Academy Round-Up | August 30th–31st

Dundalk FC
Sep 2
3 min read

It was another action-packed weekend for Dundalk FC’s academy sides, with fixtures taking place across the country. From development days to hard-fought battles and dramatic late winners, there were plenty of talking points once again for the young Lilywhites.

Saturday, August 30th

MU20s: Bray Wanderers 3–0 Dundalk

The MU20s travelled to the Carlisle Grounds on Saturday but fell to a 3–0 defeat against Bray Wanderers.

Dundalk had the perfect opportunity to take the lead in the seventh minute, but A. Donnelly saw his penalty saved. The home side capitalised in the 28th minute, before a quickfire double from L. Keogh in the 77th and 79th minutes sealed the result.

It was a frustrating day for Dundalk, who were left to rue missed chances, while Bray punished clinical moments.

MU15s: Dundalk 2–1 Finn Harps

At Oriel Park, the MU15s claimed a dramatic 2–1 win over Finn Harps thanks to a stoppage-time winner.

M. Eze Kamnani opened the scoring for Dundalk in the 30th minute, assisted by S. O’Brien. The visitors equalized just three minutes later, and the sides remained level until deep into added time.

In the 90+2 minute, R. Dube struck the decisive goal, finishing after good work from J. Grace to secure all three points in thrilling fashion.

Sunday, August 31st

WU17s: Development Day – Abbotstown

Dundalk’s WU17 girls took part in a development day in Abbotstown on Sunday morning, facing Athlone Town, St Patrick’s Athletic, and Cobh Ramblers.

In their opening match against Athlone Town, Dundalk were narrowly beaten 1–0 despite an encouraging performance. Georgia King went close to scoring, while Sara Burke and Siun Kirby impressed with standout displays.

The second game against St Patrick’s Athletic saw Dundalk dominate the first half with the wind advantage, going close to breaking the deadlock. However, St Pat’s used the conditions well in the second half, scoring a few goals to take the win.

The final game was Dundalk’s strongest showing of the day. Siun Kirkby opened the scoring with a well-taken finish after a brilliant through ball from Naoise Byrne, while Molly Gordon and Amelia Cassidy produced strong performances to help the team to victory.

It was a valuable experience for the girls, with a fantastic atmosphere around the pitches as teams from across the country came together.

MU19s: Finn Harps 3–0 Dundalk

The MU19s endured a difficult afternoon in Donegal, falling to a 3–0 defeat against Finn Harps.

The hosts took the lead in the first half through a free-kick, before adding two more after the break. Dundalk battled hard and tried to play their football in tough conditions, but a scrappy, stop-start contest didn’t go their way.

MU19s will look to bounce back quickly.

MU17s: Bray Wanderers 1–2 Dundalk

Dundalk MU17s made the trip down south to face off against Bray Wanderers in tough windy conditions on Sunday afternoon at the Carlisle Grounds.

The match got off to a quick start for Dundalk MU17s, who controlled possession and created a chance. The game then swung in Bray's favour, who nearly opened the scoring.

In the 16th minute, Oisin Smyth gave Dundalk the lead after coolly rounding the keeper and placing the ball in the net. In the 31st minute the lead was doubled after Patrick Ibikunle received a clipped pass, took it down with his back to the two center halves, spun around and struck the ball with his left foot from the edge of the box and the ball nestled into the top right corner to make it 2-0.

In the second half, the windy conditions increased, and Bray came out of the blocks fast, which led to Bray getting a goal back around the 50-minute mark. It was a tough 40 minutes for Dundalk as they battled the conditions and managed to hold out for a much deserved 2-1 win.

Our MU17s continue their league campaign this Sunday with a return to Oriel Park to face the unbeaten joint league leaders Finn Harps.

Summary

Another weekend of mixed results but plenty of positives for Dundalk’s academy sides. The MU15s secured a last-gasp 2–1 win at Oriel Park, while the MU17s produced a battling 2–1 victory away to Bray. The WU17s gained valuable experience in Abbotstown with a series of strong displays, while both the MU19s and MU20s endured difficult outings on the road.

From Ibikunle’s stunning strike to Dube’s late heroics, there were memorable moments across the age groups as the young Lilywhites continue their development journey.