Shelbourne 1 - 0 Monaghan United

Shelbourne beat the travelling Monaghan United in an easy game thanks to a sixteenth minute penalty from David McAllister after Philly Gorman was dragged down in the area by Aaron Mooney. Monaghan never really threatened in a game that saw Shels’ comfortably close the gap on Dundalk to an appetising three points.

Shels’ dominated the first half, with Mons’ struggling to reach the grade of ‘below average’ in a game that lacked any form of intensity. Damien Brennan thought he had put the hosts ahead after only four minutes but his header was adjudged offside. Monaghan’s only chance of the opening exchanges came from a good through ball from Sean Brennan but David Scully couldn’t do much with it.

Mons’ were stuck deep in their own half for much of the forty five minutes, surprisingly however it was from a Shels’ counter attack that they took the lead. Darren Forsyth flicked a long ball into Philly Gorman’s path but before he could do anything he was hauled down for a penalty. McAllister stepped up and squeezed his penalty just passed Brendan Kennedy.

Gorman turned provider ten minutes later with a great cross into the unmarked Forsyth, but his header was glanced just wide. Shels’ were looking comfortable, however, all their work was nearly undone just before the break when Sean Brennan dribbled into the Shels’ box, however his effort from a tight angle was well saved by Dean Delaney. Half time 1-0.

The second half flowed much in the same vein. Shels’ were dominant, with Mons’ need to press affording the hosts more of the pitch to run in. In the fiftieth minute Gary McCabe, who played with more energy than an east-African marathon runner, thought he had doubled Shels’ lead when it seemed his corner had crossed the line, however the ref had a good view of it and said ‘no’.

Philly Gorman had the next chance, five minutes later, however after breaking in on goal he failed to beat the keeper. Monaghan had no answer it seemed, with Shels’ not willing to ease off, knowing the importance of three points at this stage of the season.

With fifteen minutes to go, substitutes Mark Rutherford and James Chambers maintained the pace out wide that the home side were relying on. Cross after cross came into the visitors box without a clear chance, but the intent was enough to null the threat of Monaghan, if ever there was one.

Sloppy passing at the back let in Chambers in the closing minutes but Mons escaped after some late last ditch tackling. Then, sloppier tackling caused controversy when David McGill was floored and then received a football to the face, courtesy of the rather un-sporting Brian Gartland.

The intensity which was lacking in the first half was ever present in the final minutes as yellow cards a plenty were shown. But Shels’ held on, or rather they continued to attack, and were deserved winners at the final whistle. Good news for the league going into the last few games.

Shelbourne: Dean Delany; Alan Murphy, Alan Keely, Damien Brennan, Robbie Hedderman; Gary McCabe (James Chambers 74), David McAllister, Mark O’Brien, James Keddy (David McGill 74); Philip Gorman, Darren Forsyth (Mark Rutherford 46).
Subs not used: Vinny Whelan, Andrei Georgescu.

Monaghan United: Brendan Kennedy; Paul Whelan, Conor McMahon, Aaron Mooney, Barry Clancy; Stephen McCrossan (Andy Haran 84), Dom Tierney (Darragh Hanaphy 63), Cathal O’Connor, Brian Gartland; Dave Scully, Sean Brennan (James Hand 84).
Subs not used: Ronan McGann, Ian Malone.

Referee: Padraigh Sutton.

Attendance: 719

Extratime Man of the match: Gary McCabe (Shelbourne).