Wasteful 17s edged out by clinical Candystripes

A MORE clinical Derry City returned home from United Park with all three points from this Under-17 Northern Division clash as hosts Drogheda United failed to capitalise on some good possession.

Kian Hussey impressed up front in the first half with his intelligent running and decisive play, and he went close in the second minute with a good snap shot which the Derry keeper was relieved to see bounce just wide.

The Drogs appeared to be well set up in defence as they were kept busy throughout the first half, with Daniel Grace also looking strong in between the sticks. However, two defensive lapses in the 34th and 43rd minutes saw Derry take a 2-0 lead into half-time.

At the break the Drogs reflected on their poor deliveries from free kicks and that fault continued right through the match, but they did improve on other aspects of their play in the second half and Ryan O’Shea unlucky to see his shot slide past the post on 51 minutes.

The introduction of Frank Cabraley into midfield on 52 minutes gave the home side more penetration and they moved the ball well, but too often the decisive pass was not delivered accurately or quickly enough.

Drogheda did have one more chance to force an exciting finish in the 67th minute, with Neil Blayney unlucky to see his good long-range shot tipped over the bar. Ardee Celtic Carrick Rovers Square United Walshestown Termonfeckin Donacarney Celtic Ardee Celtic Castletown Belles Termonfeckin P 12 12 12 12 W 11 7 2 0 D 1 2 3 2 L 0 3 7 10 Pt 34 23 9 2