Academy Round-Up | August 23rd–24th

Dundalk FC
5 hours ago
5 min read

It was another busy weekend for Dundalk FC’s academy sides, with plenty of goals, drama, and standout performances across the age groups. From emphatic victories to hard-fought battles, the young Lilywhites showed their quality and character once again.

Saturday, August 23rd

WU17s: Mayo 4–2 Dundalk

The WU17s travelled to Mayo and, while the 4–2 score line didn’t reflect their performance, they delivered a display full of promise and attacking football.

Dundalk started strongly, with Sara Burke almost putting her side ahead inside 10 minutes when she struck the crossbar after a brilliant through ball from Lanah Sherlock. Erin Costigan was heavily involved from left-back, driving forward and starting several attacks, while Molly Gordon controlled midfield with composure and strength.

Despite Dundalk’s pressure, Mayo took the lead just before half-time with a well-taken effort from the left wing. Ten minutes into the second half, the hosts doubled their lead, but Dundalk responded immediately. Georgia Hall battled superbly in the box before setting up Liadh Tobin, who smashed a shot into the roof of the net to make it 2–1.

Moments later came the goal of the game – and perhaps the weekend. Lyn Byrne picked up the ball 30 yards from goal and unleashed an unstoppable strike into the top corner to level the match at 2–2. It was a moment of pure quality that summed up Dundalk’s attacking threat.

Mayo restored their advantage just minutes later, before Eimear McCabe almost dragged the game back level again, only to see her effort cleared off the line. In stoppage time, Mayo added a fourth to seal the victory.

It was a thrilling contest and a performance that the Dundalk girls can take plenty of positives from despite the result.

MU15s: Dundalk 1–1 Sligo Rovers

At Oriel Park, the MU15s played out a tight 1–1 draw against Sligo Rovers in a match that showcased their resilience.

After a strong first half from Dundalk, the visitors struck first, converting from a chance midway through the game. The Lilywhites kept pushing and eventually levelled when Scott Savage fired home in the 68th minute after sustained pressure.

Both sides pressed for a winner in the closing stages, with Dundalk continuing to move the ball well and create opportunities, but the game ended level. It was another encouraging performance for the MU15s, who showed character to come from behind.

MU20s: Dundalk 5–0 Finn Harps

The MU20s produced a dominant display at Oriel Park, sweeping aside Finn Harps with a comprehensive 5–0 victory.

From the opening whistle, Dundalk pressed with intensity, winning a corner and registering a shot inside the first 10 seconds. The tone was set, and the Lilywhites never looked back. The high work-rate, energy, and quality on the ball were evident throughout, and the goals flowed as a result.

Five different players got on the scoresheet: Callum Woods, Aaron Donnelly, Cian Spaight, Russell, and Conall Alfred. The spread of goals highlighted the team’s depth and attacking variety. Alfred in particular caused problems all afternoon, with his relentless movement and direct play earning special mention from the coaching staff.

Equally important was the clean sheet, secured thanks to a solid defensive display and collective effort off the ball. The victory lifted Dundalk back into second place in their group, continuing a strong run of form in recent weeks where performances have consistently been of a high standard.

The Head coach praised the side’s intensity, quality, and togetherness, noting that the group are playing with real confidence ahead of their upcoming trip to the Carlisle Grounds to face Bray Wanderers.

Sunday, August 24th

MU17s: Dundalk 1–1 Drogheda United

The Louth Derby always carries extra spice, and this MU17 clash at Oriel Park was no different. Dundalk faced league leaders Drogheda United and came away with a deserved 1–1 draw.

The Lilywhites made the perfect start, pressing high from a Drogheda goal-kick and capitalizing immediately as Jack Martin slotted home in the second minute. The goal gave Dundalk momentum, and they continued to move the ball sharply, creating several chances to extend their lead.

After the break, Drogheda equalized with a back-post header from a cross on the left. The visitors then enjoyed a spell of pressure as they pushed for a second, but goalkeeper Aaron O’Donoghue stood tall, producing a series of excellent saves to keep the game level.

While both teams had opportunities in the closing stages, the points were shared in a fair result that reflected a competitive derby. Dundalk’s MU17s will look to build on this performance as they continue their campaign next weekend away to Bray Wanderers.

MU14s: Dundalk 8–0 Sligo Rovers

The MU14s followed up last week’s dramatic cup comeback with another statement performance, dismantling Sligo Rovers 8–0 at Oriel Park. The objective was clear, maintain high levels of possession and start the game well, when this happens we got a really high scoring result that reflects our team and the work that gets put in.

The Lilywhites started exactly as planned, keeping possession well and converting from a set piece inside 10 minutes. After working on set pieces during the week, A pinpoint corner delivery from Charlie Franzoni caused chaos, and Ryan Musgrave’s snapshot forced an own goal to put Dundalk ahead. Musgrave then doubled the lead with a composed finish before striking again early in the second period to complete his brace.

From there, Dundalk’s dominance grew. Their slick passing and combination play carved Sligo open repeatedly, and striker Massimo Ngene pounced on a loose ball in the six-yard box to add a fourth after missing earlier chances.

The final third belonged to Michael Callan, whose intelligence and movement were rewarded with a superb hat-trick, showing composure in tight spaces and an ability to exploit gaps in the Sligo defense. Captain Logan Hyland rounded off the scoring with a confidently taken penalty, sealing an emphatic 8–0 win.

It was a performance that perfectly blended hard work, patience in possession, and ruthless finishing, a true reflection of the progress the squad has made in recent weeks.

Summary

It was another weekend packed with positives across Dundalk’s academy sides. The MU14s produced a stunning 8–0 victory, the MU20s impressed with a dominant 5–0 win, and the MU17s showed character to earn a point in the Louth Derby. The WU17s, despite a 4–2 defeat, played with spirit and attacking flair, highlighted by Lyn Byrne’s wonder strike.

From Callan’s hat-trick and Alfred’s attacking menace to O’Donoghue’s heroics in goal, there were standout performances across every age group. With continued development and strong results, the future remains bright for the Lilywhites.