Bob McKenna eased into life in the DDSL U18 Super League as his double shot Dundalk Youths to a 2-0 win over Saint Patrick’s Athletic on their return to league action at Oriel Park on Sunday morning. The 17-year-old has been a star for the club’s U19 side, hitting eight goals in their seven games this season. And, after recently signing for the Youths, he fired in superb goals in either half to give Dundalk sweet revenge after exiting the FAI Cup at the hands of the Saints three weeks ago.
Perfect start
The Youths, who had not been in league action in exactly a month, began brightly as they looked to put another win on the board having won two and lost two of their opening four league games. And Alan Browne’s side made the perfect start as they broke the deadlock after just ten minutes. Captain Ben McLaughlin supplied an inch-perfect through-ball for McKenna who remained calm to slip his effort under the ‘keeper. Past the midway point of the half, Dundalk went close to doubling their lead but the crossbar denied them. McKenna then looked for a second before the break, after latching onto substitute Michael Gray’s pass, but this time the home side found the St. Pat’s No1 in the way as he saved well.
Captain Ben McLaughlin, grandson of Jim and son of Paul, in possession, as McKenna (left) looks on
Dundalk dominant
The woodwork again intervened on 50 minutes when McKenna smashed a shot off the bar. Dundalk continued to dominate but it was not until 20 minutes from time that they added a second. Daniel Hand showed some fine dribbling skill before turning a defender and passing to McKenna whose sweet strike found the top corner. The visitors could have got back in it shortly after but this time Dundalk had the bar to thank. On 78 minutes, Kurt Murphy won possession in the middle of the park and found Conor McDonald who passed to Gray out wide and his cross found Hand in space but he headed off target. The final chance of the game also fell to the hosts as a corner came to sub Stephen Kilcoyne but after connecting well he saw the Saints ‘keeper produce a wonderful stop.
DUNDALK FC: Johnny Connolly, Rian Hand (Stephen Kilcoyne 55), Brian Bird, Aidan Sheehy, Jack Clancy, Scott Craven (Michael Gray 40), Kurt Murphy, Ben McLaughlin © (Ryan Duffy 45), Conor McDonald, Daniel Hand (Seanie Crosbie 85), Bob McKenna.
Goals: B McKenna (10, 70).
Unused Subs: Jude Carroll, Rowan Quinn.
Photos thanks to David Caldwell
