Shels boss Ian Morris says his side “still have a few gears to go up” despite their unbeaten start to the season so far.
Shels have three wins on the bounce and face high-flying Treaty United at Tolka Park this Friday, a side who are also unbeaten in their first ever SSE Airtricity League First Division campaign.
Morris said his side will face a “tough side who will battle with all their heart and bodies on the line.”
“I went to see them against Bray in the first week and you could see how together they were. Their fitness levels have improved massively again so we really really need to be prepared for this,” he added.
Shels will give a late fitness test to Georgie Poynton while Denzil Fernandes and Gerardo Bruna remain out injured.
Morris said he’s got players pushing for places “right from goalkeeper to up front” but has also been impressed by Kev O’Connor’s performances in Red this term.
“I’ve been an admirer of his for a while. He’s doing everything I expected and more. He looks after himself so well and this shows in being given the armband,” he added.
However, Morris added that he “still expects loads more from Kev.”
Morris has informed his squad that “every player will be needed this year” as the season takes shape with any possibility able to happen at any point.
“I debate on every position, week in week out, and it’s good that we can change from a three at the back to a four at the back and give us that flexibility,” he added.
It was a good week at Shels’ training base at the AUL as the Shelbourne FC Academy took its place back training and Morris said it was “great to see the smiles back on faces again.”
“It’s a credit to everyone at the club from the Academy coaches to the Covid officers to have it run so smoothly. They’ve been brilliant for the club,” he added.
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Shels boss Ian Morris said he is preparing for a “battle” against Cabinteely and that his Shels team will have to “match their mentality” on Friday night.
Shels look for their third straight win against the South Dublin side after recent wins against Wexford and Cork City in the SSE Airtricity League First Division.
“We’re under no illusions out there. It’s going to be a tough game and their players will be rallied together and have that siege mentality.
“It’s going to be a fight and they’ll scrap for everything out there,” he told shelbournefc.ie
Shels welcome back Glen McAuley into the squad after his suspension following a red card in the opening night against Galway United.
“I think last week’s result for Cabinteely flattered UCD, Cabo were unlucky not to be winning at half time so we know what we’re up against,” he added.
He said he has been delighted with the bond between players in recent weeks, but also with “the demands and the standards that they’re putting on themselves.”
“We’re looking to build that momentum now. We know how important that is considering other teams have made strong starts,” he added.
Shels will be without Denzil Fernandes, Gerardo Bruna through injury and George Poynton is a doubt after coming off last week against Cork.
There are no suspensions to report.
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Reporting from Joel Slattery for the Irish Examiner at Turner’s Cross
Cork City 1-3 Shelbourne
Shelbourne returned to the Capital on Friday night with all three points as goals from Ally Gilchrist, Shane Farrell and Yoyo Mahdy gave the Reds a 3-1 win over Cork City.
The Scot Gilchrist headed home an equaliser after an early Cork peno and Farrell fired Shels into an early second half lead before a late Mahdy peno opened his account for the season.
The Reds maintain an unbeaten start to the season and sit just two points off the top in joint second with UCD in the SSE Airtricity League First Division.
A early dangerous ball played into the box by Gearóid Morrissey led to Cian Coleman having his jersey pulled by Maxim Kougoun. Referee Marc Lynch didn’t hesitate before pointing to the spot. Up stepped McGlade who sent Brendan Clarke the wrong way to give the home side the early lead.
The goal came against the run of play after Shelbourne had the better of the early possession.
Despite the advantage on the scoreboard, Cork were sloppy on the ball and Shelbourne’s high-pressing led to some mistakes at the back.
However, City nearly doubled their lead five minutes later. McGlade’s corner was headed on by Coleman whose effort hit the top of the crossbar.
Playing at a higher intensity with more precision in their passing, Shelbourne equalised in the first quarter. After a run of corner kicks and sustained pressure, Gilchrist headed the sides level. George Poynton’s corner wasn’t dealt with by City and Gilchrist made no mistake from close range.
Shane Farrell had a gilt-edged chance to give Shels the lead after 25 minutes. After a long free-kick was flicked into his path, Farrell, admittedly facing a tight angle, failed to trouble Mark McNulty.
A tough task was made even more difficult for the home side as Walsh was sent off after 30 minutes following an incident involving Farrell. Down a man, manager Healy responded by changing formation – Darragh Crowley now the lone man up front, with two banks of four protecting McNulty.
Crowley, into the side for the injured Cian Bargary, worked tirelessly but was living off scraps for large parts of the evening before being called ashore, replaced by Cian Murphy.
Shelbourne kept the pressure up, creating a number of chances as City were very much on the back foot.
However, Cork resisted the pressure and the sides went into the dressing rooms level at the interval.
Another change of formation from Cork saw them line out with five at the back for the second half – however, the resistance was short-lived after the break as Farrell made amends for an earlier miss just 90 seconds after the restart, holding his nerve to strike low across McNulty and find the bottom corner of the net.
Shels kept the foot on the pedal and Michael O’Connor should have doubled their lead – his 57th-minute free header hitting the base of the post.
Cork remained on the back-foot but brought Beineón O’Brien-Whitmarsh in for the final quarter as they looked for a late equaliser.
However, they were unable to create an opportunity as Shels added Mahdy’s injury-time spot-kick to deservedly take the spoils and keep their unbeaten start to the season going.
– CV and Cover letter to be sent to recruitment@shelbournefc.ie – Closing date for application is 9pm on Tuesday 20th April – Shortlist of appropriate candidates will drafted, followed by an interview process
Shelbourne would like to thank Stephen Henderson for his time at the Club as he departs the role.
Stephen has helped lead our Shels Youth Academy to a great level and foundation for the future. We wish him the best of luck in his next role.
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By Steven Kelly
Shelbourne continued their unbeaten start to the season picking up their first win of 2021 with a 1-0 win over Wexford FC on Friday night at Tolka Park.
The Reds were looking for their 1st win of the campaign and knew this was an ideal place to start.
Wexford on the other hand were winless, after consecutive losses to both Cabinteely and Treaty United.
Shels were hoping the form of both Ryan Brennan and Yousef Mahdy could combine to maximum effect, while Youths were looking to see if Luke Turner could showcase his striking capabilities. B
ased on the sides most recent meeting during pre-season, in which Shels recorded a comprehensive 4-1 win, manager Ian Morris could have been forgiven for taking this game for granted.
Shels were to have the first real shot in anger. In the 14th minute, Georgie Poynton had a close-range effort deflected wide after some fine build-up play from the Reds.
This was followed up moments later by a fine break out from the back, only for the final ball to lack the necessary quality, much to the frustration of striker Yousef Mahdy.
The visitors were finding pockets of space, with Dan Tobin impressing in defence and striker Luke Turner particularly impressive.
The visitors were nearly ahead when Wexford’s midfielder Crowley found himself with a yard of space, but his effort was well marshalled by the Shels defence.
Shels were struggling to get a firm grip on the game. Wexford’s Jack Doherty had to receive some attention after an awkward looking challenge but was fit to continue.
In the 44th minute, striker Mahdy fired wide with a poor enough effort. Safe to say the goal feast we were treated to last week wasn’t about to repeat itself here.
At half-time, Wexford boss Brian O’ Sullivan would go in the happier of the two managers, with the game still scoreless. Ian Morris, on the other hand, had his work to do to rally the troops.
The 2nd half started much like the first, with Wexford looking the more likely.
Brennan had an effort, which was skied over before Shelbourne keeper Brendan Clarke almost gave Wexford a gift when he held on to possession for far too long and midfielder Manahan almost nipped in.
In the 62nd minute, the deadlock was broken following a corner, which was diverted into his own net, by the unfortunate Conor Crowley. It seemed as though that was the bit of luck needed. Shelbourne 1-0 up.
Youths boss Brian O’ Sullivan reacted, as Wexford chased an equaliser. On 69 minutes the 1st substitution of the night was made with Kyle Robinson replacing Jack Larki, to give Wexford more of an impetus going forward.
In the 73rd minute, Shels made their 1st substitute, with McManus replacing Ryan Brennan. Wexford’s Crowley almost made up for his earlier error, but he failed to find the finish required after some neat build-up play.
The game lacked flow for much of the closing stages. Ian Morris brought on Cetiner to replace Mahdy on 87 minutes, with the former UCD player still awaiting his 1st competitive goal for Shels.
Dan Tobin was replaced by Success Edogun for the Youths, with 3 minutes remaining. 3 minutes were added on and the Shels defence stood firm, with Gilchrist and Barker keeping the door firmly shut.
The final whistle sounded much to the relief of the Shels players. The Reds needed that result more than the performance.
Hopefully, a tough victory to kickstart the season. Next up the boys face the long trip to Leeside to face Cork City.
Both sides will be looking to showcase their promotion credentials. Wexford are rooted to the bottom of the table and will be hoping they can get something from fellow strugglers Cobh, next time out.
Shelbourne team: Clarke, Gilchrist, Baker, Kevin O’Connor, Poynton, Rooney, Wilson, Lunney, Brennan (McManus), M O’Connor, Mahdy (Cetiner)
Shelbourne Football Club is delighted to announce a renewal of the partnership with Permanent TSB, as an Official Sponsor and Partner of our Women’s National League team for the 2021 season.
The partnership, which began last year, has continued to expand and develop as we enter the 2021 season.
The 2021 partnership will see the Permanent TSB logo feature prominently on the back of the Women’s National League team jerseys, as well as branding in Tolka Park, the home of our Women’s National League team as well as extensive digital and online coverage.
Shelbourne FC CEO David O’Connor said: “Shelbourne FC is thrilled to continue this exciting partnership and is incredibly appreciative of the fantastic support that Permanent TSB provided to our WNL team throughout the 2020 season.
“We are proud to have the support of such a well-known and respected brand who have proven to be so supportive of the women’s game and the continued growth and development of our Women’s team. We look forward to working closely with them throughout the 2021 season.”
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Shelbourne FC is delighted to confirm Sebastien Armon as our first ever eLOI player.
All 20 clubs from the SSE Airtricity Premier Division and First Division will participate in the FIFA 21 tournament, which begins on April 6.
The Republic of Ireland has also joined the EA Sports FIFAe Nations Series 2021, a worldwide e-sports event which run by football’s governing body.
Sebastien plays professionally for Team Singularity and was their first signing. He counts the former world champion Mohammad al-Bacha as a team-mate.
From Mauritius, Seb has won over twenty tournaments and lives locally in Drumcondra.
These tournaments were ESL, EGL and plenty more and also some local tournaments like trustgaming and insomnia festival.
His average rank in WL is 27 (verified since 2nd week) and also a division 1 player since the first day of release.
Seb is ranked 3-5th in Ireland and 1st in Dublin in FUT.
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Steven Kelly
Shelbourne played out a 6 goal cracker with Bray Wanderers in their opening home game of the 2021/2022 league of Ireland first Division season on Friday night, in a dry but cold Tolka Park. Both teams came into the contest on the back of 0-0 draws last time out, with Shelbourne claiming a point away at Galway United, while Bray were held by Treaty United at the Carlisle Grounds. Shels were hoping that their fortunes would change after Glen McAuley was sent off last time out. This was far from a dower affair.
The opening exchanges were cagey with Bray winger Ryan Graydon winning an early free-kick after some neat trickery before Shels midfielder JJ Lunney caused havoc down the left drawing a save from Brian Maher in the 9th minute. Shels shouts for a penalty fell on deaf ears. Shels broke the deadlock on 14 minutes following a free-kick which was saved by Kevin O’ Connor and George Poynton’s effort was deflected past the helpless Brian Maher. The game was fiercely contested with both teams not afraid to shove their weight about.
Shels were guilty of playing out from the back too often and after a lapse in concentration by centre back Maxi Kouogun gave the ball away and following a fine initial save from Clarke, the rebound fell to Bray’s Brandon Kavanagh who made it 1-1. Bray manager replaced Gary Shaw with playmaker Luka Lovic. However, on 27 minutes, Shels lead was restored thanks to a fine finish from playmaker Ryan Brennan, looping the ball over Brian Maher. Shels back in front.
Bray at this stage were rattled and following some promising build-up play, Shels striker Michael O’ Connor nibbed in ahead of Bray Centre-back Andrew Quinn before being taken down. Bray’s number 4 was lucky to stay on the pitch. Just before the break their Goalkeeper Maher collided with Brennan but was fit to continue. Shels went in the happier side at half-time leading 2-1.
The 2nd half started at a frantic pace, with Shels striker Michael O’ Connor getting in behind, but he failed to pick out an onrushing teammate. Meanwhile, Bray midfielder O’ Farrell tested Clarke at the other end. On 51 minutes Bray’s midfielder Graydon got in between the two Shels centre-halves before slotting cooly past the helpless Clarke. Shels nerves were shot and on 57 minutes Brandon Kavanagh had his 2nd goal of the night, striking an absolute cracker from 30 plus yards out into the top right corner.
With just under a 3rd of the game left, Shelbourne manager Ian Morris made a host of changes with Brennan coming off for Alex Cetiner and striker Mahdy coming off for Denzil Fernandes in search of a more attacking threat. The next 10 minutes proved quite frustrating with Sean Quinn missing from close range. On 75 minutes Shels were level again when the referee gave a penalty for a soft enough challenge. Fortune favoured Shels from the spot-kick, as Maher got a decent hand to the ball, but Poynton’s luck was in and the ball ended up in the net. Dayle Rooney replaced JR Wilson with 13 minutes to go. Sub Fernandes was then yellow carded as the game threatened to boil over.
With 5 minutes of added time, both teams could have so easily won this game. Shels had a corner that was dealt with and Bray broke, but the final pass lacked quality. The final score ended 3-3. We move on to Wexford Youths next Friday. Shels will be relieved they didn’t lose that game and Bray will be satisfied with a point away from home. Let’s hope it is another belter.
Teams: Shelbourne FC 1] Brendan Clarke, 26] George Poynton, 3] Kevin O’ Connor, 4] Ally Gilchrist, 15] Maxi Gilchrist, 19] Sean Quinn, 16] JR Wilson, for 18] Dayle Rooney, 6] JJ Lunney, 10] Ryan Brennan, for 21] Alex Cetiner, 9] Michael O’ Connor, 11] Yoyo Mahdy, for 12] Denzil Fernandes. Manager Ian Morris
Bray Wanderers 1] Brian Maher 3] Dylan Barnett, 4] Andrew Quinn, 5] Aaron Barry, 6] Conor Clifford, 7] Ryan Graydon, 8] Mark Byrne, 16] Darren Craven, 10] Gary Shaw, for 17] Luka Lovic, 11] Brandon Kavanagh, 32] Richie O’ Farrell. Manager Glen Cronin
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Shelbourne FC is delighted to announce a renewal of the partnership with Avonmore Protein Milk, an Irish brand synonymous with quality.
The partnership, which began last year, has continued to expand and develop as we enter the 2021 season and will now see Avonmore Protein Milk branding in Tolka Park and also in the clubs training ground complex and club gym, as well as extensive digital coverage. Shelbourne FC is thrilled to continue this exciting partnership.
Avonmore Protein Milk, which is enjoyed by both our men’s and women’s senior teams, is available in a range of delicious flavours and can be found in the dairy fridge of your local supermarket or convenience store nationwide.
Protein supports the growth and maintenance of muscle mass. Enjoy as part of a varied and balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.
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