Shelbourne happy with home draw

Shelbourne 0 Steaua Bucharest 0

Shelbourne held Romanian champions to a scoreless draw in their Champions League second-round first-leg tie at Tolka Park.

After a cagey first half during which Shelbourne had the better chances, Steaua dominated the second half but failed to make the breakthrough with the Irish side producing a brilliant defensive performance.

The fact that Shelbourne goalkeeper Dean Delaney was rarely tested highlighted the great defensive display by the Dubliners and ensures that the tie has been kept alive ahead of next Wednesday’s clash in Bucharest.

The visitors had the first chance of the game in the seventh minute when Sorin Ghionea’s long ball picked out Banel Nicolita, who controlled the ball on his chest before crashing a left foot volley straight at Delaney.

From then on, however, Shelbourne created the better chances of the first half with Glen Crowe volleying wide, Alan Moore shooting wide from long range and Jason Byrne having a long-range shot blocked down.

Byrne had the best opportunity in the 35th minute when Owen Heary’s low cross picked him out but he hit a complete air shot and, in the second half, Shelbourne rarely broke into Romanian territory.

In the 48th minute, full back George Ogararu raced to the byline before crossing for Victoras Iacob.

Iacob’s flick did not have the power to beat Delaney, although Shelbourne were relieved that none of the other visitors had gambled on racing into the area.

Seconds later, playmaker Nicolae Dica was just inches away from nicking in ahead of Delaney to get on the end of a Rogers headed backpass as Steaua looked to turn the screw and get a crucial away goal.

But despite almost all the possession, Steaua rarely troubled Delaney’s goal after that with Shelbourne’s defence holding firm.