Shelbourne delivered a statement performance with a 5-1 demolition of Sligo Rovers, a result that lifts them back into fourth place in the Premier Division on 43 points. The win, secured on Friday night, was powered by a second-half goal rush that saw John Martin score twice.
Daniel Kelly opened the scoring after 12 minutes, finishing a move he started. Sligo's Kaiyne Woolery levelled just before half-time, but Shelbourne responded with four goals in a devastating nine-minute spell after the break. Ademipo Odubeko restored the lead five minutes into the second half, and substitute John Martin made it 3-1 just two minutes later. Milan Bernhard Mbeng added a fourth before Martin completed his brace, with Daniel Kelly providing two assists in the flurry.
Team selections and statistics
Shelbourne lined up in a 3-4-3 formation with Jack Henry-Francis and James Norris in midfield. The home side dominated the match statistics, registering 26 shots to Sligo's nine and holding 54 per cent of possession. The victory ends a run of two consecutive league defeats and improves their recent form to two wins, one draw and two losses from their last five outings.
Both sides saw several players booked, with Shelbourne receiving four yellow cards to Sligo's two. The result leaves Shelbourne 22 points behind leaders Shamrock Rovers but firmly in the European qualification picture. Shelbourne lost the last meeting between the sides 2-1 in August.
