Waterford United 0 - 3 Shelbourne

• Brendan White
• Sat, Aug 07 2010


Shelbourne easily saw off a poor challenge from Waterford United by three goals to nil at the RSC on Friday night. Second half goals from Dinny Corcoran, David Cassidy and Philip Gorman handed Shelbourne a deserved victory to keep them in the hunt for a play-off spot.

Shels started the game the brighter team with David Cassidy having the first change but his strike went over the bar. Cassidy then played in Dave McGill but his strike went over Kevin Burns goal. McGill then set up Cassidy but again the strike was over the bar as Shels began to take control of the midfield.

Paul Murphy and Paul McCarthy had half chances for Waterford but both efforts were blocked. Murphy, Kiely and Liam Kearney linked up well together down the left but the final ball again let down.

Daryl Kavanagh 20 yard strike went straight at Delany, in what was Waterford’s only strike on the Shels goal in the half. As half time approached, Waterford began to get back into the game but couldn’t create a notable chance.

The game came to life eleven minutes into the second half as Shels grabbed the opening goal. Mark Hughes and David Cassidy flicks set up Dinny Corcoran who fired home a unstoppable 25 yard low strike past Kevin Burns.

Just eight minutes later and the second goal of the game arrived as suspect defending and a good finish put Shels in the driving seat. Alan Carey’s attempted clearance struck centre midfielder Paul McCarthy and looped into the penalty box where the unmarked David Cassidy fired the ball past the helpless Kevin Burns.

Three minutes later and it was almost 3-0. McGill’s cross to the back post found the head of Gorman and his header was touched onto the crossbar by Kevin Burns. The ball stayed in play and bounced around before Ian Ryan fired in a low shot but Kevin Murray got an important block.

The third goal arrived eight minutes from full time. Philip Gorman, looking borderline offside, ran onto a Sean Byrne long ball and raced toward the Waterford goal. Burns did well to block the initial attempt but the ball dropped back at Gorman’s feet and he powered the ball past defender John Hayes on the goal line.

Shels could have added a fourth but, after rounding Kevin Burns, Philip Gorman could only find the side netting. The scoreline brings Shels back into the race for promotion and seriously dents Waterford chances. Alan Mathews was a happy man at the full time whistle but his opposite number Stephen Henderson showed a disconsolate figure as his side were booed off the pitch.

Waterford United: Kevin Burns; Alan Carey, John Hayes, Kevin Murray, Michael Coady; Daryl Kavanagh, Seamus Long (Gary Keane 77), Paul McCarthy (James O’Sullivan 70), Liam Kearney (Kevin Waters 70); Willie John Kiely, Paul Murphy.
Subs not used: Josh Byrne, Timmy Purcell.

Shelbourne: Dean Delaney, Ray Scully, Sean Byrne, Ian Ryan, Gareth Whelan; Paul Shiels, David McGill, David Cassidy (Colin O’Brien 86), Marc Hughes; Dinny Corcoran (Mark Leech 79), Brian Farrell (Philly Gorman 56)
Subs not used: Steve Williams, Michael Coburn
Booked: David McGill, Philip Gorman

Referee: Graham Kelly (Cork)
Official Attendance: 580
Man of the Match: David Cassidy (Shelbourne)