Re-start Club Preview: Shelbourne

Club: Shelbourne

Manager: Ian Morris

Highest league goalscorer: Ciaran Kilduff, Gary Deegan, Jaze Kabia (1).

Current position: 5th.

 

How we thought they would do for the 2020 season

It's never easy for a newly promoted side to get settled into the Premier Division.

However, Shels boss Ian Morris managed to bring in experienced midfielder Gary Deegan along with the likes of forward Karl Sheppard.

Combine them with signing of Cobh pair Denzel Fernandes and Jaze Kabia mid-way through last season and you got the sense that Shels were ready to compete in the Premier Division.

How they did in the opening part of the season



Out of their four games played, Shels managed two wins and two defeats.

Their first victory came on the opening night of the season when a late Ciaran Kilduff goal gave the Reds all three points against Cork City at Turners Cross.

One week later, the Reds welcomed Premier Division holders Dundalk to Tolka Park.

Despite a buoyant effort and a sensational strike from captain Gary Deegan, two first half mistakes at set-pieces cost Shels dearly as they succumbed to a 2-1 defeat.

A week later Shels entertained St Pat's in the Drumcondra side's first Dublin derby back in the Premier Division.

A first half effort from Jaze Kabia gave the Reds all three points on that occasion.



Their final outing before lockdown saw them travel to face close neighbours Bohemians at Dalymount Park.

Shels never got going that night and were beaten 2-0 by Keith Long's men.

Moment of the season so far

Gary Deegan's cracker against Dundalk after 54 minutes sent a sold out Tolka Park into raptures and really gave the Shels faithful hope that they could get something from the game.

Stand out player so far this season

Ian Morris brought Gary Deegan to Tolka Park from Cambridge in the winter.

His experience and drive has really helped the Reds from midfield while the former Bohs man has also proven that he can be a threat around the opponent's goal.

Transfers in/out prior to the restart

Midfielder Brian McManus has joined the Reds following a spell with Preston North End while 18-year-old Alex Cetiner has been promoted from the club's underage structure.

What they need to do in the restart

Following a decent start to the season, Shels will be hoping that they can continue to pick up results consistently in this short season.

Ian Morris will be hoping that one of his attacking players can step up to the plate and score goals regularly so that his side can continue to pick up points and finish as high as possible in the table.

Where we see them finishing

As we've said already consistency will be key for Shels. Their next three games are against Waterford, Finn Harps and Sligo.

They were probably sides they thought would be around them when the season began in February.

If they can pick up maximum points from those games, there's no reason that they can't stay where they are now and finish in the top five.

Who will they face in the FAI Cup?

Bye.

First post-lockdown league fixture

Home vs. Waterford. (August 1st, 2 PM).

 

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