MONAGHAN UNITED took control of the Promotion-Relegation play-off with a 2-0 first leg victory against Galway United at Gortakeegan.

 

Goals from Michael Isichei and Sean Brennan gave Roddy Collins's men the advantage ahead of Friday's second leg at Terryland Park in a game that saw each side reduced to ten men.

Sean Gavin was dismissed for Galway United and Monaghan United's Eric Foley was also ordered off in the 80th minute.

Isichei found the net with the game's opening goal in the 13th minute. Shane Grimes took a quick throw-in and Jordan Keegan burst forward before crossing for Isichei to slot home.

Alan Byrne might have extended Monaghan's lead but his second half effort rattled the crossbar.

Brennan added the second with an 87th minute shot when he beat keeper Conor Winn from a tight angle.

MONAGHAN UNITED: Sava; Whelan, A Collins, A Byrne, Grimes; Isichei (P Byrne 64, McDonagh 85), Foley, R Brennan, Keegan (Marks 88); O'Brien, S Brennan.

GALWAY UNITED: Winn; Sinnott, Son, Gaughan, Kelly; Kim (Gavin HT), Ryan, Murphy, Sibanda (Eduardo 76); Gilmoure, Cauldwell (Walsh 89).

REFEREE: D Tomney (Dublin).