Keely pleased despite cup exit
Credit: Extratime Team (ETPhotos)
Dermot Keely was pleased with his side’s performance last night despite seeing Shelbourne succumb to a 111th minute winner by Bohemian’s Graham Carey. Shels had twice taken the lead in the EA Sports Cup fixture, which finished 3-3 after normal time, and enjoyed chances in extra-time too to win the tie.
“We didn’t pass the ball well in the first half, but I thought we had a very good second half. It was a smashing game. We did well, I’m happy enough. They were four very soft goals to concede though.” said Keely.
Bohs first goal came as a result of a poor save made by Shels’ young keeper Vinnie Whelan however there was evidence throughout the game that he has the potential to become a good goalkeeper. “He is going to be a good goalkeeper but he’s only young at the moment,” said Keely.
The performance of the side, facing Premier Division leaders on their home patch, would have pleased the travelling Shels fans. Especially considering their disappointment with last Friday’s match postponement in Ballybofey against Finn Harps following a late pitch inspection.
Keely was as disappointed as any of the travelling fans, who all found out about the postponement subsequent to their four hour trip north. However it was the situation, rather than the decision, which upset him as he was quick to admit that the referee’s decision is final.
“It was scandalous. I was told after I’d finished my team talk. I gave the team talk, went out then we had to come back in. The referee called it. I would have played on it; we’ve played on worse pitches I’d say. But I wouldn’t have any complaints at all with the referee’s decision.”
Shelbourne will be looking to get back to winning ways this Friday when they host Longford Town at Tolka Park.
“We didn’t pass the ball well in the first half, but I thought we had a very good second half. It was a smashing game. We did well, I’m happy enough. They were four very soft goals to concede though.” said Keely.
Bohs first goal came as a result of a poor save made by Shels’ young keeper Vinnie Whelan however there was evidence throughout the game that he has the potential to become a good goalkeeper. “He is going to be a good goalkeeper but he’s only young at the moment,” said Keely.
The performance of the side, facing Premier Division leaders on their home patch, would have pleased the travelling Shels fans. Especially considering their disappointment with last Friday’s match postponement in Ballybofey against Finn Harps following a late pitch inspection.
Keely was as disappointed as any of the travelling fans, who all found out about the postponement subsequent to their four hour trip north. However it was the situation, rather than the decision, which upset him as he was quick to admit that the referee’s decision is final.
“It was scandalous. I was told after I’d finished my team talk. I gave the team talk, went out then we had to come back in. The referee called it. I would have played on it; we’ve played on worse pitches I’d say. But I wouldn’t have any complaints at all with the referee’s decision.”
Shelbourne will be looking to get back to winning ways this Friday when they host Longford Town at Tolka Park.
About Gordon Hunt
Gordon Hunt is one of extratime's Dublin based reporters. Having worked with the site since it's inception, Gordon's name is carved into the foundations of extratime's tower block. View Full Profile