Shels back in the big time after Harps rout

A PERFORMANCE of determination, skill and pace powered Shelbourne back to the top flight in style to thrill their long-suffering fans at Tolka Park last night.

Close to promotion on several occasions over their five-year sojourn in the First Division following the club’s demotion for financial irregularities after winning the league in 2006, Alan Mathews’ side simply had too much for struggling Harps.

And having achieved their chief goal of promotion, Shelbourne, now two points clear at the top of the table, go into Saturday’s title showdown with Cork City under no pressure and full of confidence. They then have the FAI Cup final to look forward to against Sligo Rovers at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday week.

Shelbourne got off to a dream start by taking the lead on four minutes.

Captain David Cassidy whipped an inviting cross where right-back Ian Ryan flashed the ball across the goal and into the far corner of the net.

With their confidence boosted, Shelbourne tore into Harps with leading scorer Philly Hughes guilty of side-footing into the side netting after incisive play by Cassidy to get to the end-line. Harps’ defender Keith Cowan then put in a brave block on Hughes’ drive after the hardworking Cassidy robbed the ball off Aaron O’Hagan.

A lovely piece of control by Hughes created another opening on 23 minutes, but his shot was over the top as Shelbourne utterly dominated.

And their second goal duly arrived on the stroke of half time.

Brendan McGill fed Ryan on the right and his cross was headed home by a stooping Hughes for his 27th goal of the season.

Harps enjoyed a little pressure early in the second-half with Shelbourne keeper Dean Delaney saving well from Stephen O’Donnell’s header.

But normal service resumed at the other end with Shelbourne sealing the win and promotion on 64 minutes.

Fittingly, it was the brilliant Cassidy who shot home after Stephen Paisley had flicked on a Hughes free kick.

Conan Byrne, just on the pitch, added the fourth goal on 72 minutes, toeing past Ciaran Gallagher off a post before tapping home the rebound.

SHELBOURNE: Delaney; Ryan, Boyle, Paisley (Mathews 67), Byrne; B. McGill, Dawson, Sullivan, Clancy (Byrne 70); Cassidy; Hughes (Mulhall 75).

FINN HARPS: Gallagher; Redmond (Doherty 71), Cowan, O’Hagan (Mailey 46), JP Gallagher; Devaney, O’Mahoney, Curran, Harkin (McHugh 46); O’Donnell; Curtis.

Referee: Rob Rogers (Dublin).