Shelbourne manager Ian Morris was in upbeat mood on Friday night despite dropping two points against Bray Wanderers at Tolka Park. The home side went into the game with a chance to clinch the league title if they picked up a win and other results w
Shelbourne manager Ian Morris was in upbeat mood on Friday night despite dropping two points against Bray Wanderers at Tolka Park.
The home side went into the game with a chance to clinch the league title if they picked up a win and other results went their way. However, a disappointing performance from Shels resulted in a 0-0 scoreline, and saw their lead at the top cut to three points with a trip to second-placed Drogheda United next on the horizon.
“I think the performance frustrated me tonight,” Morris said after the game.
“As a whole, over the game, I think a draw was a fair result. The performance wasn’t up to the level we have been, didn’t move the ball well, gave away sloppy possession. We did create chances but didn’t put them away at that end. I can’t remember too many clear-cut chances that Bray had; they had a couple of free kicks and shots from distance but the chance at the end should have wrapped up the points and we go home happy.”
The Drumcondra side are looking to make a return to the country’s Premier Division for the first time in six years and Morris agreed nerves may have played a part in the performance.
“I think the occasion might have played a part with 1,700 in Tolka and a big atmosphere. Everybody knows what stage of the season we are at now, it’s no big secret, and possibly could have played a part.”
Shelbourne’s lead may have been cut but Morris is looking at it as another point gained towards their end goal.
“Look, it’s another point on the board and we are three points clear at the top. We have to go to Drogheda in a couple of weeks so we’ll get back to what we have been doing. Work hard from tomorrow, we have an extra week to prepare and go all guns blazing down to Drogheda.”
