Bohemians 1-2 Dundalk FC MU17
EA SPORTS MU17 LOI Academy Group C
Our MU17 side secured their place in the elite phase of the EA SPORTS LOI Academy section with a game to spare following a very impressive 2-1 win over Bohemians at the Oscar Traynor on Saturday.
Markuss Strods scored the opener for Conor Woods’ side and substitute Aaron Donnelly hit a late winner – before heading for the corner flag to celebrate!
Chances were few and far between in the opening stages as both teams cancelled each other out but Dundalk settled and had the first real chance of the game with a well-worked corner that Hugh Smith put just wide of the post.
Bohs had a clear opening of their own after that but Lilywhites goalkeeper Graham Dooner made a very good save in a one-versus-one situation to keep the sides level at the break.
Dundalk started the second half with intent and after dominating possession, they made the breakthrough in the 69th minute.
Dundalk FC MU17 head coach Conor Woods. Photo: Gerry Scully
Dundalk players celebrate Markuss Strods’ goal against Bohemians. Photo: Gerry Scully
It was the result of a moment of magic from Strods, which ended with the Latvian underage international calmly beating Bohs goalkeeper Joseph Collins following a powerful run.
The visitors continued to attack and they were rewarded again with four minutes to play when a great run from substitute Nico Lovrekovic paved the way for Donnelly who tapped the ball home – and celebrated – in style.
Bohs pulled one back through Bezalel Agbontaen but Dundalk held on to claim all three points and they remain unbeaten after nine games and qualify for the Elite Phase as group winners.
“I’m immensely proud of the lads, not only today but throughout the whole course of the first phase,” said MU17 head coach Conor Woods.
“To qualify and top the group with one game remaining is a testament to themselves and how well the entire group are progressing and we believe that this is only the start for a talented group of players.”
DUNDALK FC MU17: Graham Dooner, Luke Povall, Luke Mulligan, Callum Doyle Travers, Ben Miller, Scott Brady (Cian Spaight 78), Aidan Russell Vargas, Fionn McNamara (Sean Keogh HT), Hugh Smith (Nico Lovrekovic 78), Markuss Strods (Jack O’Flaherty 88), Samuel Case (Aaron Donnelly 63). Subs not used: Thomas Brady, Conall Alfred, Tom McLoughlin, Karl Stenson Browne.
