Monaghan fume as Hughes fires Shelbourne seven clear

SHELBOURNE moved seven points clear in the First Division but it took a controversial Philly Hughes penalty to separate them from nearest rivals Monaghan in a tense duel at Gortakeegan.

Ex-Mons hero Hughes sent Shels in front with a 12th-minute spot kick, contentiously awarded after keeper Gabriel Sava was adjudged to have barged David McGill when leaping to collect Hughes’ deflected shot.

Hughes threatened Sava’s goal again in the 21st minute, ending a fine passing move with a curling shot that just went wide.