Shelbourne's four-match unbeaten run in the Premier Division ended on Friday night with a 3-2 home defeat to Waterford. Tom Lonergan scored the decisive goal two minutes from time to hand the hosts a costly loss at Tolka Park, a result that leaves the team fourth in the Premier Division on 49 points from 35 games, with a record of twelve wins, thirteen draws and ten defeats.
Kerr McInroy had given Shelbourne an early lead, finishing from James Norris's pass in the ninth minute. Waterford's Evan McLaughlin equalised before half-time, and Padraig Amond put the visitors ahead seven minutes after the restart. Jonathan Lunney levelled the score for Shelbourne in the 69th minute, but Lonergan had the final say, converting a cross from Bernardo Piexoto Couto.
Match stats
Shelbourne dominated possession with 75% of the ball but were punished for a lack of cutting edge. The visitors were more clinical, scoring three times from six shots on target. The full match statistics are below.
| Statistic | Shelbourne | Waterford |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 75% | 25% |
| Shots (on target) | 16 (7) | 17 (6) |
| Corners | 7 | 2 |
| Fouls | 10 | 11 |
| Yellow cards | 1 | 3 |
Season impact
The result leaves Shelbourne fourth in the Premier Division with 49 points from 35 games. Their recent form of three wins, a draw and this defeat keeps them 19 points behind leaders Shamrock Rovers. They have scored 50 goals this season while conceding 47, giving them a +3 goal difference.
Odubeko scored the winner in their previous 1-0 victory over Bohemians on Friday 23 October. Kameron Ledwidge received Shelbourne's only booking in the 59th minute. The club's top scorer this season is H. Wood with nine goals in 36 appearances.
