Shelbourne show students some real class

UCD 1, Shelbourne 3

Inspired by the midfield power of Stuart Byrne, the Tolka Park outfit at last showed the sort of form that qualified them for the Champions League last season. Pat Fenlon’s team dominated from start to finish with the students always forced to play second fiddle. It could be a difficult season for this young UCD side.

With both teams looking for their first league victory of the season, it was College who looked the more dangerous side early on when Robbie Martin had a header just wide of target after a cross from Robert Doyle on the right.

But, gradually, Shelbourne eased their way back into the game and following a foul by John Martin on Stuart Bryne, a looping header by Richie Baker was just over the top following a free by Ollie Cahill.

Stephen Geoghegan should really have had Shelbourne ahead on 45 minutes, when the students defence was carved open by Ollie Cahill. But Geoghegan’s weak finish from ten yards was taken by Barry Ryan.

But all that pressure was eventually made to pay dividends when a Baker cross from the right was only half cleared by Purdy and Byrne seized the opportunity to shoot home from the edge of the box in the second minute of added time in the first half.

Byrne went close to grabbing a second goal on 56 minutes but his after Heary had made a marvellous 50 yard burst out of defence to set up the chance for the midfielder. But this time Byrne’s shot was just over the top. However, a minute later, Shelbourne stretched their lead when Geoghegan’s cross from the left was only half pushed out by keeper, Ryan. Central defender, Tony McCarthy reacted quickest shooting into the roof of the net from close range.

Geoghegan, who was inches wide of the target after more good work by Houlihan, effectively ended the match as a contest on 68 minutes. Cahill started the move with a perfect cross field ball to Houlihan on the right. Then a deft flick to Baker enabled the winger to set up the chance for Geoghegan, with his back to goal, to hook the ball home for a classic goal.

UCD did manage a late consolation goal when central defender Tony O’Donell had a looping header past keeper, Chris Bennion into the net following a Mick O’Donnell cross from the right. But by then it was all too little, too late for an outclassed UCD.

UCD: B. Ryan; Mahon; McDonnell, Purdy, D. Ryan; J. Martin, Doolin, McNally, O’Donnell; R. Martin, Doyle.

SHELBOURNE: Bennion; Heary, Prenderville, McCarthy, Crawley; R. Baker, S. Byrne, Crawford, Cahill; Houlihan, Geoghegan, subs. Roberts for Geoghegan 84 mins, Gannon for Houlihan 85 mins.

Referee: D. Hanney (Dublin).