MU14: Dundalk FC 2-1 Derry City

Dundalk produced another strong display to claim victory after coming from behind in a tough test against a well-organised Derry City side.

The hosts started brightly and played some excellent football in the opening 15 minutes, taking the game to Derry from the outset. However, it was Derry who struck first, breaking quickly on the counter-attack before Kealey applied a neat finish to open the scoring.

Dundalk responded impressively after the break and came out with real intent in the second half, taking control of the game and creating a series of chances. Their pressure was eventually rewarded when Max Melaniphy equalised in style, drilling an excellent strike from outside the box into the bottom corner of the Derry City net.

The turnaround was completed shortly afterwards with another superb finish, this time from Finn O’Hara, whose low strike found the bottom corner to put Dundalk in front.

Dundalk nearly added a third when Tony O’Kane delivered an inviting ball into the box and Mark Kolosinskyi rose well, only to see his header come back off the woodwork. Derry became increasingly compact in the closing stages, making it difficult for Dundalk to find space, but the home side still looked dangerous. Ryan Tinnelly went close after a superb through ball from O’Kane sent him clear on goal, but the Derry goalkeeper did well to narrow the angle and make the save.

At the other end, Danny Fingleton produced an important stop to deny Derry an equaliser, and Dundalk saw the game out well to secure another deserved win.

It was an excellent team effort, with Davy McCormack, Finn O’Hara, Max Melaniphy, Harry Etherson and Charlie Elliott all particularly impressive on the day.

Dundalk: Danny Fingleton, Charlie Smith, Harry Etherson, Eoghan McQuillan, Callum Mullen, Finn O’Hara, Davy McCormack, Max Melaniphy, Mark Kolosinskyi, Charlie Elliott, Senan Keenan.

Subs: Calum Griffin, Odhran McShane, Gerald Sharkey, Tony O’Kane, Kian O’Hanrahan, Ryan Tinnelly, Luke O’Connor.