- Andrew Dempsey
- Sat, Aug 07 2021
Andrew Dempsey reports from the UCD Bowl
A much-changed Shelbourne side stretched their lead at the top of the First Division to 10 points following what may prove to be a priceless point away to UCD on Friday.
The Reds saw a number of first-team regulars miss out, but it mattered little as they kept a clean sheet, and also, incredibly improved their lead at the top of the table.
They had chances to win the game as well, but it was a more than positive night for Ian Morris’ charges who had the added bonus of seeing title rivals Treaty United and Galway United both lose their respective games.
The Students came into the game sensing blood from their Dublin rivals having recently defeated them in the FAI Cup at the same venue a fortnight ago.
Goals from Colm Whelan and Harvey O’Brien secured a win for UCD on that occasion. Whelan, however, missed out on Friday’s encounter with suspension.
Shels on the other hand were held to a 2-2 draw with Cobh Ramblers last time out, with the draw opening the door somewhat for the chasing pack ahead of a critical two weeks for the Reds.
And their task got even tougher prior to kick-off as it was revealed that they had a number of players unavailable for the game.
As a result, under-19 goalkeeper Jack McCarthy was drafted in as both Brendan Clarke and Jack Brady missed out.
But despite a turbulent week, the Reds took the game to their hosts in the opening few moments of the game, with Shane Farrell shooting over the bar from long-range.
UCD would however awake from their slumber going close through Harvey O’Brien but the County Mayo man could only head wide a Paul Doyle free-kick.
Evan Weir then troubled Shels stand-in goalkeeper McCarthy with one of his whipping free-kicks from deep. Sam Todd was unable to make the rebound count however.
The Shels ‘keeper was called into action minutes later through Dara Keane, denying the UCD forward with an impromptu save.
But that was not his finest save of the half, that was to come minutes after. Liam Kerrigan broke through after a long ball from the UCD defence, but he was unable to find the back of the net.
Despite enjoying much of the play after a slow start, UCD’s attacking threat waned somewhat as the half-time whistle approached.
Paul Doyle went close late on in the half for the hosts, but he could only curl his effort over the bar. Ryan Brennan then traded with a decent opening of his own, but he too could not convert.
Shels started the second-half the better of the two sides, and they went close twice, albeit from long-range through Rooney and Michael O’Connor.
Rooney saw his curling effort just go wide of the post, before O’Connor also failed to hit the target from outside the penalty area.
And their best chance of the game came through the head of Brian McManus who saw his header crash off the bar following a Rooney corner just past the hour mark.
The former Ireland under-19 international headed wide again moments later, this time from a Farrell cross into the box. In truth, McManus should have made a lot more of that chance.
Farrell then went close himself, but he was denied at the near post by Healy in the UCD goal.
And incredibly, UCD somehow produced the last gilt-edged chance of the night through sub Adam Lennon.
But the former Athlone Town forward was denied by player of the match Jack McCarthy who stood tall to deny the Students a valuable three points in their playoff chase.
UCD: Lorcan Healy; Evan Weir, Sam Todd, Evan Osam, Harvey O'Brien; Liam Kerrigan, Jack Keaney (c), Paul Doyle, Mark Dignam (Adam Lennon 77), Sean Brennan (Eoin Farrell 71); Dara Keane (Danu Kinsella Bishop 89).
Subs not used: Carl Williams, Luke Boore, Michael Gallagher, Harry McEvoy, Evan Caffrey, Adam Verdon.
Booked: Evan Weir (15), Eoin Farrell (90).
Shelbourne: Jack McCarthy; Kameron Ledwidge, Maxim Kouogun, Michael Barker, John Ross Wilson; Brian McManus, JJ Lunney, Shane Farrell, Ryan Brennan, Dayle Rooney; Michael O'Connor (Eric Molloy 78).
Subs not used: Cathal Byrne, Aaron Connolly, Gavin Molloy, Yoyo Mahdy, Sean Aluebhosele, Alex Nolan, Yassine En-Neyah.
Booked: Michael Barker (17) Michael O'Connor (37).
Referee: Gavin Colfer.
Attendance: 200.
extratime.com Player of the Match: Jack McCarthy (Shelbourne).
