Mathews sees positives in Shels draw

Shelbourne manager Alan Mathews had looked for a positive reaction from his players after he was critical of their poor performance last week in their 2-0 defeat to Derry.  He got it on Friday and he was certainly the happier manager speaking after the 2-2 draw in Tallaght against champions Shamrock Rovers. 

Both sides had chances to win the game and, but for a last gasp Craig Sives clearance off the line in injury time, Paddy Kavanagh could have won the game for Shels and inflicted Rovers’ first home defeat of the season. 

“Last week was not acceptable,” said Mathews about the loss to Derry in Tolka Park.  “The players responded excellently and unfortunately we didn’t get three points but we got a good performance.  We are disappointed we didn’t win but the performance tonight was where we want to be. That is the quality and level of performance that we need to produce.  On another night Paddy’s chance would have gone in.” 

Shels had faced Rovers three times previously this season and had got nothing from those games, conceding 11 goals along the way.  Mathews’ men came with a game plan and they put it into practice even if they trailed at the break to a Ciarán Kilduff goal. 

“Our discipline was key for us to get back into the game.  We felt we would come back into the game.  Coming here on the back of a bad performance last week, that was a massive response.”

Paddy Kavanagh and Philip Gorman scored in the second half and the Reds led going into the last 10 minutes.  In trying to finish off the game though, they allowed Rovers find the equaliser through a fine Ronan Finn right foot strike. 

“For the equaliser, we were trying to pick them off for the third goal.  Glenn (Cronin) tried to pass inside, which was the right ball, to Paddy (Kavanagh) and he would have been in on goal.  In trying to do the right thing, we got picked off and it was a good finish from Ronan Finn.” 

Mathews made seven changes from his team last week, three due to suspension, and included under 19 player Stephen Sheeran on the bench. 

“We could only pick who was available.  Brian Shortall, Garreth Matthew and Kevin Dawson were all out. We didn’t have enough bodies.  Everyone that was available was in the squad.  The players who came in tonight produced performances and that is what you want.  We want players to come into the team, hold onto a jersey and stay in the team.”

After this trip to Tallaght, on Monday Shels play St. Patrick’s Athletic in Tolka Park and next Friday they take on Rovers again, this time in the FAI Cup.  A tough task for the Shelbourne squad admits Mathews. 

“It is difficult for part time players to play three games in a week. One of the lads was struggling to finish work this evening and we had to make alternate arrangements to get him across here.  He is going back across to finish work now.  We don’t have the luxury of players who are full time.  Rest is the key.  We will try and do something tomorrow and Sunday and then go and play on to Monday.”