knock the holders out

Sligo R 1 Monaghan Utd 3:MONAGHAN UNITED shocked holders Sligo with a three-goal salvo at the Showgrounds last night.

Rovers were reduced to 10 men when Alan Keane was shown a straight red card in the 77th minute, five minutes after super sub Jason Marks put Roddy Collins’ side ahead, the ball deceiving Gary Rogers in the home goal.

Keith Quinn scored Monaghan’s third from the penalty spot six minutes from time after Danny Ventre fouled Wilo McDonogh.

Monaghan struggled to get into the game in the opening minutes of the first half and Danny North went close to giving Sligo the lead in the first minute.

Mark Quigley put the home side ahead in the eight minute with a cracking shot from the penalty-spot after Ross Gaynor was taken down by Stephen Maher.

Daragh Reynor forced Sligo goalkeeper Gary Rogers into a smart save after 10 minutes and a brave block by Monaghan keeper Michael Schlingermann at the feet of North denied Sligo a second a couple of minutes later.

The Sligo goalkeeper was quick off his line to gather the ball as Conor Murphy raced towards goal following clever play by Tony Griffiths on 17 minutes.

Another superb save by Schlingermann denied David Cawley after 25 minutes.

Monaghan squared the match in the 28th minute when Tony Griffiths beat Rogers at the near post with a magnificient finish.

Danny Ventre and North then had chances for Rovers but both were unable to unhinge the Monaghan defence.

The Monaghan goalkeeper was quick out of his goal to avert the danger as Gaynor bore down on goal in the 39th minute.

SLIGO ROVERS: Rogers, Dykes (Millien, 63 mins), Peers, McGuinness, Keane, Ventre, Cawley, Gaynor, Lynch, Quigley, North.

MONAGHAN UTD: Schlingermann, Whelan (Ryan, 69 mins), Maher, McMahon, Byrne, Murphy, Quinn, McDonagh. Dunne (Marks, 57 mins), Griffiths, Reynor.

Referee: P McLaughlin (Dublin).