Duleek exit with heads held high

0 3

DULEEK can now switch their focus back to Premier Division league survival after their fantastic run in the Leinster Junior Cup was ended at the quarter-final stage by defending champions Sheriff YC at the Tollstone on Sunday afternoon.

The first half was one of few chances as the home team went toe to toe with arguably the best junior team in the country, but Sheriff eventually struck on 43 minutes from the penalty spot.

Duleek had a chance to level before half-time when Sean Kennedy’s cut-back produced a header on target by Barry Kavanagh which was turned behind for a corner.

On the restart Sheriff controlled the game, but Duleek still had their moments as they chased an equaliser, with Robbie Daly, Bryan Murphy and Cormac Reid working tirelessly in midfield.

Kavanagh’s shot from outside the box brought a very good reaction save from the Sheriff keeper, and when the rebound fell kindly for Kaal Dyas he cut the ball back hoping for a runner to slot home. However, a Sheriff defender was well placed and the away team managed to clear their lines.

Last year’s Cup winners doubled their lead on 70 minutes following a neat one-two on the edge of the box and the result was put beyond doubt on 78 when another neat move was followed by a finish to match.

The 3-0 scoreline didn’t do Duleek’s effort justice and the home team will be very proud of their attitude and performance.

Their man of the match was Jamie Flaherty, while Daly, Dyas and Eoghan Mulroy also stood out.