Drogheda United U20s’ high hopes after impressive group phase

BRAY WANDERERS 1

DROGHEDA UTD 4

DROGHEDA United FC concluded their EA Sports MU20 LOI Group A campaign with an emphatic victory over Bray Wanderers at Ballycorus on Saturday.

The win solidified their position at the top of Group A, finishing four points ahead of second-placed St Patrick’s Athletic, with Derry City taking third and pushing Shelbourne out of contention for the Elite Phase.

The teams that progressed from the other groups were Bohemians, Shamrock Rovers, UCD, Waterford, Cork City and Wexford.

Drogheda, having already secured their qualification previously, used the last two games to experiment with new ideas and after a slow start Bridel Bosakani broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute, thanks to an assist by Emre Topcu.

James Byrne and Evan Haddock, who had made their first-team league debuts the night before against Derry at The Brandywell, played crucial roles in both defence and attack, setting the tone for their teammates.

Cian Cleary’s dribbling won a penalty just before the hour mark, which Killian Cailloce converted to double the advantage, before Fayo Adeogun, fresh from scoring against Finn Harps recently, made it 3-0 with a header in the 68th minute.

Leon Ajala pulled one back for Bray Wanderers, but Drogheda had the final say as Cleary’s solo effort rubber-stamped the victory, rounding the keeper and slotting home.

Drogheda have had an impressive run in the first phase, marked by only one loss, eight wins and three draws, and tougher challenges lie ahead in the Elite phase, but their strong showing has set a positive tone for the upcoming matches.

Drogheda UNITED: Theo Hennessy, Cian Cleary, Etoile Emmanuel Milongo, James Byrne, Harry O’Connor, Ethan Maher, Oluwafayosayemi Nel Adeogun, Evan Haddock, Bridel Bosakani, Emre Topcu, Killian Cailloce. Subs: Ryan Maher, Ultan McLaughlin, Osaze Irhue, Conall Cronin, Cameron Feehan, Matthew McCarrick, Anthony Moyo.

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