Goals in either half from Stephen Kilcoyne and Kurt Murphy (pictured) saw Dundalk Youths extend their lead at the top of the DDSL U18 Super League as they defeated ten-man Saint Joseph’s/Bray Wanderers 2-0 at Oriel Park on Sunday morning, to maintain their 100 percent home record. Dundalk were well on top throughout and deservedly broke the deadlock before the half-hour mark when Scott Craven played in Kilcoyne on the left of the area and he neatly finished to the net. Murphy made the points on 63 minutes when he latched onto a long ball from Aidan Sheehy and rounded the ‘keeper before squeezing the ball in from a tight angle.
Opener
Dundalk went into the game leading the division by three points from Bohemians, who were in FAI Cup action, which afforded Alan Browne’s side the opportunity to increase their advantage at the summit. From the start, the young Lilywhites were in control, although they were unable to test the visiting No1, their best effort early on coming from Craven whose long-range shot went wide. However, on 29 minutes, they found a way through, as Craven’s pass found Kilcoyne in the box and he stayed calm to fire to the net from 12-yards. After the break, the hosts looked to kill the game. They went close on 51 minutes but, at the second attempt, the ‘keeper gathered a Michael Gray shot, before he came to collect ahead of the in-rushing Cian Doyle.
Comfortable
On the hour, Dundalk twice went close from corners, Murphy heading the second one just wide after Kilcoyne’s delivery. Shortly after, Murphy found the target. He got on the end of Sheehy’s long ball out of defence and got beyond the last defender before rounding the ‘keeper and squeezing it in, Doyle’s touch not needed as it had already crossed the line. Dundalk had further chances to extend their lead but Doyle headed a Roy Kierans cross narrowly wide and debutant Kevin Loughran’s shot was saved, before St. Joseph’s were reduced to ten men in the dying seconds after persistent fouling by their No4. Dundalk now sit on 25 points after 11 matches in the 24-game league, the Lilywhites picking up eight wins and a draw, with six of those victories coming at Oriel Park.
DUNDALK FC: Johnny Connolly, Ryan Duffy, Jack Clancy, Aidan Sheehy, Roy Kierans, Michael Gray (Jude Carroll 83), Seanie Crosbie, Kurt Murphy ©, Stephen Kilcoyne (Rowan Quinn 70), Scott Craven (Kevin Loughran 57), Cian Doyle.
Goals: S Kilcoyne (29), K Murphy (63).
Photograph thanks to David Caldwell.
