Shels find calm in chaotic Linfield rematch to take two-goal lead to Belfast  

Still, such was the madcap nature of this contest – an early red, three penalties and four goals – that the Northern Ireland champions will feel they’re still in the mix.

EVAN ALMIGHTY: Evan Caffrey of Shelbourne celebrates after scoring his side's third goal during the UEFA Conference League Play-off Round first leg match between Shelbourne and Linfield at Tolka Park in Dublin. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

UEFA EUROPA CONFERENCE LEAGUE: SHELBOURNE…3 (Harry Wood 45 (pen), Mipo Odubeko 46, Evan Caffrey 78) LINFIELD…1 (Kieran Offord 53) 

Familiarity can breed contempt but this derby exuded excitement with Shelbourne in pole position to reach the Conference League next phase and swell earnings to €3.8m.