Shels left with daunting task

Odense 3 Shelbourne 0

Jason Byrne failed to give Shelbourne a lifeline to leave the Irish team facing a daunting task after they were comprehensively beaten by Odense OB in the first leg of their second-round Intertoto Cup clash.

Byrne squandered the chance to claim a vital away goal when he missed a penalty and was booked after his attempt to convert the rebound saw him foul the goalkeeper. His yellow card will rule him out of next week’s return leg.

Joseph Ndo was influential in the middle but the Dublin club failed to take advantage of their chances at Fionia Park.

In contrast the Danish side, managed by former Arsenal and Bolton boss Bruce Rioch, were clinical with Morten Fevang claiming a hat-trick.

Shelbourne, who have won the Irish league title 12 times, have been forced down the Intertoto route after finishing third in the Eircom League Premier Division last season, seven points behind champions Cork.

They qualified for the second round with a 5-0 aggregate win over Lithuanians FK Vetra.

However, they face a stiff challenge if they are to overturn the deficit at Tolka Park next Sunday.