League Report: Dundalk FC 0 – 1 Shelbourne FC
Shelbourne FC secured a gritty 1-0 victory over Dundalk FC at Oriel Park, with Aiden O’Brien’s early goal proving decisive in a match that could be pivotal in the 2024 Premier Division title race.
O’Brien, who has struggled for goals this season, delivered for the Tolka Reds just four minutes into the contest. His initial effort came after Ali Coote’s shot was blocked by Felix Goddard, but the former Republic of Ireland international showed his poacher’s instinct by tucking the rebound into the net, giving Shelbourne the early lead they would hold onto for the remainder of the match.
The visitors, who have their sights firmly set on their first league title in nearly 20 years, were able to extend their lead at the top of the table to three points, taking advantage of Derry City’s defeat to Galway United. With Derry having played an extra game, tonight’s win puts Shelbourne in the driving seat as the season enters its final stretch.
Despite falling behind early, Dundalk responded positively. The Lilywhites controlled much of the possession for the remainder of the first half, yet they struggled to carve out clear-cut opportunities against a well-organized Shelbourne defense. The closest they came to scoring was in the second half when Robbie Mahon forced a smart save from Conor Kearns, and Ryan O’Kane, a late substitute, saw his low drive agonizingly hit the inside of the post.
Shelbourne, while defensively solid, were not content to sit back and aimed to double their advantage. Aiden O’Brien nearly added a second goal with a well-directed header, but Dundalk’s Hayden Cann was well-placed to block the effort.
As the game entered the final stages, Dundalk pushed forward in search of an equalizer, but Shelbourne remained composed, successfully navigating six minutes of injury time without any major scares. A crucial intervention from Kameron Ledwidge, who cut out a rare Dundalk counterattack, epitomized Shelbourne’s determination and resilience on the night.
Dundalk, meanwhile, are now perilously close to the relegation zone, just above Drogheda United at the foot of the table. With time running out to save their season, they face a must-win match against St Patrick’s Athletic on Thursday night.
Shelbourne will look to maintain their momentum when they face Bohemians in their next outing as they march ever closer to what would be a historic league triumph.
Dundalk FC: Felix Goddard; Andrew Boyle, Hayden Cann, Sean Keogh (Robert Benson 59), Daniel Pike; Aodh Dervin, Eoin Kenny (Scott McGill 69), John Mountney; Jamie Gullan, Daryl Horgan, Robert Mahon (Ryan O’Kane 69).
Subs not used: Ross Munro, Mayowa Animasahun, Luke Mulligan, Koen Oostenbrink, Josh O’Connor, Norman Garbett.
Booked: Eoin Kenny (49), Aodh Dervin (53), Robert Benson (62).
Sent off: None.
Shelbourne FC: Conor Kearns; Patrick Barrett, Sean Gannon, Shane Griffin, Tyreke Wilson (Kameron Ledwidge 77); Alistair Coote, Mark Coyle (Evan Caffrey 60), Jonathan Lunney (John O’Sullivan 83), Harry Wood (Matthew Smith 60); Aiden O’Brien, Rayhaan Tulloch (Liam Burt 77).
Subs not used: Lorcan Healy, Sam Bone, Cian Doyle, John Martin.
Booked: Mark Coyle (44), Alistair Coote (48), Sean Gannon (51), Tyreke Wilson (64), Liam Burt (90).
Sent off: None.
Referee: Eoghan O’Shea
Attendance: 2,234