John Martin of Shelbourne with the match ball after scoring a hat-trick in his side’s victory over Sligo Rovers at Tolka Park in Dublin. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
The atmosphere at Tolka Park before this clash between mid-table Shels and bottom side Sligo Rovers was one of expectation and energy. That expectation was matched by an absolute cracker in Dublin 3.
It was the away side who harnessed the early energy with a fine Garett McElroy header from a Will Fitzgerald corner after just 2 minutes. Rovers continued their impressive start afterwards, with the likes of Jad Hakiki and Stephen Mallon forming nice passing triangles.
Shels produced their first real bit of danger with a powerful Ellis Chapman shot that was deflected wide from outside the box six minutes in, and continued this momentum through a positive run from left wing back Evan Caffrey which ended with a curled shot not far off target.
The away side produced the second real big chance of the game though, with Owen Elding forcing a fine save from Shels keeper Lorcan Healy with ten on the clock.
Caffrey then went close again, heading over after fellow wingback John O’Sullivan dug out a cross.
After a period of Shels dominance, a swift counter ended with Jad Hakiki almost curling a beautiful effort into the far corner, only for Healy to make a good save. Rovers performance in the first quarter was very impressive, and the animated Damien Duff became ever more frustrated, barking out instructions at every opportunity.
Shels players took on board his instructions however, and John O’Sullivan produced tan ambitious volley after twenty minutes which didn’t go far wide. A flashpoint emerged on 28 minutes when a Harry Wood shot from the edge of the box was blocked by the courageous John Mahon, prompting cries of handball from the Shels faithful.
Shels really came to pen Sligo in as the half wore on, with the uber technical Wood creating danger, in tandem with the very advanced Caffrey. Their perseverance paid off, however, when the effervescent wing-back whipped in a cross and John Martin produced a classic strikers finish after sharp movement.
They kept gunning for another goal, with O’Sullivan and Mark Coyle producing dangerous affeorts, and finally went ahead inside the final 5 minutes of the half, with the same combination from the first goal producing the goods.
In the remaining minutes of the half , the away side threatened to completely crumble, with Martin having a chance for a hat-trick, but they managed to hold on till the break.
The first piece of action in the second half came five minutes in when substitute Ronan Manning combined with fellow creative Hakiki to force Coyle and Tyreik Wright into a double block. Kerr McEnroy forced Sam Sargeant into a good save after a driven effort from outside ethe box after 56 minutes.
With about roughly 58 minutes gone, Martin scrambled home a hat trick goal after more good play down the left.
Only 90 second later, Elding reduces the deficit with an incredible strike, arrowed into the top corner from at least 25 yards out.
Incredible entertainment, stylish Harry Wood has fans chanting his name after elegant play and a good effort only seconds after the Elding goal.
There was a drop off in entertainment levels after the 60th minute. Manning had a positive impact on Sligo, looking really bright in an advanced number eight role. McInroy for Shels was also strong in midfield.
Sligo upped the ante when they made some very attack minded subs on the 70th minute mark, but lacked any real punch. Manning and Hakiki probed but the Rovers side lacked real quality in the final third, after the Elding goal.
In the 79th minute, Chapman forced an incredible save from Sargeant. Not long afterwards, Tyreik Wright also came close after Sligo dealt poorly with a corner.
With five minutes of regulation time left, Shels sub Dan Kelly made an instant impact when he set up Mipo Odubeko for a shot that his fellow sub blazed over.
The nerves were palpable in Drumcondra when the fourth official confirmed five minutes of additional time. McInroy almost calmed those nerves with a majestic free kick that hit the upright straight afterwards.
Despite the nerves, Shels managed to see it out for a deserved win, and Duff could finally breathe.
Positives for Sligo include a remarkable defensive performance from John Mahon, who blocked everything. Elding, Hakiki and Manning are lovely footballers, and shouldn’t be rooted to the bottom of the table
For Shels, there are more positives than just the three points. The wing-back system worked very well in attack at times, refuting the idea that Shels can’t play good football. O’Sullivan and Caffrey made a huge impact, spurred on by the tireless Duff, of course.