
Football
Share
Published 14:02 9 Apr 2022 BST
Updated 14:03 9 Apr 2022 BST
Explore more on these topics:
Shelbourne supporters before their side's SSE Airtricity League Premier Division match against Shamrock Rovers, at Tolka Park. (Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile)[/caption]
You could feel the enthusiasm surrounding the club minutes before kick-off. Indeed, this season feels like a huge moment for Shelbourne. Perhaps this comes from Damien Duff, the energy of young players Shane Farrell, Aodh Dervin and Kameron Ledwidge, the unique colour of North-side fandom, their return as a top flight club or the proposed stadium expansion.All these intangibles cannot be directly traced to their performances on the pitch. However, they are symbolic of a precious culture shared by players, fans, staff and even members of Save Tolka Park committee. Dig your heels in, don’t take no for an answer and look after your colleagues. [caption id="attachment_256134" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
A Shamrock Rovers supporter pictured at Tolka Park. (Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile)[/caption]
By half-time, Shelbourne were lucky to still be in the game. Without doubt. Rovers had several big chances within the first half to put the game to bed. This also presented Shels with an opportunity. Project Stay in the Game - one chance is all it takes to nick an equaliser.The second half began as the instructions from Duff could be seen in the players' actions. Shelbourne were that split second more agile, willing to get higher up the pitch, with and without the ball. The booming voice of home support could be heard, ushering the team on in an important period of the game. Rovers looked a little delicate, as if the atmosphere is playing its part. Sure enough the home side got their reward. Shane Farrell converted a delightful cross from Kameron Ledwidge following a lightning quick counter-attack. The equaliser incited pandemonium from the home support. Red flares filled the air as the fans chanted, “Shane Farrell, he’s one of our own” Shelbourne tails were up and the home crowd was in good voice. Substitute Sean Boyd made an instant impact but suffered an awkward tumble that caused him some problems. He stayed on the ground holding his shoulder, with the ball still in play. “SEAN! Do you want me to pop it back in?!” Shouted Duff, somewhat jokingly. He was keenly aware of the importance of Boyd in snatching all three points. Farrell received a standing ovation when he was called off, late in the game. But, as all fans know, football can be cruel. The match turned into a game of pinball in the jittery closing minutes. The play was compressed and all it took was one slack pass from youngster Aodh Dervin to allow a dangerous counter. Aaron Greene fired in a beautiful strike from just outside the 18-yard box, in front of the now hysterical away end. https://twitter.com/ShamrockRovers/status/1512532068365918208 [caption id="attachment_256135" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
A Shamrock Rovers supporter celebrates on the pitch, at Tolka Park. (Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile)[/caption]
Liverpool ‘make decision’ on sacking Arne Slot
Slot has overseen a significant decline in form this season Liverpool have already decided whether they will part company with manager Arne Slot this summer, according to Sky Sports News. Despite leading the Redmen to only their second ever Premier League title last season, Slot has lost a lot of good feeling with the club’s […]
Football
1 day ago
Troy Parrott open to leaving Dutch top flight for Championship
Would this be a smart move…. The interest in Troy Parrott and his market value have risen exponentially over the past year, following his goal-scoring exploits for both club and country. The Dubliner has 30 club goals this season for AZ Alkmaar, and he scored and assisted in their KNVB Cup final win over NEC […]
Football
1 day ago
Champions League quarter final second legs: Follow all the action live
Football