- Tom O'Connor
- Sat, Aug 13 2016
Dundalk FC ground out a gritty single goal victory in this SSE Airtricity League Under 19 encounter against Athlone Town at Oriel Park on Saturday afternoon.
With Michael O’Connor involved in the Champions League squad, Jordan Kelly started up front while Emmett Hughes returned to Martin Connolly’s starting eleven following injury. This resulted in Jordi Ebanda losing out. Dundalk Under 19s last league game at Oriel Park was a thrilling 4-3 victory over St Patrick’s Athletic however this weekend’s victory was achieved in a much different manner.
It took seven minutes for Athlone to fashion the first chance of the half as James Woods shot narrowly wide following a break down the right hand touchline. This spurred Dundalk into action as Keith Dalton linked up twice with Jordan Kelly to create half chances for the hardworking striker but his efforts didn’t trouble Kowalczyk in the Town goal. The midlanders fought back and Luke Kelly had a sight of goal with 35 minutes gone but he was squeezed out by the Dundalk defence.
Three minutes later the home side took the lead as Craven’s low free kick pinged around the box before Carlton Ubaezuono smashed the ball home from close range. A second goal in a week for the winger, following his solo effort against Everton Development Squad on Monday. This wasn’t as elegant an effort but it ended up in the net nonetheless.
The second half saw a rejuvenated away side take control for a period and Dundalk introduced a couple of substitutes which saw the balance of power redressed. A free kick from Woods on the edge of the Dundalk box which drifted wide of Ben Kelly’s post was their last chance of note as Kowalczyk made an excellent close range save following a bout of pinball in the aftermath of a Watters set piece. Almost a carbon copy of the opening goal but the keeper made sure the ball stayed out.
Following some brave goalkeeping from Kelly, Dundalk pressed again and Carlton Ubaezuono hit the post during a goalmouth scramble. The chance was created following some trickery by Keith Dalton and the rebound dropped into the grateful arms of the Athlone shotstopper. The keeper didn’t need luck on his next save as he flung himself low to his right to hold on to another Ubaezuono effort which was the result of a Jordi Ebanda break in midfield.
Following that effort, the game drifted to its conclusion and the home side held on for the points.
Dundalk FC: Ben Kelly, James Rice, Eric Welan, Anton Reilly, Emmett Hughes, Carlton Ubaezuono, Dean Watters, Jake O’Connor, Garrett Craven, Keith Dalton, Jordan Kelly
Substitutes: Oisín Finn, Aaron Casey, Alan Mc Quillan, Seán O’Hanlon, (All unused) Jordi Ebanda, Cormac Boyle , Adam Finnegan (Used)
Athlone Town FC: Martin Kowalczyk, Joe Hynes, Johnny Moloney, Steven Mullins, Jason Boateng, Ciarán Maguire, Cormac Byrne, Shane O’Keefe, James Woods, Daire Hynes, Luke Kelly
Substitutes: Seán Nolan (Unused), James Newell (Used)
