Burns praises squad despite last-16 defeat

DUNDALK FC Under-17s are out of the SSE Airtricity Under-17 League after a defeat in this last16 tie at Oriel Park on Tuesday night last.

A spectacular solo goal from Aaron Connolly and Colm Walsh O’Loghlen’s second-half brace proved to be the difference between the sides in front of a large attendance as Liam Burns’ Section Three runners-up saw their maiden participation in the Champions Knockout Phase come to an end.

Victors Mervue United go on to play St Patrick’s Athletic in the semi-finals.

There were three changes from the side that last featured for Dundalk Under-17s in a 2-0 league win over Monaghan/ Cavan FP 10 days previously. Oisin Finn retained his place in goal, protected by a defence consisting of James Rice, Emmet Hughes, Aaron Casey and Andrew Mooney.

Jordan Kelly led the line up front, supported in attack by Scott Prendergast, Seán McGuire and Vincent Smith. Captain Adam Finnegan continued in central midfield, partnered by Shane Gregory.

Both teams began in a cagey, even fashion as chances were limited and sights at goal restricted. Kelly failed to connect from Hughes’ cross on the left and the Westerners’ defence held firm after some intricate play between skipper Finnegan and McGuire came to nothing during a quiet opening 20 minutes.

The young Lilywhites had to remain patient in possession as the well-organised Galway side proved difficult to break down, while also presenting a threat of their own.

Connolly couldn’t quite stretch enough to connect to Walsh O’Loghlen’s delivery from the left, while Connolly himself squandered a decent opening as he dragged a low strike wide.

Tommy Molloy came close to breaking the deadlock after 40 minutes when his penalty kick came back off the post, having beaten Finn.

An incisive break forward had put substitute Ronan Asgari free in the box and Hughes impeded him and brought him to the ground, leaving the match referee no option but to point to the spot.

The young Lilywhites piled on the pressure at the end of the first half as Kelly was unlucky not to keep his header on target after Rice raided down the right and delivered a cross to the target man.

Mervue began the second half brightly and Walsh O’Loughlen netted the first of a quickfire double four minutes after the restart, poking the ball past Finn from close range.

He then made it 2-0 three minutes later with a mazy run past the Dundalk defence before firing to the corner of the net past Finn.

The visitors were even more inclined to stay compact and keep their shape following the double strike. Connolly went close as he rifled a shot that shook the crossbar from 25-yards.

Hughes forced a good save from James Tierney as the home side searched for an unlikely route back into the game late on. Yet Mervue had demonstrated their experience throughout the game and were able to keep Dundalk largely away from danger.

Connolly made it 3-0 in added time with an incredible individual goal. The forward was a constant threat all game and capped an impressive performance as the Galway side progress to the last four.

Dundalk manager Burns, speaking to dundalkfc.com after the game, reflected on what he felt was a learning experience for his players against tough opposition.

‘I’m obviously disappointed with the result because I know the lads can play better than that.

‘I think at the end of the day that Mervue had a little bit more quality that showed in the end.

‘Conceding the three goals, from a defensive point of view I think they could have been stopped, but on the other hand you have to give the two players that scored the credit they deserve.

Colm Walsh O’Loughlen and Aaron Connolly are two decent players and I’ve told my squad that as the level goes up so does the quality of the opposition, so we will have to up our level too.

‘The players have showen fantastic effort and commitment, not just tonight but over the season. We’ve seen a big improvement in players in a short period of time.

‘Obviously this result is going to hurt for the next couple of days, but we will have to move on. Hopefully this result will see our squad return faster, stronger and we can reach even further next season.’

DUNDALK: Oisin Finn; James Rice, Emmet Hughes, Aaron Casey, Andrew Mooney; Adam Finnegan (capt), Shane Gregory (Daniel O’Brien 80); Scott Prendergast (Seán O’Hanlon 22), Seán McGuire (Tautvydas Semelevi ius 35), Vincent Smith, Jordan Kelly. Subs not used: Gavin Smith, Luke Murphy (GK).

MERVUE UNITED: James Tierney; Michael Junaid (Ronan Asgari 24), Michael Whelan, Sam Ogundare, Aaron Moran (Eoin Folan 63); Dara Mulgannon, Fionn Curran (Christopher Casey 86), Tommy Molloy (Aidan Coyle 81), Colm Walsh O’Loughlen (capt), William Fitzgerald; Aaron Connolly. Sub not used: Cian Mulryan.