WDL Report: Dundalk FC 5-1 Finn Harps

Dundalk FC’s Women’s Development Team produced an impressive performance at Oriel Park on Sunday afternoon, recording a deserved 5-1 victory over Finn Harps.

Phil Cox’s side settled quickly into the contest and took the lead after just six minutes. Ernesta Marut showed excellent strength to win possession before slipping a perfectly weighted through ball into the path of Sophie Hanlon, who finished powerfully past Finn Harps goalkeeper Claire Diver.

Diver was called into action again in the 12th minute, this time producing a fine save to keep out a fierce effort from Marut as Dundalk continued to press.

The hosts doubled their advantage in the 17th minute following a superb team move. Hanlon, dropping deep into midfield, regained possession and combined neatly with Alica Maher, who laid the ball off for Megan O’Connor. O’Connor then produced a sensational defence-splitting pass that sent Marut racing into the penalty area, and she finished confidently into the far corner.

Dundalk added a third after 25 minutes. Hanlon collected Tyler Laughton’s goal kick on the halfway line, turned brilliantly, evaded the challenge of two defenders, and then drew the advancing goalkeeper before selflessly squaring for Marut to tap into the empty net.

The Lilywhites remained in control after the break and made it 4-0 in the 54th minute. Aoife Fanning rose highest to head home brilliantly from an O’Connor free-kick.

Finn Harps pulled a goal back in the 64th minute through Ella McHugh, but Dundalk continued to look dangerous and rounded off the scoring in the 87th minute. Jennifer Freeman won possession in midfield before Makenzie Crowley released Liadh Tobin down the right. Tobin’s cross was met by Ciara Brady, who calmly converted to cap an excellent afternoon for the home side.

Dundalk: Tyler Laughton, Cox, Fanning (Captain), Martin, O’Connor, Maher, Treanor, Smyth, Marut, Kodjou, Hanlon.Subs: Freeman, Brady, Crowley, Tobin.

Photos: Gerry Scully