Aidan Sheehy’s first-half header proved enough for Dundalk Youths to squeeze into the quarter-finals of the Leinster Youth Cup following a 1-0 win over UCD/Mount Merrion at Oriel Park on Sunday afternoon. The visitors had dominated the opening period and Dundalk twice cleared off the line, but they were stunned five minutes before the break when Sheehy powered in Michael Gray’s corner. That boosted the young Lilywhites and they went on to put in a much better showing after the break to confirm their place in the last eight.
Dominant
Alan Browne’s side went into the tie unbeaten in eight games, but they were facing UCD/Mount Merrion for the first time this term. And the Dublin outfit were in control throughout the first half, twice going close either side of the half-hour mark. On 25 minutes, it was Jack Clancy that came to Dundalk’s rescue when he cleared off the line following a scramble in the box. Ten minutes later and the home side were again lucky to survive as they once more blocked a shot on the line. But, totally against the run of play, Dundalk took the lead on 40 minutes when Gray’s corner was met powerfully by the head of Sheehy.
Brighter
With a 100 percent record at home since the season began last September, Dundalk took confidence from the goal and began the second half much brighter. On 65 minutes, they went close to doubling their advantage when Kurt Murphy ran at the UCD/Mount Merrion defence and forced a foul on the edge of the box. Sheehy, who scored a wonderful free-kick against title challengers Bohemians in late November, stood up to attempt a repeat but he saw his effort come back off the crossbar. Shortly after, the visitors launched a counterattack but it ended with them firing over from eight-yards. The last chance fell to Dundalk, ten minutes from time, but Murphy saw a sweet strike go wide.
The two sides are set to meet again next weekend in the quarter-finals of the Ferrari Cup (League Cup), but with the first-team playing Finn Harps at Oriel Park, the tie is likely to take place at an alternative venue.
DUNDALK FC: Johnny Connolly, Ben McLaughlin, Ryan Duffy, Aidan Sheehy, Jack Clancy, Michael Gray, Scott Craven, Seanie Crosbie, Kurt Murphy, Daniel Hand (Kevin Loughran HT, Kevin Loughran, Rowan Quinn 70), Bob McKenna.
Goal: A Sheehy (40).
Photograph thanks to David Caldwell.
