Dundalk FC U16 4-4 Bohemian FC U16
Dundalk U16 Girls saved the best for last in their final pre-season match on Sunday morning as they played out a thrilling 4-4 draw with Bohemians in Oriel Park.
Having brushed Drogheda aside seven days earlier, the girls came into this game high on confidence, which was evident in their excellent start to the game.
The Lilywhites made their quick start count as they took the lead just five minutes in, when Molly Williams finished after a pinpoint pass from Jennifer Freeman.
The game evened out as the half went on, with both sides creating good chances. Bohs eventually made their opportunities count as they equalised on the half hour mark, breaking through the Dundalk defence to slot home as the sides went in level at the break.
Much like the first half, Dundalk got off to a blistering start and they retook the lead straight from kick-off, as Sophie Hanlon went on an excellent run before finishing past the goalkeeper.
However, the Lilywhites weren’t ahead for long, as Bohs equalised through an indirect free kick just a minute later to make it 2-2.
The visitors took control after the equaliser and created a number of chances, forcing Caoimhe Magee into action with some excellent saves to keep her side in the game.
Bohs did eventually find the goals they were pushing for, as they scored two in four minutes to go 4-2 up with less than 20 minutes to go.
Bernard Freeman’s side were under pressure, but they didn’t let their heads drop as they began to fight back. They managed to pull one back on the 67 minute mark when Molly Williams’ cross found debutant Grace Martin, who made no mistake with her finish.
Dundalk continued to push for an equaliser, and they eventually found it from the penalty spot. Molly Williams was taken down in the box, and she finished from the spot to score her second of the game.
Both sides continued to push until the very end but it ended honours even in a thrilling pre-season encounter.
DUNDALK FC: Caoimhe Magee, Ciara Dunne, Naomi Dowd, Paige Cavanagh, Annie Stanfield, Ciara Whyte, Jennifer Freeman, Grace Martin, Molly Williams, Sophie Hanlon, Stacey Murray, Eimer Traynor, Clara Howard, Siun Kirby, Kayleigh Goss, Molly Gordon, Alishia Matthews.
