Shelbourne earn clean sweep over Sligo Rovers as winning streak goes on with John Martin sealing comeback
In the process, they earned a clean sweep over Sligo Rovers and boost their chances of qualifying for Europe next year.
Having come from a goal down, when a Mipo Odubeko strike cancelled out Sligo striker Cian Kavanagh’s goal, Shels had the majority of the possession and chances in a one-sided second half.
However, with Sligo keeper Sam Sergent in fine form, Shels were struggling to break down John Russell’s men.
However, an unfortunate own goal from Will Fitzgerald on 81 minutes and then a fine strike from sub John Martin in injury time got Shels over the line, a huge result for them in terms of securing a top-three finish as they now focus on the remaining three games off the back of a long winning streak.
Daniel Kelly strikes to put Shelbourne in front, via a deflection, in their victory over Sligo Rovers
Shels had enjoyed their battles with Sligo this season and were aiming for a clean sweep of four wins in four games.
But there was a lack of urgency about the Reds early on, though, as the game took time to spark into life. Sligo did have some early pressure, with Seán Gannon and Lewis Temple standing firm to block the progress of Owen Elding and Cian Kavanagh.
Shels started to take control, though, and they came close to scoring on 16 minutes, Odubeko playing in Jack Henry-Francis. His shot had accuracy and power, but it was saved by Sam Sergeant.
However, Sligo were ahead on 19 minutes with their first real attempt. Shels boss Joey O’Brien will be disappointed with the manner of the goal, as captain Fitzgerald was able to get a cross in, the attempted save from Wessel Speel was unconvincing and Kavanagh was free to stab home from close range despite the attention of Dan Kelly and Tyreke Wilson.
Shelbourne head coach Joey O’Brien. Photo by Tyler Miller/Sportsfile
Around the 22-minute mark, Sergeant was needed again, a double save from Odubeko, but the striker finally found the net on the half-hour mark. Kerr McInrtoy forced his way forward, picked out Odubeko, who was able to collect the pass, turn his marker and fire home from a good way out.
That led to relief for Shels to be back in the game, but they didn’t do enough after that to take the lead, while Sligo offered no more than a half-attempt from Elding.
O’Brien made two changes at the break, replacing his full-backs, but the rest of his substitutions were focused on attack as Harry Wood, Seán Boyd and Martin were brought on.
Shels had their chances but didn’t bring precision. Odubeko headed into Sergeant’s arm on 57 minutes, Boyd fired wide on 67 minutes, with Henry-Francis denied by a strong save from Sergeant on 71 minutes before Martin saw a shot blocked by Seán Stewart.
It looked as if Rovers could hold on for the point, but disaster struck on 81 minutes. From Wood’s corner, the ball fell to Kelly, and in an attempt to clear it away, Fitzgerald somehow put the ball into his own goal.
Sligo were now done, but Shels needed to make sure. They did that in the first minute of added time. Wood spotted Martin in a good position and he beat his marker to tee up a shot that gave Sergeant no chance. Shels are now on a run of four wins in a row.
Shelbourne: Speel; Mbeng (Caffrey 46), Gannon, Temple, Wilson (Ledwidge 46); McInroy, Lunney (Wood 57); Coote (Boyd 60), Henry-Francis, Kelly; Odubeko (Martin 73).
Sligo Rovers: Sargeant; Agbaje, McClean, Denham, Stewart (McDonagh 80); McManus (Waweru 86), Quirk, Fitzgerald; Elding, Kavanagh (Manning 46), Hakiki.
Referee: P Norton