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DFC Academy: MU17 Update
- Colm Murphy
- 10 hours ago
- 1 min read
Dundalk MU17s made a winning start to their 2026 season with a hard-earned 1-0 victory over local rivals Drogheda United in the Louth Derby at the MDL Grounds.
Played in blustery conditions, this was a tight, end-to-end contest with very little to separate the sides. Chances were at a premium throughout the first half as both teams battled for control, and the sides went in level at the break with the scoreboard untouched.
With the game heading towards a draw, Dundalk found the breakthrough late on. On 82 minutes, Jordan Vocella produced a moment of creativity with a rabona pass to release Taiye Odusanya. Odusanya then slipped Sam Bukovec in behind, and the forward showed great composure on his League of Ireland debut—guiding a calm finish across the goalkeeper and into the far corner to make it 1-0.
There was still late drama to come. Deep into stoppage time, Drogheda threatened an equaliser when Jack Richmond found himself one-on-one with Marcel Gora, but the Dundalk goalkeeper stood tall to make an excellent save. The danger was cleared, and the final whistle followed soon after to seal all three points.
Stephen Hutchinson’s side will take plenty of encouragement from a solid defensive display, a late winner, and a clean sheet to open the campaign—an ideal platform to build from as the 2026 season gets underway.
