U17 League Report: St Patrick's Athletic 3 - 2 Dundalk

St Patrick's Athletic under-17s came back from two goals down to beat Dundalk 3-2 at Blanchardstown IT on Sunday thanks to goals from Aaron McGrath, Alex Aspil and Jake Walker.

Luke Gorham and Kevin Kelly scored in the first half to send the Lilywhites in at half-time with a commanding lead but the home side surged back in the second half with the aid of a strong breeze.

The win saw the Inchicore side increase their lead at the top of the Northern Elite Division following their victory over Liam Burns’ men who were second in the league at the start of play.

Despite missing a number of regulars, the away side began brightly and dominated the opening series of encounters but found it difficult to make the breakthrough from their own attacking prowess.

Instead, the opener was scored thanks to persistence from Jamie Wynne, whose selfless pressing led to a mistake in the defence, allowing the winger to swing in a dangerous cross.

Kevin Kelly, operating on the opposite flank, connected but his shot was blocked and Luke Gorham hammered in the rebound. The lone frontman showed good predatory instincts to open the scoring.

Dundalk were unlucky not to further increase their lead shortly afterwards when they were awarded a free kick right on the edge of the box.

However, the second goal for the visitors did arrive from a set piece on the stroke of half time.

Some lovely interplay between Chris McFadden and Kevin Kelly saw the ball end up at the feet of Jamie Wynne- he was fouled and Kevin Kelly stroked the free kick into the top corner.

The second half saw the home side, buoyed by a triple substitution at the break and with the aid of a slight breeze, exert major pressure on the Oriel Park outfit.

They were rewarded for their pressure with a strike of the highest quality from Aaron Mc Grath who found the top corner of Odumsu’s net from 30 yards to halve the deficit.

The Saints gained the upper hand in proceedings following the goal and penned Dundalk back for a period.

This afforded Alex Aspil the room to tee himself up 35 yards out from goal and, once more, the ball arrowed into the top corner to tie up the game.

Undeterred by the concession of another wonder goal, the young Lilywhites roared back into the game, seeking a winner for themselves and opening the game up.

And it was the home side who took advantage when Jake Walker found space for himself inside the box to fire beyond the goalkeeper and give his side the lead for the first time in the game.

There were chances for both sides before the end but no further goals by the time the referee drew a halt to the proceedings.

St Patrick's Athletic Under-17: Brian Maher; Padraig Finnerty, Aaron McGrath, Richie O'Farrell, Kevin O'Reilly (Conor Cowley 46); Cian Lee, Seanie Mahon, Adam Nugent (Alex Aspil 46), Anthony Purdy, Mark Kelly (Keith Carter 46); Jake Walker.

Subs not used: Donagh McNamara.

Booked: Brian Maher (13), Conor Cowley (64), Padraig Finnerty (83).

Dundalk Under-17: David Odumsu; Neill Kerr, Mark Traynor, James Prendergast, Christian Jones; Luke Doherty (Adam Kirwan 80), Kevin Kelly; Jamie Wynne, Chris McFadden (Mark Kilgallon 72), Luke Byrne (Scott Prendergast 61); Luke Gorham.

Subs not used: Uli Keller, Ciaran Daly.

Booked: Mark Traynor (76).

Referee: David Dunne.