Dream debuts for former Dundalk duo

Frank with his man of the match award at the weekend

Former Dundalk FC underage star Frank Osadebe enjoyed a dream debut for League One side Gillingham at the weekend after being named man of the match in their 4-0 victory over promotion favourites Sheffield Utd on Saturday.

The former Bay Utd and Dundalk Schoolboys’ League star joined Gillingham in May on a one year deal after a spell with Tottenham Hotspur.

The 18-year-old even thought he had scored for his new side at the weekend but it was eventually awarded to Luke Norris.

Commenting on the display on his Facebook page, Frank said: “What a way to start the season and a debut 4-0 win over Sheffield United, a “goal” and MOTM.”

Meanwhile, one of Osadebe’s old team-mates Ciaran O’Connor also had a debut to remember as he scored one and made one on his Derry City debut on Friday night as the Candystripes beat Galway Utd 4-0 at Eamonn Deacy Park.

The former Rock Celtic man joined Peter Hutton’s side on loan last week and made an impressive debut with a man of the match display on the night.

O’Connor remains on the books at Oriel Park and will return to Dundalk FC at the start of next season.

Greenore’s Conor McCormack completes move to Derry City

Conor McCormack being unveiled at the Brandywell yesterday by Derry City manager Peter Hutton

Greenore man Conor McCormack has signed a contract with Derry City until the end of the season.

The 25-year-old former Manchester Utd youth completed a move to the Candystripes yesterday after being released by St Patrick’s Athletic yesterday.

McCormack will be hoping to help Peter Hutton’s side avoid the drop as they currently sit in 10^th place in the Premier Division, level on points with Sligo Rovers. While they are 10 points clear of bottom placed Limerick FC, they are also six points behind Drogheda Utd in the battle to avoid a promotion/relegation play-off at the end of the season.

Capable of playing in midfield or at right back, McCormack made a name for himself with Bellurgan Utd before securing a move to Manchester Utd in 2006. He spent three years there before another two and a half year spell in Italy with Serie B side Triestina in which he failed to break into the first-team.

McCormack returned home in 2011 to help Shamrock Rovers to the title and remained at the Tallaght outfit for three seasons before moving to Pat’s in 2014.

Dundalk’s EA Sports Cup quarter-final clash confirmed for Tuesday May 27th

Dundalk’s EA Sports Cup quarter-final clash away to Derry City has been confirmed for Tuesday May 27^th.

The match at the Brandywell will kick-off at 7.45pm, with Stephen Kenny set to return to his former club, who recently installed club legend Peter Hutton as manager in place of Roddy Collins.

Dundalk booked their place in the last eight of the competition with a 3-0 win over Bray Wanderers earlier this month, courtesy of a David McMillan brace and a first senior goal for the club for Blackrock teenager Conor McDonald.