O’Leary’s on song as Duleek triumph

DULEEK UNITED WALSH’TOWN L’PARDS 4 1

A SAM O’Leary hat-trick put Duleek United on their way as they got the better of Walshestown Leopards in a high-quality Drogheda Children’s League Under-14 Cup Final at United Park on Sunday morning.

Both teams started off strongly and Walshstown actually had the first attack of the game, but the Duleek keeper Ian Byrne literally took matters into his own hands and comfortably saved the resulting cross.

The Duleek midfield of Rónán McGee, Adam Duff and Kyle Carroll then got a grip of the game and their efforts helped create the chance for O’Leary to calmly slot past the Walshestown keeper for the opening goal after five minutes.

Soon after Walshstown had an opportunity to haul themselves level when they were awarded a free kick five yards outside the area, but Eoghan Murphy’s goal attempt was saved by keeper Byrne.

Walshestown then suffered another setback on 12 minutes when O’Leary struck again to give Duleek a two-goal cushion, but again the mid Louth side responded well and put pressure on the Duleek back four of Robert Duff, Robbie Gallagher, JJ McDonald and Christopher O’Boyle.

This time their efforts bore fruit and Walshestown pulled a goal back in the 17th minute from another free kick - 2-1.

Duleek wingers Evan Murray and Sam Tuite Rice were playing well and helping back in defence as well as pushing forward, but it was Walshestown who

nearly equalised courtesy of a wonderful effort from their number 9 which flew just over the bar.

It remained 2-1 to Duleek at the interval, but with Walshestown on top the Meath side brought on three substitutes in keeper Ryan Lynch, Sean Courtney and Aaron Myles.

The new half started with renewed vigour from both teams, and it was Duleek who broke through to restore their two-goal advantage.

A beautiful, defence-slitting ball from Rónán McGee ended at the feet of O’Leary and he buried the ball in the Walshestown net to complete his hat-trick.

This seemed to be a killer blow to Walshestown and Duleek grew stronger and more confident as the half progressed, although Walshestown were out of luck when they had an effort tipped onto the crossbar by the Duleek goalkeeper Ryan Lynch before being scrambled clear by the defence.

Duleek made further substitutions, with substitutes Aaron Haddock and Ciaran Branihan both getting a taste of the action and making a good impression on the game.

Walshestown launched a couple more attacks, but these came to nothing and the killer goal came from Duleek midfielder McGee who headed in a from five metres out after the opposing keeper punched the ball partially clear from a corner.