Late drama seals Shelbourne’s latest win in European push
In a rollercoaster Irish Premier Division encounter at Tolka Park, Shelbourne edged Sligo Rovers thanks to late strikes from Daniel Kelly and John Martin. The victory extends Shelbourne’s impressive winning streak to four and cements their place in the hunt for European football, a target head coach Joey O’Brien has framed as a “monster” challenge for the Reds.
From the outset, Sligo were proactive and dangerous, with Owen Elding and Cian Kavangah testing Shelbourne’s resolve. The visitors struck first on 20 minutes when Wessel Speel’s cross found Will Fitzgerald, and Kavangah pounced at the far post to volley home, giving Sligo a deserved lead. Shelbourne responded with intent, but Sam Sargeant’s sharp reflexes denied Ali Coote from opening the Reds’ account in quick succession.
Just before the half-hour mark, Shelbourne found parity. Kerr McInroy orchestrated the move, feeding Mipo Odubeko who turned Patrick McClean and struck a precise shot past Sargeant for his eighth league goal of the season. The equaliser sparked Shelbourne’s momentum, and Odubeko nearly added another moments later, only to see his shot sail wide.
Second half pressure and late winner seals the points
Coming out for the second half, Shelbourne introduced Kameron Ledwidge and Evan Caffrey, with Caffrey immediately testing Sargeant in a sign of the hosts’ renewed urgency. The chances continued to mount as Sean Stewart bravely blocked a late Martin shot and Sean Gannon contributed solid defensive work to maintain the momentum.
The decisive moment arrived in the 81st minute after Sligo failed to clear Harry Wood’s corner. The ball fell to Daniel Kelly inside the area, and his low drive deflected off a Sligo defender to beat Sargeant and hand Shelbourne the lead. The home side then sealed the result in added time when John Martin latched onto a Wood pass and fired into the net, boosting Shelbourne’s goal difference and confidence ahead of crucial fixtures.
With this win, Shelbourne sit comfortably in third place, five points clear of Bohemians and Drogheda United. Sligo Rovers, meanwhile, slip to eighth, a result that leaves them just above the relegation playoff line on goal difference ahead of Waterford.
What the result means for Shelbourne’s European dream
O’Brien described the upcoming schedule as a “monster” of a challenge, but Saturday’s performance reinforced Shelbourne’s belief that European qualification is within reach. Their recent big results, including away wins at Shamrock Rovers and Cork City, demonstrate a growing backbone and a knack for clutch moments when it matters most.
Defensively, Shelbourne showed grit and persistence, while the forward line, led by Odubeko, repeatedly troubled Sligo’s backline. Midfielders like Kerr McInroy and Ollie Denham contributed to the tempo, ensuring the hosts controlled large portions of the game despite an opening salvo from Sligo.
Looking ahead, Shelbourne will aim to sustain their pace and maintain momentum in the race for Europe while Sligo will need to recalibrate as they navigate the final third of the campaign. The Tolka Park crowd witnessed a fiercely contested clash that lived up to its billing as a potential turning point in the season.
Match facts
- Shelbourne: Wessel Speel; Sean Gannon, Lewis Temple, Tyreke Wilson (Kameron Ledwidge h-t); Milan Mbeng (Evan Caffrey h-t), JJ Lunney (Harry Wood 58), Kerr McInroy, Daniel Kelly; Ali Coote (Sean Boyd 63), Jack Henry-Francis; Mipo Odubeko (John Martin 73)
- Sligo Rovers: Sam Sargeant; Edwin Agbaje, Ollie Denham, Patrick McClean, Sean Stewart (Kyle McDonagh 80); James McManus (Wilson Waweru 90), Sebastian Quirk; Owen Elding, Jad Hakiki, Will Fitzgerald; Cian Kavanagh (Ronan Manning h-t)
- Referee: Paul Norton (Dublin)
