- Deniese O'Flaherty
- Sat, Aug 23 2008
Goals either side of half-time set Shelbourne on their way as they cruised to a comfortable win over Longford Town.
This win moves Shels up into second place in the table, on goal difference, and are now five points behind leaders Dundalk. With teams beneath them picking up vital points tonight things need to improve fast for Longford Town if they are to avoid slipping further down the table.
Shels had a point to prove to their fans coming into this game after drawing 3-3 with Athlone Town in their last game while Longford Town were hoping to bounce back after losing 1-0 at home to bottom side Kildare County.
The game was very much in the balance as half-time approached and Longford Town were hoping to go into the break on level terms with their opponents but disaster struck right on the 45th minute. Conceding one goal just before the interval was tough for the visitors but conceding two definitely rattled them.
It was a stunning goal from Darren Forsythe that broke the deadlock. Two minutes into first half stoppage time and right on the whistle it was 2-0; David McAllister adding the second. Both McAllister and Forsythe added another goal each to their tallies in the 47th and 49th minute. Robbie Hedderman wrapped the scoring in the 66th minute.
It was a marvellous win for Shelbourne but embarrassing for Longford Town. Having lost to Kildare County in their last game the last thing they wanted was to be on the end of a trouncing; their heaviest defeat of the season.
Shels started the brighter and had a chance to opening the scoring as early as the fifth minute but Philip Gorman’s effort was cleared from danger by Town defender Stephen Brennan.
Town’s first chance came in the 21st minute from Daire Doyle. The midfielder’s shot whizzing inches wide of Dean Delaney’s post. Then Town enjoyed their fair share of possession but couldn’t really create a clear-cut chance.
Just as it looked like the game was going to remain deadlocked going in at the break Forsythe provided a moment of magic. The ex UCD player hit a stunning shot from over 30 yards out to put the home side in front. In his last game for Shels he scored twice against Athlone Town and continued his fine run with an excellent display.
Minutes later it was 2-0; David McAllister shooting past Town keeper Neil Gallagher. It was a really blow for the visitors who up until then had competed admirably with their hosts. The scoring didn’t end there for Shels because two minutes after the restart McAllister got his second of the night to make it 3-0. A Mark O’Brien cross found the midfielder and from around 20 yards out he volleyed past Town ‘keeper Neil Gallagher.
Things got even worse for the visitors five minutes later when Forsythe got his second by powerfully heading past Gallagher; ex Town defender Alan Murphy the provider. Mark Rutherford had a chance to make it five soon after but Gallagher pulled off a fine save to deny the ex Town winger.
Town’s misery was compounded in the 66th minute when defender Robbie Hedderman made it 5-0. The visitor’s were completely stunned. They had chances but nothing to really trouble Delaney. Four minutes from the end when through on goal Jason Oladele dragged his shot wide of an open goal. It kind of summed up Town’s night.
Shelbourne: Dean Delany; Alan Murphy, Alan Keely, Damien Brennan, Robbie Hedderman; David McAllister (James Keddy 67), Mark O’Brien (James Chambers 77), David McGill, Mark Rutherford; Philip Gorman (Anto Flood 67), Darren Forsythe.
Subs not used: Franco Georgescu, Vinny Whelan.
Booked: Murphy, McAllister.
Longford Town: Neil Gallagher; Stephen Gough (Luke Hardy 72), Stephen Brennan, Ronan Frawley, Ryan Casey (Alan O'Riordan 17); Gary Murphy, Damien Rushe (Evan Connolly 54), Daire Doyle, Robert Douglas; Jason Oladele, Darren McKenna.
Subs not used: John McGuinness, Nathan Weiss.
Referee: Sean Grant (Wexford).
Attendance: 828
