Malone Cup Report: Drogheda United 0 - 2 Dundalk

Dundalk retained the Jim Malone Cup for the first time in the competition's history with a 2-0 victory over neighbours Drogheda in United Park.

Drogheda had the better of a scrappy opening as both teams struggled to keep the ball on the surface.

Neither team could quite gain a foothold as both midfield trios were cancelling each other out. Drogheda did look the more threatening of the two teams though, and Sean Thornton fired a 30-yard free kick well wide of the Dundalk goal.

Halfway through the first half, Paddy Barrett worked his way down the right hand side. His cross evaded Ciaran Kilduff, but was met first time by Robbie Benson whose first time effort rose well over from eight yards.

The home side very nearly took the lead soon after as Eoin Kirwan showed good skill to evade Brian Gartland and his cross was cleared for a corner by Andy Boyle.

Dundalk had to defend the set piece without Gartland, who sustained a knock in the build-up, and without him Drogheda almost went ahead as Ronan Finn cleared off the line.

Dundalk took the lead on the half hour mark through Kilduff. He rose to meet John Mountney’s perfect cross from the right and head past the helpless Patrick Dunican.

The Lilywhites began to take control over proceeding thereafter. John Mountney was causing problems down the right, and he threatened to produce the final ball again on further occasions.

Indeed, Dundalk were getting joy down both flanks as full backs Barrett and Shane Grimes joined the attack on numerous occasions and Ronan Finn began to link well with both, Benson and Kilduff.

Right on the stroke of half time, Dundalk should have extended their advantage as Darren Meenan headed tamely at Dunican, with Mountney again delivering the ball from the right hand side.

Patrick McEleney was introduced for Benson at half time as last year’s double winners tried to improve their stuttering opening half.

Drogheda forged the first opening of the second period. Jake Hyland’s in swinging corner was met by Sam O’Connor, who looked certain to score but his cushioned header went agonisingly passed the post.

The home side kept up the pressure as O’Connor nearly met Aaron Ashe’s cross from the right hand side. The ball again went just wide of the stranded Gabriel Sava’s goal.

For all Drogheda’s impressive build-up and crosses into the Dundalk area they were struggling to penetrate the defence as Gartland and Boyle were solid at the back with Stephen O’Donnell protecting them admirably, as well as linking with the impressive Finn to set up counter attacks.

Drogheda very nearly equalised as Colm Deasy’s excellent cross field ball found Kirwan in open space down the left, however, he entered the box hesitantly and was closed down well by the Dundalk defence.

Kilduff and substitute McEleney also wasted great chances down the other end, with Kilduff heading over and McEleney shooting weakly into Dunican's midriff when he looked set to extend the advantage.

The game became more fractious as the hour passed with Gartland and Sam O’Connor clashing, and referee Rogers had to intervene to separate the pair.

The Lilywhites did extend their advantage twelve minutes from time through Kilduff. The striker tapped home his second following Mountney’s strong run down the right.

He crossed for Finn, whose effort was well blocked by Dunican, but the front man was on hand to knock home Dundalk’s second.

That didn’t deter a spirited Drogheda side as winger Ashe was played through one on one with Sava, but the ‘keeper stuck out his right leg and deflected his shot out for a corner.

It was the last effort of note as Dundalk continued their 100% record in pre-season, retained the Jim Malone Cup and got one over their Louth rivals.

Drogheda United: Patrick Dunican; Colm Deasy, Luke Gallagher, Niall Cooney (Joe Jackson 87), Stephen Dunne; Aaron Ashe (Mark Doyle 86), Jake Hyland (Lloyd Buckley 79), Aaron Molloy, Sean Thornton (Lucias Cary 77), Eoin Kirwan (Jamie McGlynn 82); Sam O’Connor (Liam Donnelly 84).

Subs not used: Jamie Hickey, Eoghan Dempsey.

Booked: Jake Hyland (44).

Dundalk: Gabriel Sava; Paddy Barrett, Brian Gartland, Andy Boyle (George Poynton 79), Shane Grimes; John Mountney (Michael O’Connor 82), Ronan Finn, Stephen O’Donnell, Robbie Benson (Patrick McEleney 46), Darren Meenan; Ciaran Kilduff (Carlton Ubaezuono 89).

Subs not used: Gary Rogers (gk).

Booked: Paddy Barrett (66).

Referee: Dave McKeon.

Attendance: 750 (estimate).

ExtraTime.ie Man of the Match: Ronan Finn (Dundalk).