DFC Academy: MU14s Update

Dundalk U14s made the perfect start to their League of Ireland campaign with an impressive 4-1 victory over neighbours Drogheda in their first-ever league fixture at Oriel Park.

It was an entertaining contest between two sides keen to play good football, and it was the hosts who struck first. Captain Finn O’Hara delivered an excellent cross into the box for Max Melanipi, who produced a superb volley into the top corner to open the scoring. Dundalk doubled their advantage soon after when Eoghan McQuillan provided the assist for O’Hara, who blasted the ball to the roof of the net.

The home side took full control in the second third. Tony O’Kane curled a brilliant free-kick into the top corner before later turning provider, setting up Callum Mullen to finish neatly from inside the box and extend the lead to four.

Drogheda pulled one back in the final third through a well-worked move finished by Devon O’Toole, but Dundalk remained comfortable and saw out the game to secure a deserved 4-1 win.

Coached by Ciarán Shevlin, the young Lilywhites produced a confident and energetic performance to mark a memorable opening day at home.