Owen’s timely strike sinks Candystripes

MID-TABLE Drogheda Under-15s scored a goal in each half to complete the double over league strugglers Derry City at United Park last Friday night.

The game did not kick off until 8.15 after the Derry bus was held up in traffic, and it was the Boynesiders who started brightly with good passing and movement.

As a result they created two quick-fire chances in the first 10 minutes, only to be denied by the visiting defence.

Drogheda eventually took the lead on 25 minutes in fine style. They moved the ball forward with great speed and accuracy through keeper Jack McCarthy and Nick Palov. The latter played an excellent ball through to Tadgh Connolly, whose brilliant cross was struck home by Luke Caffrey.

The Drogs created a few more

DROGHEDA UNITED DERRY CITY 2 0

chances but went in at half-time just one goal to the good.

On the restart the home side continued to play free-flowing football, in contrast to the more direct and physical approach of the visitors. After creating a few really good chances which resulted in some great saves by the Derry keeper, the Drogs defence came under pressure from the visitors’ attack, but they stood firm.

Then, 20 minutes from time, the Boynesiders scored their second goal when their man of the match Aaron Naughton sent a defence-splitting ball to Connolly whose pass was superbly volleyed in by Owen Murphy from the edge of the box.

The Drogs managed the game well from there to the finish and remain undefeated in their three games since the mid-season break, with their next assignment away to Shelbourne.

DROGHEDA UNITED: Jack McCarthy, Michael Hilliard, Jack Crowe, Nick Palov, John McDonagh, Aaron Naughton, Tadgh Connolly, Owen Murphy, Michael Leddy, Francis Campbell, Luke Caffrey.