Image source, InphoImage caption, Monaghan will face Derry for a place in the Ulster final
ByJohn McGovernBBC Sport NI contributor at Clones- Published57 minutes ago
Monaghan produced a largely dominant display to see off local rivals Cavan 0-27 to 2-14 in their Ulster Senior Football Championship quarter-final at St Tiernach's Park.
In a high-tempo derby marked by aggressive pressing and clinical long-range shooting, the Farney men controlled large stretches to secure a semi-final meeting with Derry on 2 May.
Having built a 0-15 to 0-8 half-time lead, the hosts were forced to fend off a spirited Cavan comeback in the second half.
Tiarnan Madden and Darragh Lovett both scored goals for the visitors, while Rory Beggan saved a Paddy Lynch penalty.
Beggan also scored five points for Monaghan, as did Stephen Mooney, while man of the match Dessie Ward struck 0-4.
Monaghan dominate first half
Gabriel Bannigan's side quickly imposed themselves, with their dominance around kick-outs and turnovers proving decisive against a Cavan team that struggled to establish rhythm early on.
Monaghan's superiority in that area laid the platform for a spread of scorers, with Ward and Beggan influential from distance, while Mooney consistently found space inside.
The hosts struck three two-pointers in the opening period alone and maintained a high conversion rate, in contrast to Cavan, who relied heavily on Paddy Lynch's placed balls despite a number of missed frees at key stages.
The Farney men were relentless from the throw-in, with Mooney opening inside a minute before Aaron Carey and Ward extended the lead. Monaghan repeatedly disrupted Cavan's restarts with a well-drilled zonal press, turning over possession high up the pitch and converting efficiently.
Ward's early two-pointer underlined that control, and although Cameron Dowd struck the crossbar during a goal chance, Monaghan continued to build a commanding lead as David Garland and Beggan added further scores.
Cavan struggled to gain any foothold in the opening quarter, registering just one score in the first 13 minutes, and although Lynch and Oisin Brady helped reduce the deficit briefly, Monaghan's ability to win primary possession and dictate tempo remained evident.
Beggan's two-point free and a Karl Gallagher effort stretched the margin further, and despite late scores from the Breffni men, Monaghan went in at the break with a deserved seven-point advantage.
Cavan fightback falls short
Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Paddy Lynch had a second-half penalty saved by Rory Beggan
Monaghan quickly reasserted control after the restart, but Cavan showed renewed intent with scores from Lynch and Emmanuel Shehu, before Tiarnan Madden's goal briefly reignited the contest.
A major turning point followed when Rory Beggan produced a crucial penalty save from Lynch, preserving Monaghan's cushion.
Although a late goal from Darragh Lovett kept Cavan within touching distance, Monaghan's game management, combined with Beggan's influence from restarts and placed balls, ensured they closed out the game with authority.
Cavan finished with 14 men following substitute Favour Shehu's late red card.
