Waterford United 0 - 1 Shelbourne
Credit:
After Dundalk's emphatic seven nil win over Athlone on Thursday night, Shelbourne knew that it was no longer a matter of goal difference and that only two simple wins in their final two games would suffice in order to see them seize the First Division title and the only promotion slot back to the Premier. They're halfway there now after completing an edgy one nil win over away to Waterford last night.
The league leaders went into the game sporting a lengthy injury and illness list but the Shels medical staff must have worked miracles on the journey down the N9, with Dermot Keely able to name an unchanged team, with only James Chambers coming in for the suspended Mark O'Brien. As predicted however for the Blues, they had to line out without injured trio Breen, Foley and Hayes.
A gale force wind was blowing through the wide-open RSC ground which didn't augur well for a good ball game and both sides took time to adjust, but the home side playing into the teeth of the gale had the better start with David Grincell causing problems for the Reds defence. He might have done better on 14 minutes when Dean Delaney failed to hold onto his initial shot, but Robbie Hedderman managed to shield the ball until the Reds keeper regained his feet and picked up.
The Waterford back four were holding a high line and with the visitors pumping in some long balls the linesman was busy with his offside flag. The Reds put the ball in the net on 22 minutes when Alan Keely found Anto Flood, but the lino flagged to disallow it. A couple of minutes later Chambers had a long range effort just tipped over the bar by Blues keeper Holden.
Shels worked hard, got the ball down and passed it and began to apply some pressure. After a free kick and two successive corners, captain Daisy Brennan was brought down in a packed area in front of referee Rob Rogers who had no hesitation in awarding a penalty kick. Bisto Flood stood well back and Dave McAllister stepped up to hit it low and left into the net, to put the Reds in front.
The visitors continued to create chances into the second half but Waterford were still very much in the game, giving no quarter and picking up a clatter of yellow cards in the process. The five hundred plus, Shels supporters were in good voice throughout and the denizens of Dalymount and local man John Delaney got repeated worthy mention.
Substitute James Keddy had a couple of golden chances to get an insurance goal, but the Reds had to survive a nervy end to the game even after the Blues were reduced to ten men when Kenny Browne received his second, and his side's seventh, yellow card.
Shelbourne now entertain Limerick at home next Saturday in their final game and another simple single goal win will be enough to see them crowned champions regardless of what Dundalk do away to Kildare County.
Waterford United: Packie Holden; Stephen Quigley (Gary Dunphy 58), Luke Fitzpatrick, Kenny Browne, Robbie Clarke; Dave Warren, Kieran Fitzgerald, Paul McCarthy (Karl Bermingham 81), Kevin Waters; Vinny Sullivan (Willie John Kiely 78), David Grincell.
Subs not used: Ben Spicer, Joe Mulcahy.
Shelbourne: Dean Delany; Alan Murphy, Alan Keely, Damien Brennan, Robbie Hedderman; Mark Rutherford (James Chambers 46), David McAllister, David McGill, James Keddy; Anto Flood, David Freeman.
Subs not used: Vinny Whelan, Alan Byrne, Dean Lawrence, Andrei Georgescu.
Referee: Rob Rogers.
