Shelbourne ended a run of five straight defeats with a 2-1 win over controversy-stricken Athlone Town at Tolka Park. The home side dominated the first half but struggled to find a way past Athlone goalkeeper Igor Labuts. They eventually took the lea
Shelbourne ended a run of five straight defeats with a 2-1 win over controversy-stricken Athlone Town at Tolka Park.
The home side dominated the first half but struggled to find a way past Athlone goalkeeper Igor Labuts. They eventually took the lead 13 minutes into the second half thanks to a header from top scorer Derek Prendergast. They doubled their lead eight minutes later when Aaron Ashe slotted past Labuts, before Jason Lyons pulled one back 11 minutes from time to set up a tense finale.
“I’m delighted because we’ve played better over the last couple of weeks and haven’t come away with anything,” Shels manager Owen Heary said after the game. “Tonight, first half, I thought we played very well again and created a lot of chances but didn’t score. The lads didn’t drop their heads, which could have happened because we dominated games over the last couple of weeks.
“Probably a bit scrappy during the second half but managed to get two goals – figure that one out. We play well and don’t score, and then don’t play so well and we get two.”
Shelbourne have struggled to score goals this season, indicative by the fact that a centre-back is the club’s top scorer. Striker James English served the second game of his three-game suspension against Athlone Town, which hasn’t helped matters.
“That’s James’ fault. He gets sent off and says something to the referee on the way off so gets three games for it. We don’t have many options with Lyons also out injured but I was delighted that Ashe got on the score-sheet today because we created a lot of chances. Once we keep creating those chances, keep getting on the ball and keep trying to play, it gives us a bit of a chance,” said Heary.
