Match Thread: Monaghan v Tyrone, Saturday 4pm *MOD WARNING #178*

Hammer Archer

Monaghan: R Beggan; V Corey, C Walshe, D Mone; R Wylie, N McAdam, K O'Connell; F Kelly, O Lennon; D Hughes, D Malone, K Duffy; C McManus, K Hughes, O Duffy.

Tyrone: N Morgan; A McCrory, R McNamee, C McCarron; R McNabb, Joe McMahon, P Harte; C Cavanagh, M Donnelly; T McCann, M Bradley, C Meyler; D McCurry, S Cavanagh, C McAliskey.

Odds: Monaghan 4/5, Tyrone 6/4, Draw 7/1

Referee: Martin Duffy

TV: Sky Sports 5

The first of today's games sees Ulster champions Monaghan face off against Tyrone. Monaghan won their second Ulster championship in three years with a hard fought win against Donegal. Tyrone were beaten by the latter in the Ulster preliminary before going on a trip through the qualifiers beating Limerick, Meath, Tipperary and Sligo on the way to the quarters.

Recent meetings have been exceptionally tight with usually only a score between the two. Monaghan prevailed in last year's Ulster quarter final by a single point while Tyrone had two points to spare at this stage in 2013, after which all discussion centred around Seán Cavanagh's rugby-like tackle on Conor McManus when the latter was clean through on goal.

Monaghan won't be content with an Ulster championship this year and seem determined to take the next step and make an All Ireland semi final. While you can never really discount Tyrone, it remains to be seen what level they are at given their relatively handy qualifier route to get to this stage. Hard to know whether that is an advantage or disadvantage for them. Can't see the game being high scoring, but I think Monaghan will have just enough for Tyrone this time.

Putting my mod hat on for a moment: Just a reminder that Boards' rules unfortunately do not allow asking for or providing links to illegal streams or any software allowing you to access streams illegally. Any posts containing these will be removed and cards may be handed out if it persists.

Enjoy the game.

Tom Joad

Finding it really hard to call this one. Will be shouting for the neighbours but think Tyrone have enough know how of how to win big games in Croke Park and that will get them over the line.

tayto lover

Going for the two M's today.

Dirty Dingus McGee

Going to go for Monaghan here.

They simply have to win this.They haven't played in an all ireland semi final in 30 years and to win 2 ulsters in 3 years and not get to a semi final at least would be an under achievement.

I think they need to change their attacking plan though.It's far too reliant on McManus producing a bit of magic. Kieran Hughes seems to be playing a lot deeper these days in the 2013 Ulster final he was great target man for diagonal balls go back to that tactic or even put Vinny Corey into the full forward line as a target man like they used to do when McEnaney was in charge, he spent most of the Donegal game running the ball forward, they should be able to find someone to replace him in that role.

cj maxx

I'll go for monaghan.
What im impressed with is they dont panic and know howbto win the game . Ad do tyrone but i think we are just a wee bit better

Jayop

Tyrone by two and Cavanagh to get a black card wrongly issued.

Jayop

We should have had a sweep to see how long before they show the Cavanagh tackle and how many times they mention it.

James74

No, it's on Sky, they actually do proper non sensationalist analysis there

tayto lover

Marty Duffy will ruin this match. Just wait and see. he had his good game last time so he's not due another.

Squatman

anyone able to pm me where to watch these matches?

threeball

Another completely dead atmosphere in this years championship. Doubtful you'll be getting any new converts from Sky with games played like they were in a funeral home.

gladrags

Awful stuff.

The diving is inexscusable.

keeponhurling

Monaghan really need to get McManus into this game or they will continue to struggle for scores

corny

Justin McMahon well up for this.

corny

****ing shocking decision there.

Nib

That's a shocking decision to black card Meyler there. He was been taken out off the ball!

Nidgeweasel

Marty Duffy, ladies and gentlemen.

*Slow clap*

corny

Both sides defending well, Tyrone attacking with a bit more verve though. Difference between the sides so far.

Peist2007

Monaghan players are hard to watch with all their gamesmanship

An Citeog

Nib wrote: »

That's a shocking decision to black card Meyler there. He was been taken out off the ball!

Completely disagree. He was trying to get Hughes black carded for a body check. Excellent decision by Marty Duffy imo.

James74

Normally I find most criticism of refs unnecessary and exaggerated... but holy jaysus Duffy is feckin' woeful today.

keeponhurling

Very typical Tyrone performance really, not giving up any space in scoring areas, and hitting Monaghan with fast counter attacks

Al_Coholic

never a free to Tyrone there..the forward fell over himself as he went for goal.

ref has been hopeless

corny

Its hilarious watching Justin McMahon. Man is seriously fired up.

Jayop

Duffy has been great. 9 out of ten refs give Meyer the free but the black was correct. Every decision right so far.

Nib

An Citeog wrote: »

Completely disagree. He was trying to get Hughes black carded for a body check. Excellent decision by Marty Duffy imo.

Dear God.

threeball

Monaghan carry every single ball out of defence while the Tyrone troops regroup and wait for the inevitable turnover then attack at pace. Rinse and repeat. Idiotic tactics from Monaghan.

corny

Jayop wrote: »

Duffy has been great. 9 out of ten refs give Meyer the free but the black was correct. Every decision right so far.

Thats irrelevant. Meyler did not pull the man to the ground. They collided.

James74

Morgan being lined up as McGregor's next opponent.

Peist2007

Someone needs to sort those pidgeons out at half time :pac:

posturingpat

C'mon Tyrone you're on your own here. Duffy's absolutely disgusting,i hope anyone suggesting Meyler deserved the black is a Monaghan man or on the wind up.