Shelbourne rue missed chances in dour affair

Played in conditions akin to a wind tunnel, it was scarcely surprising that Saturday's visit of serious contenders to determined wannabes failed to produce an attractive contest but Shelbourne's failure to put away the chances they created left Dermot Keely the more disappointed manager. However Keely will be happy that Shelbourne are unbeaten since the start of the season and that his side came from behind on Saturday - Pat Scully was given plenty of time to put away Pat Fenlon's cross from the right. But the Shelbourne boss must have been disappointed with the contribution of his two strikers, particularly Stephen Geoghegan, who might have scored And Richie Baker, reportedly being watched from the stands by a couple of English clubs, pretty much punched a gift horse in the mouth shortly after the break when the teenager dallied so long in front of what had initially been an open goal that Terry Palmer got across to make the block.

Damien Richardson, meanwhile, also conceded that a point would do him on the day that was in it. His side had held their own in terms of possession but up front where the suspended (somebody remembered about it on the morning of the game) Graham Lawlor was missed, they posed little threat on a day when the strength of the breeze severely curtailed their wide players' ability to provide a decent supply of crosses.

In midfield Derek Tracey and Jason Colwell both did well, at least until the arrival at half time of Carl Van Der Velden turned the battle in favour of the visitors, but it was at the back where Terry Palmer was again outstanding that there was probably more to take comfort from.

He paid tribute too to Brian Byrne who had ended a bit of a goalmouth scramble by placing the ball wonderfully between defender and post to give his side the lead in the 41st minute. "He's the sort of player that can produce that little bit of magic," sighed Richardson, "and when he's back to full fitness we'll have something special."

SHAMROCK ROVERS: Horgan; Britton, Jackson, Palmer, Dunne; Byrne, Colwell, Tracey, Woods; Francis, Cousins. Subs: Purdy for Britton (50 mins), Robinson for Byrne (65 mins).

SHELBOURNE: Williams; Heary, Scully, McCarthy, D Geoghegan; R Baker, Doolin, Fenlon, Keddy; S Geoghegan, Haylock. Subs: Van Der Velden for Doolin (half-time), D baker for Haylock (75 mins).

Referee: D O'Hanlon (Waterford).