MU15: Finn Harps 3-3 Dundalk FC

Dundalk celebrate Ryan Musgrave's late equaliser (📸 Kristine Lubimova)

Dundalk FC showed tremendous character to battle back from two goals down and earn a deserved 3-3 draw away to Finn Harps at Letterkenny Community Centre.

The visitors saw plenty of the ball in the opening half, but two momentary lapses allowed Harps to take a 2-0 lead into the break. Dundalk responded strongly after half-time, coming out with real intent and taking the game to the hosts.

Aaron O’Brien sparked the comeback with a superb free-kick from 30 yards to make it 2-1. He then turned provider for Dundalk’s second, finding Massimo Ngene in the area, with the forward rounding the goalkeeper and finishing calmly.

Although the game looked to be heading for a draw, Finn Harps struck late and appeared set to claim all three points.

Dundalk refused to give in, however, and after throwing everything forward, they came close when they struck the post. Their pressure finally told when Aaron O’Brien was fouled in the box, and Ryan Musgrave kept his cool from the penalty spot to rescue a point.

In the end, it was a hard-fought and well-earned result for Dundalk, who showed resilience and determination to keep battling until the final whistle.

Manager Stephen Todd said: “Really happy to come away with the point on the road. Left ourselves with a lot of work to do at half-time but showed the desire to fight back and get rewarded for our hard work. It’s been a brilliant start and it’s important we bring the quality we’ve shown into the match against Drogheda this Saturday.”

Dundalk FC: Aaron Sheridan, Nathan Kelly-Murphy, Luciano Ngene, Reece Grimes, Logan Hyland, Braiden McCarney, Calum Woods, Massimo Ngene, Michael Callan, Aaron O’Brien, Killian Melia.

Subs: Joseph Byrne, Harry Quinlivan, Artjoms Lubimovs, Conall Whyte, Ryan Musgrave, Tadgh Maples, Romeo Wasu.