All four of the Dundalk FC academy sides were in action over the weekend in the EA SPORTS National Underage Leagues.
Darren McGarry’s U17 team recorded a promising 2-0 win over Cavan Monaghan FC at Oriel Park on Saturday but Conor Woods’ U15 side slumped to a 2-0 defeat at home to Athlone Town at Oriel Park on Sunday.
Simon Kelly’s U14 side travelled to Athlone on Saturday morning in their opening EA SPORTS U14 National Underage League Group B match, while Stephen McDonnell’s U19s were on their travels again as they took on Sligo Rovers in their second game of the season.
U14: Athlone Town 2-3 Dundalk FC
EA SPORTS U14 National Underage League Group B
Dundalk were impressive throughout, maintaining control of the ball and keeping Athlone nullified for large parts of the game. The Lilywhites were rewarded for their dominance after 20 minutes when Cian Spaight scored their first league goal of the new campaign.
After going behind, Athlone began to grow into the game and they equalised just before the interval through Lee Gilbert but Dundalk hit the front again after the break through half-time substitute Niall O’Connor.
That second goal gave the Lilywhites confidence and they broke through the Athlone defence once again with 15 minutes to go when Spaight bagged his second of the game and Dundalk’s third.
With five minutes to go, Athlone got back in it with a Sean Fortune goal that looked to be offside but Dundalk held firm to take all three points in their opening league game.
DUNDALK FC U14: Graham Donner; Rhys O’Hare, Cian Murphy, Luke Mulligan, Caimin Hughes, Fionn McNamara, Eanna Curran, Cian Spaight, Runako Sweetman, Conall Alfred, Jayden Clare. Subs: Danny Putnam, Niall O’Connor, Niko Lovrenkovic, Fergal McEneaney, Conall Duffy, Boris Biekhou, Lashawn Lombard, Calum O’Reilly.
David Doyle in action for the U19s in their game against Sligo Rovers at The Showgrounds. Photo: Bit o’Red Photography
U19: Sligo Rovers 3-2 Dundalk FC
EA SPORTS U19 National Underage League Group B
After losing to Shamrock Rovers in their opening fixture, the U19s faced another difficult task at the weekend when they travelled west to take on Sligo Rovers on Sunday afternoon.
Ryan O’Kane and Val Adedokun, who have both featured in the first-team this season, both started for Stephen McDonnell’s side at The Showgrounds.
Dundalk got off to the perfect start, hitting the front after just five minutes through Ebuka Kwelele, but the lead lasted just 10 minutes as the Bit o’Red responded with a goal of their own from Josh Mulrennan.
The second half began in a similar vein as Dundalk dominated the early stages but Sligo took the lead against the run of play through an own goal. Dundalk were unsettled after falling behind and the hosts took advantage, extending their lead through Eanna Clancy.
The Lilywhites got back into the game with five minutes to go through Mayowa Animasahun but they couldn’t find the equaliser that their encouraging performance deserved.
DUNDALK FC U19: Niall Brady, Fionn Kenny, Val Adedokun, Mayowa Animasahun, Craig Moore, Ronan Kilkenny, Liam McNamee, Ryan O’Kane, Mark Hanratty, Ebuka Kwelele. Subs: Jamie Barry, Sean Bannon, Dan Wilson, Matthew Smith, Ryan Kinahan.
This weekend’s academy fixtures
Saturday, July 10th 2021
EA SPORTS U14 National Underage League Group B
Dundalk FC v Longford Town – 12pm
EA SPORTS U17 National Underage League Group A
Dundalk FC v Finn Harps – 3pm
Sunday, July 11th
EA SPORTS U19 National Underage League Group B
Dundalk FC vs Finn Harps – 1pm
EA SPORTS U15 National Underage League Group B
Longford Town vs Dundalk FC – 2pm
