Own goal denies Monaghan deserved point

Monaghan United defender Mark Girvan had the misfortune to score at both ends to give Waterford United a scarcely deserved 2-1 win at Gortakeegan yesterday. Monaghan deserved something from the game but seemed destined not to get any reward as Waterford held on for a second successive win, which lifts them to second place in the table.

Girvan's own goal on 65 minutes ultimately cost his side the match as his attempted header back to Robbie O'Dowd had too much pace and flew past the home goalkeeper and into the net.

Girvan had earlier brought Monaghan back into the game with a 27th minute equaliser, hooking the ball into the net from Lee King's corner, after Tommy Hewitt had given Waterford a 19th minute lead, shooting home after Donal Golden had crossed from the right.

Aaron Shearer, who hit a post, and James O'Callaghan were then unlucky not to score and give Monaghan at least the point they deserved.

Home Farm Everton had to be content with a solitary Liam Kelly goal to record their first win of the league season which moves them to third in the table.

A dreadful first-half passed everyone by, but Kelly finally brought the game to life within 40 seconds of the restart, the former youth international scoring from close range after Longford goalkeeper, Anthony Keenan, could only parry a header by Graham Doyle following Gary Howlett's free-kick.

Longford then had defender Frank Darby sent-off for a second bookable offence as he handled the ball as Kelly raced through behind him.

Kelly might have had a hat-trick as he subsequently hit the Longford woodwork twice, as did Stephen Gifford late on, but Home Farm just couldn't add to their tally. Limerick maintained their unbeaten start to the season with a 10 win over Cobh Ramblers at Hogan Park in a game of precious little incident or note.

Barry Ryan got the only goal after eight minutes when he reacted quickest to drive home from close range after Jason Purcell's shot was deflected to him in a crowded goalmouth. Limerick's win was at a cost, as they lost skipper Albert Finnan who was sentoff two minutes from time following a second booking.

Bray Wanderers recorded their biggest ever win over Galway United at Terryland Park on Saturday night to maintain their 100 per cent record at the top of the table.