Report: Shelbourne 2-3 Dundalk

Photo: Gerry Scully

Dundalk produced a superb battling display to claim all three points in a dramatic 3-2 SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division win over Shelbourne at Tolka Park on Friday night.

The Lilywhites were excellent in the first half and deservedly went in 2-0 ahead at the break thanks to goals from Gbemi Arubi and Bobby Burns. Shelbourne responded strongly after the interval and hit back through Zeno Ibsen-Rossi and John Martin to level the game, but Dundalk had the final say when Ibsen-Rossi turned Eoin Kenny’s dangerous late cross into his own net with four minutes remaining.

Ciaran Kilduff’s side started on the front foot and their aggressive pressing quickly unsettled the hosts. After Enda Minogue had made an early brave save to deny Harry Wood, Dundalk took control and were rewarded in the 11th minute.

Photo: Gerry Scully

A short corner routine between Daryl Horgan and Bobby Burns created the opening, with Burns delivering a cross that was flicked on by Conor O’Keeffe for Arubi to glance home from close range.

The Lilywhites continued to press with intensity and doubled their lead on 22 minutes. Dundalk won possession in midfield and moved the ball forward quickly. Arubi’s effort looped awkwardly into the air and Burns reacted quickest, drilling a fine finish beyond Wessel Speel to make it 2-0.

Dundalk remained the better side for much of the first half, with Burns and Declan McDaid both going close as the visitors repeatedly forced Shelbourne back.

The home side made three changes at the break and improved after the restart. Daniel Kelly fired over a great chance before Shelbourne pulled one back on the hour mark, Ibsen-Rossi finishing from close range after a strong move involving Harry Wood and Seán Gannon.

Dundalk almost restored their two-goal cushion immediately, but Arubi was unable to convert when through on goal. That miss proved costly as Shelbourne levelled on 67 minutes, Kelly providing the cross for John Martin to finish at the far post.

The game opened up dramatically in the closing stages, with both sides pushing hard for a winner. Shelbourne threatened through Will Jarvis, but a vital last-ditch intervention from JR Wilson kept Dundalk level.

Photo: Gerry Scully

The decisive moment came in the 86th minute. Eoin Kenny, introduced from the bench, created danger down the left and fired a low ball across the face of goal, with Ibsen-Rossi diverting it into his own net.

It sealed a huge win for Dundalk, who showed real quality, resilience and character to come through a thrilling contest in Drumcondra.

Shelbourne: Wessel Speel; Evan Caffrey (Seán Gannon 45), Zeno Ibsen-Rossi, Sam Bone (James Norris 45), Kameron Ledwidge; Daniel Kelly (Rodrigo Freitas 72), Jack Henry-Francis, Kerr McInroy, Maill Lundgren (Will Jarvis 45); Harry Wood, John Martin (Seán Boyd 82).

Dundalk: Enda Minogue; JR Wilson, Conor O’Keeffe, Mayowa Animasahun, Tyreke Wilson; Declan McDaid (Eoin Kenny 65), Keith Buckley, Bobby Burns (Harvey Warren 88), Harry Groome (Shane Tracey 78), Daryl Horgan; Gbemi Arubi.

Referee: Lucas Keating