DFC Academy: MU20s Update

Max Ferguson (Photo: Gerry Scully)

Dundalk FC MU20 made it two wins from two with a hard-earned 2–1 victory away to Longford, showing both quality on the ball and resilience late on to protect their advantage.

Dundalk started brightly and controlled the tempo early, dominating possession as they patiently tried to break down a disciplined Longford side who were happy to sit in and look for opportunities on the counter. While Dundalk saw plenty of the ball, Longford carried a threat in transition and Dundalk had to be sharper at times in their defensive decisions when play turned.

The visitors’ early control was rewarded when TJ Molloy continued his fine start to the season, rising to meet a delivery with a strong headed finish to put Dundalk in front — two goals in two games for the forward.

Longford responded and found an equaliser, a moment Dundalk will feel they could have handled better, with the manager pointing to the need for improved defending as a unit in that phase.

Dundalk regained the lead shortly after the hour mark. Good attacking play down the right saw Rhys O’Hare drive forward and win a penalty, which Max Ferguson calmly converted to restore Dundalk’s advantage — also two in two games for Ferguson.

From there, Dundalk had chances to put the game to bed. The visitors found themselves in promising positions and could easily have added one or two more, but were denied by a combination of smart goalkeeping and last-ditch defending from Longford.

Longford threw everything forward in the closing minutes, pumping balls into the area and pushing for a late equaliser, but Dundalk stood up to the pressure, won key duels, and held firm to see out the win and continue their strong start. Manager Reaction

Dundalk MU20 manager Shane Grimes was pleased with the result and the character his side showed, even if he felt the performance wasn’t as smooth as the previous week.

“Obviously it’s great to get the win again and keep our good start going,” Grimes said. “We probably weren’t as fluid and as clean as we were last week, but we showed a different side to us today where we had to dig in at times — that was good for the lads.”

“There’s things we needed to do better and deal with certain scenarios a lot better,” he added. “But we created a couple of chances in the second half as well — good defending from their lads, good saves — we just need to be more cynical and ruthless and finish games off when we’re on top.”

The manager was encouraged by Dundalk’s composure late on as Longford pushed hard, noting the importance of adaptability at this level.

“Near the end Longford pushed on and put a lot of aerial balls in. We won our duels, won the battles, and we held firm. That’s going to be required at this level — you have to be able to do both sides when it’s needed.”