Monaghan earn play-off spot

MONAGHAN UNITED will meet Galway United in the promotion-relegation play-off this week after finishing third in the First Division.

Roddy Collins’ side hammered Athlone 5-0 at Lissywollen to clinch a promotion play-off clash with the Premier Division’s basement side, Galway United.

With Galway having struggled so badly in the Premier Division — finishing the season with a paltry six points, Mons will be hot favourites to win the two-legged play-off.

Monaghan took control early on against Athlone and goals inside two minutes from Jordan Keegan and Declan O’Brien had them cruising by the 24th minute. Aidan Collins added a third on 41 minutes.

Sean Brennan scored the fourth before Monaghan had midfielder Keith Quinn sent off on 66 minutes.

Keegan added his second on 74 minutes.

Monaghan now host Galway in the first leg of the play-off at Gortakeegan tomorrow night before the return at Terryland Park on Friday.

Limerick missed out on that last play-off place despite beating Waterford United 3-0 on Saturday night.

Sean Brosnan, Pat Purcell and Denis Behan scored the Limerick goals, but their fourth place finish means they miss out on promotion.

Alex Lee grabbed the only goal of the game to give Mervue a 1-0 win over Finn Harps at Fahy’s Field.

Wexford Youths came from 2-0 down to run out 5-2 winners over Salthill Devon at Ferrycarrig Park.

Devon midfielder James Whelan scored twice inside 16 minutes, but an own goal by keeper Adrian Faherty got Youths back into it on 23 minutes before Darragh Walshe levelled three minutes before the break.

Tom Elmes put Youths in front on 57 minutes.

Paul Malone added another for Wexford in the 69th minute and Dean Broaders put the icing on the cake after 88 minutes.