Dualta Honney and Conor O’Gorman both hit a brace apiece as our MU20 side recorded a convincing 6-2 win over Finn Harps at Oriel Park on Saturday afternoon.
Dundalk FC MU20 6-2 Finn Harps
EA SPORTS MU20 League of Ireland Round 12
MU20 head coach Mark Griffin named a strong team with Eoin Kenny, Sean Keogh and Luke Mulligan, who were part of the first-team squad for Friday night’s trip to Galway United, all included.
O’Gorman put the Lilywhites in front when he beat Oisin Cooney after 28 minutes and Honney doubled the lead before Nathan McDaid pulled one back before he interval to set up an interesting second half.
Two goals in two minutes from Honney and Keogh looked to have put Dundalk in the driving seat but Harps dug in and Ben O’Donnell’s 82nd-minute strike gave them hope.
O’Gorman, however, gave Dundalk some breathing space with his second and substitute Davin O’Connor sealed the win in the 92nd minute.
“That was a performance that has been coming over the last few weeks,” said Mark Griffin. “We have been dominating games but just haven’t been able to get over the line so it was good for the lads to get that sort of positive result.
“The three lads who came down from the first team were fantastic. Eoin was at the heart of everything attacking wise and Sean and Luke were brilliant while Dualta was really nice to watch and Conor is almost into double figures now this season.”
The Lilywhites finished the game with three 16-year-olds on the pitch, another factor that pleased Griffin.
“We’re trying to bleed the youth through and that has meant we’ve had a bit of an inconsistent season but in terms of development, it’s looking bright and we’re looking forward to continuing that on.”
Next Up: Finn Harps, Finn Park, June 1st, 2pm
DUNDALK FC MU20: Samuel Safaie, Luke Povall (Callum Bony 75), Sean Keogh, Luke Mulligan (Benjamin Fagbeni 82), Tom McLoughlin, Scott Brady, Eoin Kenny, Aidan Russell, Dualta Honney (Davin O’Connor 85), Conor O’Gorman (Muhammad Haris 68), Samuel Case (Conall Alfred 85). Subs not used: Graham Dooner (GK).
