Mathews delighted with Shels team spirit
Credit: Extratime Team (ETPhotos)
Shelbourne manager Alan Mathews was happy to overcome the difficult challenge which Salthill Devon provided to his team at Tolka Park on Friday night. Speaking after Shel's 4-1 victory, Mathews told Extratime.ie that his side had to work hard for their win “I'm delighted with the result. We had to work very hard for the four goals that we scored. We had a lot of possession. We gave away a very very soft goal in the first couple of minutes but we kept our composure and discipline and eventually won 4-1. On another night we could have got a couple of more goals.”
The First Division leaders manager is also looking forward to the upcoming break. “Salthill have been difficult opponents for every team this season. We'd a difficult game ourselves down there a couple of months ago and we knew that it was going to be difficult tonight. So I'm delighted that we scored four goals and progress on now and have a break and look forward to the next game.”
Midfielder David Cassidy helped to set-up three of the home team's goals and Mathews was full of praise for Cassidy's performance and for the team spirit at the club “I am happy with Dave's (Cassidy) performance to date this season, as I have been with a lot of the players. He's worked very very hard. He made a good contribution in the goals but he's also worked very hard without the ball for the team as have a lot of other players. Dave's performance tonight epitomises the spirit and attitude that is within the group. There is a good togetherness there.”
Captain David McGill had to be stretchered in the first half after a clash with Salthill goalkeeper David Forde. According to the Shelbourne boss, the injury is not too serious.“It's nothing too serious. I think that their goalkeeper came down. There was an impact on his knee. I think it's just bruising more than anything else. He was taken off to hospital and had an X-ray. I think Dave (McGill) should be ok. Our own doctor advised us that it should be nothing too serious.”
Mathews also admitted that his side have spoken to some players about signing for Shels but when asked, he wouldn't name any names.“There's a few guys that we've approached. We've a fairly narrow squad. We are just talking to a few people. We'll see if we can bring them in. If we can fine, if we can't we'll just plug on.”
The victory currently leaves Shelbourne ten points clear at the top of the First Division table. After a two week break, Mathews will take his side to fellow promotion candidates Cork City. It is a game which the Shels manager is very much looking forward to.“Yeah Cork is a great club. It's a great place to play football. Good memories of Turners Cross. Cork are right there looking to get out of the division as well. It will be a good atmosphere in a good football stadium. We've a break now and get focused and prepare for them when we come back” concluded Mathews.
The First Division leaders manager is also looking forward to the upcoming break. “Salthill have been difficult opponents for every team this season. We'd a difficult game ourselves down there a couple of months ago and we knew that it was going to be difficult tonight. So I'm delighted that we scored four goals and progress on now and have a break and look forward to the next game.”
Midfielder David Cassidy helped to set-up three of the home team's goals and Mathews was full of praise for Cassidy's performance and for the team spirit at the club “I am happy with Dave's (Cassidy) performance to date this season, as I have been with a lot of the players. He's worked very very hard. He made a good contribution in the goals but he's also worked very hard without the ball for the team as have a lot of other players. Dave's performance tonight epitomises the spirit and attitude that is within the group. There is a good togetherness there.”
Captain David McGill had to be stretchered in the first half after a clash with Salthill goalkeeper David Forde. According to the Shelbourne boss, the injury is not too serious.“It's nothing too serious. I think that their goalkeeper came down. There was an impact on his knee. I think it's just bruising more than anything else. He was taken off to hospital and had an X-ray. I think Dave (McGill) should be ok. Our own doctor advised us that it should be nothing too serious.”
Mathews also admitted that his side have spoken to some players about signing for Shels but when asked, he wouldn't name any names.“There's a few guys that we've approached. We've a fairly narrow squad. We are just talking to a few people. We'll see if we can bring them in. If we can fine, if we can't we'll just plug on.”
The victory currently leaves Shelbourne ten points clear at the top of the First Division table. After a two week break, Mathews will take his side to fellow promotion candidates Cork City. It is a game which the Shels manager is very much looking forward to.“Yeah Cork is a great club. It's a great place to play football. Good memories of Turners Cross. Cork are right there looking to get out of the division as well. It will be a good atmosphere in a good football stadium. We've a break now and get focused and prepare for them when we come back” concluded Mathews.
