U-15s have to settle for a share of spoils

AT a sweltering United Park on Sunday afternoon, the Drogs Under 15s can count themselves unlucky not to have come away with all three points.

This match had much of the same elements as the previous meeting between the two sides at Oriel Park earlier in the season, in that it was a close encounter with Dundalk edging the physical contest, while the Drogs showed better teamwork and skill on the ball.

As early as the third minute, striker Francis Campbell had a one-on one with the Dundalk keeper and his shot was deflected away.

Six minutes later Ruari Kinsella had a good shot from the left saved by the keeper and on 12 minutes, a brilliant move saw Nick Palov send a great through ball to Francis Campbell on the right and the striker’s good cross found Josh Wall who shot just over.

This early pressure from the Drogs was rewarded after 20 minutes when they took the lead through Ruari Kinsella.

Due to the high temperature, the teams took a well-earned water break after 20 minutes and shortly after the resumption, Campbell shot wide from a good position.

Dundalk scored a great equaliser on the half hour when the home defence hesitated and failed to close down the visiting No 8 and he struck a great shot from the right to the roof of the net.

The second half followed the pattern of the first with both sides having chances of a winner and the Drogs’ Luke Caffrey was unlucky with two minutes to go to see his great shot come back off the crossbar with the keeper beaten. DROGHEDA: Jack McCarthy, Jack Crowe, Aaron Murphy, John McDonagh,, Aaron Naughton, Nick Palov, Craig Gray,Tadgh Connolly,Owen Murphy,Joshua Wall ,Francis Campbell, Ruari Kinsella. Subs: Antonio Ignat, Luke Caffrey, Michael Leddy, Sean Buchanan, Michael Hilliard.