Overview
Shelbourne extended their push for European football with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Sligo Rovers at Tolka Park. Late strikes from Daniel Kelly and John Martin sealed a win that maintained Shelbourne’s impressive run, marking their fourth win in a row and strengthening their grip on third place in the table.
Early tempo and a stubborn Sligo response
The match began with Sligo showing intent, pressing high and creating opportunities. Owen Elding and Cian Kavangah had efforts blocked early on as Sligo set an aggressive tone. Shelbourne finally carved out a meaningful opening in the 14th minute, but Ollie Denham’s tenacious challenge stopped Ali Coote from converting. Sam Sergeant then denied Jack Henry-Francis in a sensational save, underscoring the hosts’ resolve.
Moments later, Sligo struck first blood. Jad Hakiki’s wide pass found Will Fitzgerald, who delivered a precise cross that Wessel Speel could only parry. Wessel’s deflection landed at Cian Kavangah’s feet at the far post, and Kavangah fired high into the net for his fifth goal of the season, giving Sligo a deserved lead on 20 minutes.
Shelbourne’s response and the leveler
Within minutes of the setback, Shelbourne drew level. Kerr McInroy fed the ball to Mipo Odubeko, who turned Patrick McClean and fired a low 25-yard shot past Sam Sergeant, equalizing on 30 minutes and registering Odubeko’s eighth league goal of the campaign. The hosts grew in confidence as the half progressed, applying pressure and posing questions to Sligo’s defense.
Sligo had their moments, but Shelbourne’s intensity persisted. Odubeko’s later attempt threatened again, while Sam Sergeant produced further moments of quality, ensuring a tightly contested period before the halftime whistle.
Second half shifts and crucial substitutions
The restart saw Shelbourne introduce Kameron Ledwidge and Evan Caffrey, with Caffrey immediately testing Sergeant following a quick transition. Despite Shelbourne’s pressure, goal chances remained at a premium until the closing phase, when substitutions added fresh impetus to the attack.
Midfield and forward play continued to oscillate between end-to-end action. On 66 minutes, Kelly missed a gilt-edged opportunity, failing to connect with Caffrey’s nod-down from Henry-Francis’s cross. Kelly then produced a dazzling run, beating three defenders only to curl a shot wide as Shelbourne sought the decisive moment.
Late drama seals Shelbourne’s win
With time running out, Shelbourne finally breached Sligo’s resolve. Harry Wood’s corner wasn’t fully cleared, and Kelly pounced, driving a low shot that deflected off Fitzgerald and into the net for a 81th-minute winner. John Martin then sealed the victory in stoppage time, collecting Wood’s through-ball and beating Sergeant to secure his ninth goal of the year.
Implications for the table and the rest of the season
Juggling a hectic fixture schedule, Shelbourne’s win consolidates third place, placing five points between them and Bohemians and Drogheda United. For Sligo Rovers, the loss drops them to eighth, just behind Waterford in the relegation playoff zone on goal difference. The result adds a compelling layer to Shelbourne’s European ambitions, which manager Joey O’Brien described ahead of the match as a “monster” game and a chance to close in on qualification. Shelbourne had already flexed their title credentials with big away wins against Shamrock Rovers and Cork City, and this victory keeps their European dream well within reach as the season progresses.
Key moments and personnel
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 Kavangah (Ronan Manning h-t).
Referee: Paul Norton (Dublin).
What’s next?
Shelbourne will aim to maintain momentum as they chase European football. The next fixtures will be pivotal in determining if they can sustain their winning run and keep pace at the top end of the table, where every point could prove crucial come the season’s climax.
