Anthony Oppiah (left) in against for LYIT against Dundalk IT.
Credit to both teams who were really against the elements in this Umbro Cup quarter -final.
The home side started slowly with a revised back four placing Jamie Boyle and Peter Hegarty in the centre with Feargal Harkin and Dean Bonner on the flanks.
The Dundalk IT forwards were setting about pressuring the full backs from the first whistle and almost made good from a few poor clearances from the Letterkenny.
Having Raymond Foy, in the midfield holding position provided the support needed for Letterkenny as they asserted themselves in the game and the home side were rewarded with a goal on 41 minutes from Steve Okakpu.
The second half commenced and within 2 minutes Dundalk brought the score level with a goal from Paul Finnerty.
Solid performances from Jamie Boyle and Peter Doherty forced Dundalk to defend deeply for a period and with Anthony Oppiah replacing Aaron Kelly at half time, the home side pressed for the advantage.
A succession of fouls by Dundalk and subsequent yellow cards might give some indication of the pressure that Letterkenny exerted as the game seemed destined for extra time.
The Dundalk goalkeeper can consider himself lucky as his particular two footed tackle on Cathal McDaid only deserved a yellow card, in the eyes of the referee.
The 81st minute decided the game with Abby Azeez, the Dundalk forward, pouncing on goalkeeper Eoin Gallen who failed to clear a back pass in time, the rebound of Azeez’s boot made its way over the line and brought an end to Letterkenny’s cup campaign for another year.
Letterkenny team:
Eoin Gallen, Dean Bonner, Feargal Harkin, Jamie Boyle, Peter Doherty, Raymond Foy, Aaron Kelly, Brian McVeigh, Steve Okakpu, Jordan Toland, Cathal McDaid, subs: Anthony Oppiah for Aaron Kelly (ht)
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