Dundalk FC U19 1-1 Bray Wanderers U19
EA Sports U19 National Underage League Shield Group A
Dundalk U19s were held to a 1-1 draw on Saturday by Bray Wanderers in an evenly matched game at Oriel Park.
The game got off to an even start, with both sides battling for control in the early stages. The first chance of the game fell Dundalk’s way on the fifteen minute mark, when Michael Keyes’ cross was volleyed narrowly over the bar by Nikita Alexandrovic.
Dundalk continued to find gaps in the Bray backline, and they took the lead just three minutes later, when a loose pass from the Bray defender was turned home by Jack Watters.
The Lilywhites continued to control proceedings after scoring, and had chances to increase their lead. The best chance came in the 33rd minute, when a cutback from Watters found Keyes, whose effort smashed off the crossbar.
It wasn’t all smooth sailing for the hosts though, with Bray looking dangerous on the counter attack and pressuring the Dundalk backline into mistakes.
Michael Keyes had another chance to score before the break, when he broke away on the right wing, but he blazed hsi effort over the bar.
Bray began to grow into the game as the second half got underway, with Dundalk struggling to create openings like they did in the first period.
Dundalk rode their luck at times in the early minutes of the second period, and they were punished in the 56th minute, when a free kick looped into the box and was nodded home by Jamie Callaghan.
Bray had the ball in the net again just four minutes later, but the flag was raised for offside. The visitors continued to put pressure on in the later stages, but the Lilywhites caused major problems with their counter attacks.
Both sides had chances to win it, but Dundalk’s best chance came with just seven minutes to go, when Ebuka Kwelele was fouled on the edge of the box. Anthony Moyo stepped up to take the free kick, and his effort curled just inches over the bar.
Neither side managed to find a winner, and a draw seemed to be a fair result based on the respective performances of the two sides.
Next up for the Lilywhites is a home clash with Cabinteely on Sunday, September 26th at 2pm.
