Our MU20s produced one of their best performances of the EA SPORTS League of Ireland Group A campaign by fighting back to take a point at home to Derry City at Oriel Park on Saturday.

Dundalk FC MU20 1-1 Derry City
EA SPORTS League of Ireland Group A

Luke Mulligan, Sean Keogh and Eoin Kenny all featured for the Lilywhites, while Tom McLoughlin and Aidan Russell, who were a part of the Republic of Ireland’s Schools’ squad for last Thursday night’s SAFIB Centenary Shield win over Wales, also started.

Mark Griffin’s side fell behind when Oisin Duffy put The Candystripes – who included first-team regulars Sam Todd, Sean Patton and Ciaron Harkin in their starting XI – ahead in the 11th minute.

Dundalk emerged for the second half with intent and, wearing a change of colours, they drew level with just minutes played when Conor O’Gorman exchanged passes with Dualta Honney before slotting the ball past Dara McCauley.

Conor O’Gorman scored Dundalk’s equaliser in the MU20 game with Derry City at Oriel Park. Photo: Gerry Scully

The hosts pushed for a winner and they almost got it in the latter stages when substitute Muhammad Haris hit the post before McLoughlin headed wide after finding himself unmarked at the far post.

“Derry are an athletic, physical side who are quick on the counter attack and they had a number of first-team players in their team but the likes of Vinny Leonard at the back dealt with Sean Patton, in particular, very well.

“Performance-wise, it was really positive, especially as we haven’t had a game in a couple of weeks,” he added. “We controlled the game for large periods and were very unlucky not to win the game, especially as we hit the woodwork a couple of times, and this should give the lads belief because they were excellent.”

Next Up: Drogheda United, Oriel Park, Saturday, April 27th – 12pm

DUNDALK FC MU20: Samuel Safaie, Luke Mulligan (Luke Povall HT), Sean Keogh, Vincent Leonard (Davin O’Connor HT), Tom McLoughlin, Scott Brady (Benjamin Fagbemi 90), Conor O’Gorman, Aidan Russell, Eoin Kenny (Muhammad Haris 51), Dualta Honney, Samuel Case (Aaron Donnelly 76). Subs not used: Callum Bonny.