DROGHEDA UTD 0-0 DUNDALK FC
Academy player TJ Molloy made history as he came off the bench to become Dundalk FC’s youngest-ever first-team player, as the team closed out the season with a 0-0 draw against Drogheda United in the Louth Derby at Weavers Park on Friday night.
On an evening when the curtain came down on the already-relegated Lilywhites’ 16-season stay in the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division, the club will look back on the highlight of Molloy’s senior debut at just 15 years and almost seven months as he entered for the final stages of the match.
Dundalk had begun brightly and were the better team in the first half, although the best chance of the first 45 did fall to the home side with on-loan Douglas James-Taylor dragging his shot wide when well placed to score.
There was little in the way of clear-cut chances throughout the game and particularly in the second half, but Jon Daly’s men certainly shaded it and could have won it late on but Eoin Kenny saw his strike come back off the woodwork while young sub Luke Mulligan was unlucky with two efforts.
Jad Hakiki of Dundalk shoots during the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division match between Drogheda United and Dundalk at Weavers Park in Drogheda, Co. Louth. Photo by Gerry Scully.
For the game, Daly named an unchanged side to the one that narrowly lost out to Shamrock Rovers at Oriel Park five days earlier. Recent winners of the Victory Shield with Ireland Under-16s, Academy players Seán Spaight and Molloy were named on the bench.
Dundalk started well and Seán Keogh tried his luck in the early exchanges but his shot flew off target. On 17 minutes, a short-corner routine between Robbie Mahon and Daryl Horgan saw the latter deliver for Aodh Dervin at the back post but his header went just over the bar.
Shortly after, Jad Hakiki made space for himself and, from a central position 25 yards out, hit a strike which Luke Dennison got behind to hold. On the half-hour, Dundalk won a free-kick in a good position but Keogh’s left-footed strike was comfortable for Dennison.
The Dundalk FC starting XI during a minute’s silence before the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division match between Drogheda United and Dundalk at Weavers Park in Drogheda, Co. Louth. Photo by Gerry Scully.
On 36 minutes, Drogheda threatened as James-Taylor attacked the ball in the area but Mayowa Animasahun produced a brilliant defensive header to clear behind. Following the corner, Shane Farrell kept the move alive and found James-Taylor who dragged his shot wide when well placed.
At the other end, Dundalk responded with a dangerous phase of play following a long throw-in, with Drogheda eventually being awarded a free-kick after pinball in the box where the home side had put bodies on the line to keep the 14-time League Champions out.
At the break, home boss Kevin Doherty made a double substitution, including introducing Andrew Wogan in goal. Five minutes into the second half, Horgan did well to create an opportunity for himself but his curling shot was easy for Wogan.
Luke Mulligan of Dundalk replaces Aodh Dervin during the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division match between Drogheda United and Dundalk at Weavers Park in Drogheda, Co. Louth. Photo by Gerry Scully.
There would be little in the way of chances after that, with changes arriving midway through the half as Ryan O’Kane was brought on in place of Mahon while the hosts introduced Gary Deegan and Warren Davis.
Soon after, half-time sub Adam Foley saw his strike take a touch off Animasahun on its way as it flew out for a corner. After a small period of pressure from Drogheda following that, Dundalk made a double change as Dara Keane and Mulligan – for his second league appearance – came in for the final 20 minutes.
On 81 minutes, Mulligan provided a good through-ball for Kenny to run onto but, pushed slightly wide, his shot was straight at Wogan.
Ross Munro of Dundalk receives treatment during the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division match between Drogheda United and Dundalk at Weavers Park in Drogheda, Co. Louth. Photo by Gerry Scully.
Two minutes later, a huge moment arrived for Molloy as he made a historical senior debut and he almost made an immediate impact but Wogan touched the ball over.
On 86 minutes, Kenny’s strike came back off the crossbar after Keogh had done well to win the ball back. In the last minute of the 90, Mulligan shot wide and, in injury-time, the youngster – who turns 17 later this month – was unlucky with another effort.
Dundalk went to the end to try to end the season with a win but they were unable to break down their neighbours, as attentions now turn to preparing for life in the First Division.
Dundalk FC captain John Mountney with supporters after the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division match between Drogheda United and Dundalk at Weavers Park in Drogheda, Co. Louth. Photo by Gerry Scully.
DROGHEDA UNITED: Luke Dennison (Andew Wogan HT), Elicha Ahui, Andrew Quinn, Aaron Harper-Bailey, James Bolger, Luke Heeney, Shane Farrell, Ryan Brennan (Gary Deegan 66), Darragh Markey (Warren Davis 67), Frantz Pierrot (Adam Foley HT), Douglas James-Taylor (Conor Kane 77). Subs not used: Jack Keaney, Mark O’Brien, Aaron McNally, Bridel Bosakani.
DUNDALK FC: Ross Munro, John Mountney, Mayowa Animasahun, Hayden Cann, Seán Keogh, Koen Oostenbrink (TJ Molloy 83), Daryl Horgan, Jad Hakiki (Dara Keane 73), Aodh Dervin (Luke Mulligan 73), Robbie Mahon (Ryan O’Kane 66), Eoin Kenny. Subs not used: Felix Goddard (GK), Andy Boyle, Scott McGill, Scott Brady, Seán Spaight.
REFEREE: Damien MacGraith.
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