Posted on 2021-05-072021-05-07

By Steven Kelly

Shelbourne stopped table toppers Athlone Town in their tracks at a bright Tolka Park on Friday last. Both teams were looking to set their claim for an automatic promotion push with a victory. Athlone came into this game on the back of a 2-1 defeat to Cabinteely last time out. Shels came into this game on the back of a 2-2 draw against Treaty, which kept their unbeaten run intact. With such quality on show the game promised much prior to kick- off.

With the passing of former player Alan Keely during the week sending shockwaves through the club, the Reds were determined to honour his memory with an impressive performance. They had numerous chances to make the game safe, which led to a nervy climax, but more importantly all three points.

Shels started brightly and had an early chance with striker Michael O’Connor having an early shot blocked from just outside the box. Yoyo Mahdy was showing well out wide and Shels were pressing high up the pitch in search of an opening. Shels were looking to get the ball wide on every opportunity and on 8 minutes Athlone’s left back Derek Daly was booked for a cynical challenge on reds winger Shane Farrell.

With the game lacking rhythm, right back Michael Barker ventured forward but unfortunately the move broke down. Shels had another shot from Mahdy which was easily dealt with by Athlone keeper Schlingermann.

Athlone’s best route to goal seemed to be by fizzing the ball into feet, to the likes of Byrne and Dylan Hand. The game hit a slump with both teams struggling to break down the respective defences. On 20 minutes Athlone produced the best chance of note, with James Doona producing a moment of quality from range, which just about evaded Brendan Clarke’s top-hand corner.

Shels were let off the hook with successive crosses from Athlone, meaning some last ditch defending from Luke Byrne and Ally Gilchrist, was needed. O’Connor had a header miss the target as both teams struggled to test the either keeper.However, on 33 minutes left back O’Connor was again involved, winning a free-kick from 25 yards out his effort was well saved by keeper Schlingermann, low to his right. Athlone were being pinned into their own half, with Wixted providing an occasional outlet for the visitors, on the counter attack.

The town’s ill- discipline was a serious problem, with Jamie Hollywood being booked after he took out Mahdy on the left, after a lovely bit of combination play. Shels looked the more likely with the defence of Gilchrist and Byrne providing the basis for a controlled first half performance. Gilchrist had a huge chance on half-time, which was cleared off the line, following a corner and both sides went in level at half-time. Shels left frustrated and Athlone relieved to be in contention.

The 2nd half started at a frantic pace, with both sides looking to assert control of proceedings. Both teams weren’t holding back, with a number of 50-50 challenges going unpunished by referee David Dunne. However the next few minutes proved lacklustre for both sides, as they failed to fashion any notable opportunities.

However the deadlock was eventually broken on 55 minutes, when Ryan Brennan found himself free in the box, after an initial pull back from Brennan was blocked and he struck an effort from close range, beyond the despair of Athlone’s Keeper Schlingermann. The reds had their tails up, with Farrell having an effort easily saved. At this point it was a sea of red, as Shels looked to take further control of the game. With just under an hour gone the Midlanders were struggling.

Shels had further efforts fashioned by Brennan and Farrell in quick succession, as they looked to land the killer blow. Much of the improvements from Shels, was down to the playmaking qualities of JJ Lunney in the middle of the park. Lunney was starting to run the show and Athlone were struggling to contain his running off the ball.

Athlone had a moment of danger, when a free-kick was whipped in and luckily for the reds, Clarke nipped to the ball ahead of striker Kurtis Byrne. With 64 minutes on the clock Athlone made a substitution with Stephen Meaney replacing Shane Barnes, while Shels brought on Dayle Rooney for the injured Farrell.

Lunney had a lovely curling effort from 25 yards saved as the game entered the final quarter. This was followed by a header by Mahdy smacking the crossbar, from just inside the box after fine build up play. 

Clarke was unfortunate to get away with one moments later after he fumbled a catch, but luckily nobody in an Athlone shirt was following up. Both sides made further substitutions with Shels bringing on Poynton for Ryan Brennan and Athlone replacing Byrne for Jack Reynolds in search of an equalizer.

After a null period further subs were made with Mahdy being replaced by JR Wilson and the Town bringing on McCann for Hollywood. Shels struggled to put the game to bed with Kevin O’Connor having a great chance to wrap the game up, but his effort came back off the post. 3 minutes were added on and you could feel the tension around Tolka Park.

Try as they might, Athlone couldn’t find that killer pass, leaving Shels unbeaten and sitting pretty in the first Division ahead of their trip to Cobh next Friday night. Athlone manager Adrian Carberry will be disappointed with his sides overall performance, as they lacked a real sparke up front. They will look to get back on track next time out against Treaty.

Athlone Town: 16] Michael Schlingermann, 14] James Doona, 3] Derek Daly, 4]Daniel Mckenna, 6] Killian Cantwell, 7] Adam Wixted, 8] Jamie Hollywood, for 19] Brandon McCann, 10] Kurtis Byrne, for 12] Jack Reynolds, 15] Jonathan Carlin, 21] Dylan Hand,  28] Shane Barnes, off for 11] Stephen Meaney,

Manager: Adrian Carberry,

Shelbourne: 1] Brendan Clarke, 2] Michael Barker, 3] Kevin O’Connor, 23] Luke Byrne, 4] Ally Gilchrist, 14] Brian McManus, 6] JJ Lunney, 10 Ryan Brennan, off for 26] Georgie Poynton, 11] Yoyo Mahdy, off for 16] JR Wilson, 17 Shane Farrell, off for 18] Dayle Rooney,  9] Michael O’Connor, 

Manager: Ian Morris,

Referee: David Dunne

Posted on 2021-05-062021-05-06

Shelbourne Manager Ian Morris sent his and his staff’s condolences to the Keely family in this week’s match preview after the “devastating” loss of Alan Keely this week.

“You can see it from the outpouring of people’s support across the game how much it is felt and how popular he was.

“We’re here for Dermot and the family for whatever they need whenever they need it,” he added. 

Shelbourne faces Athlone Town in a top of the table clash this week where he said “the reward is there for both teams.” 

“Athlone are a dangerous team. Anyone that has that raw pace is a serious threat. They can score goals but also concede so we’ll be looking for the three points ourselves,” Morris said. 

“We’ll be looking to get back to winning ways. It was sloppy and unlike us to concede in that manner at the end but we’ll take the positives from the character the players showed coming out for the second half, creating chances and getting two goals,” he added. 

“Cabinteely sat off against Athlone last week but this will be a different game definitely,” he added. 

Georgie Poynton returns to the Shels squad this week after a knock kept him out for the last couple of weeks.

However, Denzil Fernandes will be out again with a facial injury and Gerardo Bruna remains out long-term. 

Michael O’Connor will be out suspended next week after culminating a number of yellow cards but will be available for this week’s game at Tolka Park.

Posted on 2021-05-012021-05-01

Steven Kelly

Shelbourne maintained their unbeaten league start against Treaty United, on a lovely Friday evening last in Tolka Park. Both sides came into this tie on the back of unbeaten starts to the campaign. Shels got the better of Cabinteely last time, while Treaty overcame a struggling Cork City side in Markets Field. Goals had been no problem for Shels prior to kick off, but their inability to keep it tight at the back left key question marks. This game came alive in the final minutes, with 3 goals scored in the 90 minute onwards.

The opening exchanges were lacklustre, with both teams trying to establish a foothold in the game. Shels full- back Michael Barker won an early free-kick which came to nothing. JJ lunney looked at ease in position in the middle of the park. Equally, Treaty Midfielder Mark Walsh showed well in position for the visitors. In the 10th minute, the first chance fell to Treaty.  After fine build-up play, Mark Walsh took a shot that was deflected onto the post from 25 yards out. A fright for keeper Clarke, who saw the effort rather late. With 15 minutes gone, Shels best attacking threat was coming from wide men Glen McAuley and Shane Farrell. Up front Michael O’Connor was being starved of quality service. Highlights were few and far between. Treaty winger Jack Lynch missed a header from a floated free-kick with 21 minutes played, after good work Walsh. Treaty were adopting a quite direct approach, with Sean McSweeney showing well to make things happen. Shels were being pinned in. McAuley looked to get in behind Treaty, only for the ball to fizzle to Keeper Tadgh Ryan with 26 minutes gone, this was followed with a speculative effort from McAuley moments later. 

With just under a half hour played, Treaty had a great chance, when Mark Walsh took aim from 25 yards out, with his shot being well diverted over by Clarke. Shels game plan seemed to be a counter attacking style. A great piece of inter-play with Lunney and McAuley ended with Treaty’s Walsh taking down McAuley, leading to a booking. Shels passing to feet did improve, with Rooney and McManus in particular looking to slice open the Treaty defence. Treaty did look the more likely and the opening goal arrived on 37th minutes. Some poor ill discipline by defender Maxi Kouogun led to a free kick. The delivery was poorly dealt with by the Reds defence, which left Treaty striker Kieran Hanlon on hand to smash home from close range, passed the stranded Clarke. Shels were looking to respond quickly, with Kevin O’Connor getting a shot in anger, but it lacked conviction. Just before the break Farrell won a free-kick, which was well smothered by the Treaty defence. Half-time left manager Ian Morris with a lot to ponder. Could Shels offer more of a threat in the final third in the 2nd period?

The 2nd half started with Shels looking to get on the front foot. Striker O’Connor was bundled over on the right wing, by Treaty defender Anthony O’Donnell. Treaty’s number 6 was shown yellow by referee Oliver Moran. Shels looked more attacking and manager Ian Morris made a double substitution with JR Wilson coming on for Barker, while Ryan Brennan replaced Rooney with under an hour played. Sub JR wilson made an instant impression and got the Reds on the front foot. Shane Farrell had a fine effort deflected wide and you could tell that Shels were beginning to smell blood. Three corners in succession lead to nothing, with Treaty catching a breath. On 68th minutes Shels had their best chance of the game, with O’Connor getting on the end of a floated ball. The Reds thought keeper Ryan had carried it over the line, after his initial save. The shouts to referee Oliver Moran were to no avail. The most controversial moment for the home side so far. Frustrated, O’Connor was booked moments later. In search of that elusive goal, Shels made another substitution with striker Yoyo Mahdy replacing McAuley, with 75 minutes gone. Treaty made substitutes with Walsh being replaced by Dean George and Hanlon being replaced by McKevitt with 13 minutes left. Shels had chances with both Lunney and sub Mahdy firing wide in quick succession.

Shels had a huge chance to equalise in the 86th minute, with Ryan Brennan having his effort deflected wide from close range. Shels loaded the box in search of a route to goal and Brian Mcmanus found himself free inside the box, but his header missed the target. Treaty’s Clyde O’Connell was booked for a tough challenge. With 90 minutes approaching Ryan Brennan found the equaliser. He diverted his effort from close range and Shels were back level and well deserved for their second half efforts. Treaty made another sub with Ed McCarthy coming on for McNamara. O’Donnell was red carded after a second booking. In the 96th minute substitution Mahdy looked to have won it with a tidy finish. Unfortunately for Shels they couldn’t hold out and with the last kick of the game O’Connell headed home from a corner. 2-2 being the final score. Shels will be relieved to have gotten a point, but disappointed not to have held on. They take on top of the table Athlone next week. That game promises to be a cracker.

Shelbourne: 1] Brendan Clarke, 2] Michael Barker, for 16] JR Wilson, 3] Kevin O’ Connor, 4] Ally Gilchrist, 15] Maxi Kouogun,

14] Brian McManus, 18] Dayle Rooney, for 10] Ryan Brennan, 6] JJ Lunney, 17] Shane Farrell, 9] Michael O’Connor, 7] Glen McAuley; for 11] Yoyo Mahdy

Manager: Ian Morris

Treaty United: 1] Tadgh Ryan, 3] Marc Ludden, 5] Clyde O’Connell, 6] Anthony O’Donnell, 9] Kieran Hanlon, for 26] Matt McKevitt, 10] Sean McSweeney, 12] Matt Keane, 14] Sean Guerins, 15] Ed McCarthy, 25] Mark Walsh, for 24] Dean George, 44] Jack Lynch

Manager: Tommy Barrett

Referee: Oliver Moran