DFC Academy: WU17s Get First Win

Dundalk WU17s got up and running in the league with an impressive 3-0 away win over Longford Town on the back pitch at Bishopsgate on Sunday.

After a frustrating opening-day result against Shelbourne, Dundalk started brightly and moved the ball well from the off, keeping Longford at bay and setting the tempo early.

The breakthrough arrived on 15 minutes. Freya Kennedy did well down the flank before picking out Sophie Levins, who finished confidently to make it 1-0.

Dundalk continued to apply pressure for the remainder of the half, with Chloe Callaghan and Lucie Gibson both forcing the Longford goalkeeper into smart saves, while Danielle Cromwell went close on a number of occasions from set-pieces. The visitors went in at the break pleased with their control and overall performance.

The second goal came on the hour mark and it was a special moment for Chloe Callaghan, who grabbed her first goal at U17 level. It was a quality team move, finished superbly, to double the advantage at 2-0.

A series of changes followed as Dundalk looked to keep the intensity high, and the visitors finished the game strongly — defending well when required and adding a third to cap the afternoon. Georgia Holohan provided the assist for Liadh Tobin, who made no mistake to put the result beyond doubt.

A very welcome first win of the campaign for Dundalk, who now turn their attention to a home fixture against Finn Harps this Saturday.

Team: Grace McCabe, Aoife Barry (captain), Zara Farnan, Danielle Cromwell, Lucie Gibson, Sadhbh Smyth, Georgia Hall, Chloe Callaghan, Freya Kennedy, Sophie Levins, Liadh Tobin.

Subs: Luisa Silva De Presbiteris, Sarah Burke, Anna Russell, Georgia Holohan, Lanah Sherlock.