DFC MU14 Report

Dundalk's opening match in Tier One of the MU14 LOI Academy ended in a 4-0 defeat to Bray Wanderers at Oriel Park. Despite the scoreline, Dundalk produced a positive performance against an excellent Bray side.

Bray took the lead in the opening minute when Zalan Csomai finished off a scramble in the six-yard box. Bray controlled the early tempo but were mostly restricted to long-range efforts. After 18 minutes, Senan Keenan broke through with a powerful run but was denied by an exceptional save from David Jakas, who managed to divert the ball wide of his right-hand post. Davy McCormack and Gerald Sharkey also grew into the game, forcing Bray to show their defensive qualities.

McCormack was full of tricks and skill, and after creating space for himself by flicking the ball over his own head, was denied when his shot was deflected wide for a corner. Bray were fortunate to escape the resulting corner, eventually clearing off the line after some brave goalkeeping by Jakas. Dundalk finished the first 30-minute period with a further effort, when captain Max Melaniphy forced Jakas into another save.

Straight from the kick-off at the start of the second period, Bray nearly repeated the trick of scoring from their first attack, but a magnificent block by Odhran McShane rescued the situation. However, after Dundalk had come close through a well-worked set piece, Bray broke forward and Bryn Kelly gave Dylan Fingleton no chance with a well-struck finish low into the corner.

After Callum Mullen went close from a direct free kick, Fingleton came to the rescue with a great save, denying Charlie Sheridan with an outstretched boot. A combination of Fingleton, McShane and Mark Kolosinskyi somehow prevented another strong Bray attack, blocking the ball on the line and playing out of danger.

Sam Kennedy scored two quickfire goals towards the end of the second period to put Bray in a commanding position.

In the third period, Jakas was forced into some good saves from Finn O'Hara as Dundalk, despite the scoreline, played with a positive spirit and energy.

Dundalk: Dylan Fingleton, Odhran McShane, Eoghan McQuillan, Gerald Sharkey, Callum Mullen, Davy McCormack, Max Melaniphy, Mark Kolosinskyi, Charlie Elliot, Senan Keenan, Kian O'Hanrahan.

Subs: Calum Griffin, Charlie Smith, Harry Etherson, Finn O'Hara, C Lawrence, Luke O'Connor, Ryan Tinnelly, Tony O'Kane, Jamie Dillon.

Bray Wanderers: Jakas, O'Connor, Hegarty, O'Sullivan, Treacy, Lenehan, Hanevy, Sheridan, Kelly, O'Dowd, Csomai, O'Snodaigh. Subs: Lynch, Kennedy, Lynn, Stanley, Gormley.