Shelbourne secured a key 2-1 away win over St Patrick's Athletic on Friday night, coming from behind with late goals to strengthen their top-four position. The victory at Richmond Park was sealed by Daniel Kelly's 84th-minute strike, completing a turnaround after Sean Moore had earlier cancelled out Jamie Lennon's opener.
Russell's side moved up to fourth in the Premier Division standings with 46 points from 34 games, extending their current winning run to two matches. They now sit 19 points behind leaders Shamrock Rovers but have built momentum ahead of a Dublin derby at second-placed Bohemians in their next fixture next Friday.
How the game turned
St Patrick's Athletic dominated the first half, seeing Aidan Keena miss a penalty in the 15th minute before Jamie Lennon finally broke through just before half-time. Lennon scored in the 43rd minute, assisted by Barry Baggley, to give the hosts a deserved lead at the break.
Shelbourne responded quickly after the restart. Sean Moore found the net in the 49th minute, set up by Daniel Kelly, to level the score. The game then turned into a battle of attrition, with St Pat's enjoying 62% possession and creating 24 shots to Shelbourne's 10. Goalkeeper Eddie Beach made four saves to keep his team in it.
The decisive moment arrived with six minutes of normal time remaining. Daniel Kelly, who had provided the earlier assist, scored the winner to complete his influential performance. The goal came against the run of play but showed Shelbourne's clinical edge.
Discipline and changes
Both managers made multiple substitutions in the second half to influence the game. Shelbourne's changes included introducing John Martin and Sam Bone to shore up the midfield. The match ended on a sour note for the visitors as substitute Alistair Coote was sent off in stoppage time for a serious foul. Eddie Beach also received a late yellow card for time-wasting.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Shelbourne held on through seven minutes of added time to claim all three points.
Shelbourne now prepare for a significant test away to Bohemians at Dalymount Park. Their last meeting with their rivals ended in a 3-0 defeat in June, adding extra incentive for this fixture. The squad will be without the suspended Alistair Coote.
