Academy Round-Up | September 6th–7th

It was another busy weekend of action for Dundalk FC’s academy sides, with league fixtures at Oriel Park and on the road. From a hard-fought derby to a commanding MU17s win, there was no shortage of drama and standout displays across the age groups.

Saturday, September 6th

MU20s: Dundalk 0–1 Drogheda United

The MU20s suffered a narrow 1–0 defeat at Oriel Park against Drogheda United.

After a competitive first half, the visitors broke the deadlock in the 65th minute from the penalty spot. Dundalk pushed hard for an equalizer in the closing stages but were unable to find a breakthrough.

WU17s: Dundalk 2–0 Klub Kildare

Dundalk’s WU17s produced a determined performance to defeat Klub Kildare 2–0 in a fiercely contested tie.

Sophie Levins went close on a couple of occasions before Dundalk took the lead in the 24th minute. Liadh Tobin struck a superb effort from 20 yards after excellent work from Georgia Hall inside the box. Tobin was forced off shortly afterwards with a bloody nose, but her early contribution gave Dundalk the advantage.

After the restart, Sara Burke’s relentless pressing created the second goal in the 48th minute. Winning the ball high up the pitch, she slid in Georgia Hall, who kept her composure to lift the ball over the keeper with a classy chip to make it 2–0.

Klub Kildare continued to battle but Dundalk’s backline stood firm. Molly Gordon departed with a knock, but Caomhie was solid at centre-back, while Croía and Erin impressed in the full-back positions. A performance full of grit, energy, and quality secured three points in what is shaping up to be a highly competitive Tier 2 campaign.

MU15s: Bray Wanderers 2–0 Dundalk

Dundalk’s MU15s were beaten 2–0 away to Bray Wanderers.

The home side struck early, opening the scoring in the 4th minute before doubling their lead in the 27th. Dundalk battled well but couldn’t recover from the early setback.

Sunday, September 7th

MU17s: Dundalk 5–2 Finn Harps

Dundalk’s MU17s claimed a statement victory at Oriel Park with a 5–2 win over previously unbeaten Finn Harps. This match had big implications and was a must win for Dundalk who are aiming for a top two finish

Oisin Smyth opened the scoring in the 9th minute with a stunning free-kick into the top corner, his third goal in four games. Harps responded quickly, striking twice in four minutes to take a 2–1 lead, but on the stroke of half-time, captain Shay Casey equalized from the penalty spot after Dara Ibikunle was brought down in the box.

The second half was dominated by Dundalk, who piled on the pressure and the game became totally one sided with Dundalk playing some excellent football and bombarded the Harps goal with chance after chance, In the 78th minute, Nick Negru’s free-kick delivery was headed home by Jack Martin to make it 3–2. Just five minutes later, Smyth teed up Casey, who smashed a volley into the top corner for his second of the match.

Dundalk weren’t done yet, in the 90th minute, Aaron O’Donoghue’s ball over the top was flicked on by Arber Limoni, sending Jack Martin through on goal. He made no mistake, coolly slotting past the keeper to seal a brilliant 5–2 victory, a great performance and result from Dundalk against unbeaten Finn Harps.

The MU17s continue their Phase 2 campaign this Sunday at Oriel Park against Sligo Rovers.

Summary

A weekend of mixed fortunes for Dundalk’s academy teams. The WU17s impressed with a 2–0 win over Klub Kildare, while the MU17s produced a sensational 5–2 victory over Finn Harps. The MU20s and MU15s endured defeats, but both sides showed plenty of fight.

With standout moments including Smyth’s free-kick, Casey’s brace, and Hall’s composed finish, there was no shortage of highlights as the young Lilywhites continue their development journey.