Dundalk’s lead at the top of the FAI National U19 League Northern Division was cut to just one goal as they suffered a 3-0 defeat at the hands of challengers Derry City at the Brandywell on Saturday afternoon, a flattering scoreline for the hosts after a good performance from Martin Connolly’s side. The result sees Finn Harps, who defeated Sligo Rovers on Friday night, join Dundalk on 15 points, the Louth club leading by virtue of a better goal difference, although Derry have moved to within just two points of the summit with a game less played.
Dundalk chances
The young Lilywhites, who made the trip north of the border on the back of wide-margin victories over Fanad United and Longford Town, did well in the early exchanges to repel Derry’s attack as the home side looked to make an early breakthrough. However, Dundalk grew into the game and produced the first real opening on the quarter-hour when Bob McKenna was released on goal but with just the ‘keeper to beat his effort came back off the post before being cleared to safety. Connolly’s side went close again shortly after when this time Chris Reilly was in the clear but he saw his shot well saved by the home No1.
Punished
And Dundalk were punished for those misses on the half-hour when a corner met a Derry played completely unmarked in the six-yard box and he was left with the easiest of tasks to put his side in front. Dundalk were dealt another blow within five minutes when Ben McLaughlin was dispossessed on the halfway line. Derry raided forward and after an unsuccessful attack an attempted clearance from John Horan ricocheted off a Derry player and into the net. After the break, the Lilywhites looked for a way back into the game, with Reilly continually tormenting Derry down the right, while McKenna went close with a number of half-chances. However, after a goal proved elusive, Derry completed the scoring late on with a neat chip.
Dundalk’s next outing is on Saturday 19 November when they return to Oriel Park after a seven-week absence, Sligo Rovers the visitors (kick-off 2pm).
DUNDALK FC: Craig Hanlon, Ben McLaughlin, Brian Bird, Cian Byrne, John Horan (Peter Thomas 55), Mark Leavy, Darragh Kenna, Conor McDonald (Kurt Murphy 65), Karl Martin, Bob McKenna, Chris Reilly.
Unused Subs: Rob Sweeney, Conor Mackin, Daniel Hand.
| U19 Northern Division |
P |
W |
D |
L |
F |
A |
GD |
PTS |
| Dundalk |
7 |
5 |
0 |
2 |
19 |
11 |
+8 |
15 |
| Finn Harps |
7 |
5 |
0 |
2 |
12 |
5 |
+7 |
15 |
| Derry City |
6 |
4 |
1 |
1 |
17 |
6 |
+11 |
13 |
| Monaghan United |
6 |
2 |
1 |
3 |
8 |
8 |
0 |
7 |
| Sligo Rovers |
6 |
2 |
1 |
3 |
12 |
17 |
-5 |
7 |
| Fanad United |
6 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
5 |
11 |
-6 |
5 |
| Longford Town |
6 |
0 |
1 |
5 |
2 |
17 |
-15 |
1 |
- Fanad v Longford Town, 5 November, not included
- Derry v Sligo Rovers, 25 September, abandoned at half-time with Derry leading 1-0
