Dundalk MU15s 3-2 Drogheda United

Dundalk moved five points clear at the top of LOI Academy MU15 Group B with a 3-2 win over Drogheda United on Saturday at Oriel Park.

The result secures Dundalk's participation in the Elite Phase of the competition.

Dundalk took the lead after 28 minutes when Nathan Kelly-Murphy set up Ryan Musgrave to score. Dundalk extended the lead shortly after Drogheda were reduced to ten men when Tristan McGowan Doyle set up Artjoms Lubimovs to score.

Dundalk made it 3-0 with 17 minutes remaining when Kelly-Murphy scores from a Michael Callan assist, but Drogheda United refused to give up and Charlie Cummins and Daithi O'Dowd pulled two goals back before the end of the game. Dundalk were also reduced to ten men in the closing stages.

Manager Stephen Todd said: “I’m delighted for the lads that we’ve secured the elite phase with two games to spare. Drogheda put it up to us but we’ve developed resilience and a habit of being able to see games out. The hard work has paid off, and we’re looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead”. Dundalk: Sheridan, Kelly-Murphy, L Ngene, Grimes, Hyland, McCarney, Lubimovs, Musgrave, Maples, McGowan Doyle, Dinu. Subs: Byrne, Quinlivan, Woods, M Ngene, Callan, Whyte, O'Brien, Melia, Wusu.