The long trip home from Sligo proved to be a happy one for our WU19 team on Sunday as they produced a fine display to run out 2-1 winners against the Bit o’Red at The Showgrounds.
Sligo Rovers 1-2 Dundalk FC WU19
LOI Academy WU19 Tier Two North
After losing to DLR Waves in their opening EA SPORTS LOI Academy Tier Two North fixture, Dundalk were looking to bounce back and head coach Jason McConville had plenty of options at his disposal.
That showed on the pitch and Dundalk settled into the game quickly, attacking the Sligo backline without finding the breakthrough they deserved.
The hosts bizarrely pulled ahead against the run of play when Roise Burke’s cross somehow managed to find its way past Toyah Hennessy in the Dundalk goal.
The Lilywhites responded brilliantly and Chloe Ibezim made it 1-1 just five minutes after the restart and they pushed on for a winner.
It arrived in the 66th minute when Ella McKenna, who was introduced off the bench just eight minutes earlier, finished a well-worked move to beat Hannah Hargadon.
Dundalk had further chances to increase the lead but they failed to take them and they had to show another side of their game in the final stages, defending and battling resolutely to hold on for a well-earned three points.
Next up for the girls is a home game with Peamount United at Oriel Park on August 25th.
DUNDALK FC WU19: Toyah Hennessy, Abigail Martin, Laura Woods, Kate Drumm, Abbi Griffin, Sarah Byrne (Ella McKenna), Aleesha Smyth Palanzuela (Moya Bishop), Chloe Ibezim (Ellie Smyth), Stephanie Cunningham (Zara Farrell), Jodie McQuillan, Isabella Chambers (Ruth Leahy). Sub not used: Emma Goodman (GK).
