- Andrew Dempsey
- Fri, Oct 25 2024
Andrew Dempsey reports Tolka Park
Shelbourne will celebrate 100 years of Tolka Park this weekend with a legends match - but this win over Drogheda United might be one that goes in the annals of the famous old ground.
Not in terms of the match, but in terms of the significance of the result.
A goal and assist from Sean Boyd nudged them to victory over the Boynesiders - leaving the Reds on the verge of a first Premier Division title since 2006.
Bridel Bosakani’s second-half stunner meant nerves were shredded in Drumcondra but Damien Duff’s troops held on to win.
It means they could become champions as early as Sunday evening should Shamrock Rovers drop points away to relegated Dundalk.
Should that not come to pass, they will likely need to win away to Derry City next weekend to lift the title at the Ryan McBride Brandywell. But to be honest, Shels will take it any way possible.
Coming into the game off the back of a 3-1 triumph over Waterford last weekend, Shels made two changes with the suspended Mark Coyle replaced by JJ Lunney who made his first start since an August 30 win away to Dundalk. Liam Burt also replaced Ali Coote.
Drogheda also made a number of swaps with the FAI Cup final on their mind. David Webster, Ryan Brennan and Shane Farrell were all left out in favour of Jack Keaney, Gary Deegan and Aaron McNally.
Though it was all Shelbourne during a commanding first-half display.
Liam Burt had their first effort on goal of the first 45 when he flashed a low drive wide of Luke Dennison’s goal inside just seven minutes. The winger then skied an effort over the bar moments later.
But the Reds did not have to wait long to open the scoring when Boyd netted in the tenth minute.
John Martin flicked a Rayhaan Tulloch clearance around a corner on the halfway line to allow Boyd bear down on goal - and he made no mistake with a majestic chip that went over Dennison and into the Ballybough End.
Shels were - like their saying goes - enjoying themselves at this point and their ability to find Sean Gannon at ease on the right flank was a worry for stretched Drogheda United wing-back Aaron McNally.
And it was Shelbourne’s men on the right who had their next two opportunities though neither could sufficiently threaten the Boynesiders and keeper Dennison.
Martin also had an opportunity just past the half hour but his weak header was well saved by American Dennison as Drogheda trailed by just one before the interval.
Drogheda showed some attacking intent in the early stages of the second period though, and went close via Luke Heeney within moments of the restart.
The midfielder latched onto a defensive mistake from Kameron Ledwidge but could only shoot wide after being played in by attacker Adam Foley.
Douglas James-Taylor - who was relatively quiet before that - also had a long-range effort on goal that forced Conor Kearns into a save.
Though their dominance was short-lived when Shels doubled their advantage in the 55th minute through Tulloch nipped in at the near post to meet a Boyd cross and score.
Shels looked like they were ready to cash in and rattle in a few more before the final whistle - with Aiden O’Brien drafted on in order to do just that.
But Drogheda clawed their way back into the game courtesy of a stunner from Bosakani who found the top-corner from the edge of the box in the 67th minute.
The game was alive again as Drogheda went in search of an unlikely leveller - with Andrew Quinn’s header saved by Kearns who was getting increasingly involved.
Shels responded though with sub Harry Wood going close twice but he could not find the target.
The Reds’ inability to kill the game off ensured a nerve-shredding finale at Tolka Park, and perhaps the nerves were a result of their fans rushing onto the pitch at full-time to celebrate their victory.
The title is in sight.
Shelbourne:Conor Kearns; Patrick Barrett, Sean Gannon, Kameron Ledwidge, Tyreke Wilson; Liam Burt (Alistair Coote 72), Evan Caffrey (John O'Sullivan 90), Jonathan Lunney, Rayhaan Tulloch (Harry Wood 72); Sean Boyd, John Martin (Aiden O'Brien 65).
Subs not used:Lorcan Healy, Shane Griffin, Luca Cailloce, Dan Ring, Dean Williams.
Drogheda United:Luke Dennison; Elicha Ahui (Matthew O’Brien 57), James Bolger (Aaron Harper Bailey 57), Jack Keaney, Aaron McNally (Killian Cailloce 74), Andrew Quinn; Gary Deegan, Luke Heeney, Darragh Markey (Warren Davis 46); Adam Foley, Douglas Taylor (Bridel Bosakani 57).
Subs not used:Andrew Wogan, David Webster, James Byrne, Ryan Brennan.
Booked:James Bolger (46), Gary Deegan (49), Killian Cailloce (90).
Referee:Neil Doyle.
Attendance:4,700 (estimate).
extratime.com Player of the Match: Sean Boyd (Shelbourne).
