Dundalk FC U14 0-2 Finn Harps
EA Sports U14 National Underage League Shield Group A
The Dundalk FC U14s were edged out by Finn Harps in a tight game at Oriel Park on Saturday afternoon.
The first chance fell of the game fell to Luke Mulligan on the five minute mark, when his header came back off the crossbar from a free kick.
After missing the early chance, the Lilywhites were punished just a minute later, as Finn Harps took the lead. A diagonal ball forward found Colm O’Dochartaigh, who slotted past Graham Donner to give the visitors the lead.
Harps began to grow into the game as the half went on, with their physicality causing major problems for the Lilywhites, who struggled to regain control of the game once the away side grew into it.
Simon Kelly made a triple substitution at half time, with Cian Spaight, Niko Lovrenkovic and Runako Sweetman all introduced, but the trio struggled to make an impact, with Harps’ physicality still disrupting the game, as tough tackles came flying in on both sides.
The away side continued to cause problems for the Lilywhites, and Harps doubled their advantage after 71 minutes, as Alex Cunnea tucked away a chance from the edge of the box to take a two goal lead.
Dundalk had other chances before the end, with Cian Spaight going closest with a curling strike from the edge of the box, but the visitors saw the game out to take the three points and finish top of the group.
It was a tough result to take for the Lilywhites, but they can be proud of their performances throughout the season and their finishing position of second in Group A of the National Underage League Shield.
DUNDALK FC U14: Graham Donner, Caimin Hughes, Conall Duffy, Boris Biekhou, Fergal McEneaney, Fionn McNamara, Jayden Clarke, Danny Putnam, Luke Mulligan, Conall Alfred, Cian Murphy. Subs: Niall O’Connor, Eanna Curran, Niko Lovrenkovic, Cian Spaight, Runako Sweetman, Lashawn Lombard.
