FT: Shelbourne 2-1 St Patrick's Athletic
Shelbourne halted their five-game winless streak after a late goal from Kerr McInroy sealed all three points at Tolka Park this evening.
After a busy few weeks for both sides, and with both teams coming off the back of a 1-0 loss, changes seemed inevitable. Damien Duff opted for three, with Tyreke Wilson, John Martin, and Sam Bone making their way into the starting squad. For St Pats, four changes were made, as Sean Hoare, Chris Forrester, Aidan Keena, and Axel Sjoberg came in.
After a 0-0 draw earlier this season — which didn’t quite live up to expectations after the Saints’ thrilling 3-2 win at Tolka Park last season — there was some wonder around the ground as to who could finally break the deadlock between these two sides in 2025.
While more experienced heads in Mark Coyle and Aidan Keena came close, it was Mason Melia who brought a youthful flourish to the game to open the scoring. After some sloppy play in the middle of the park, Pats found themselves on the break. Peeling away from his man, he was slipped through by Leavy before curling it past Kearns in the Shelbourne net.
Mason Melia doing Mason Melia things!đŸŒŸ
— League of Ireland (@LeagueofIreland) May 9, 2025
St Pats take the lead in the Dublin Derby. pic.twitter.com/scSMCH6rQV
The Reds briefly upped a gear after conceding and started to knock on the door of the Saints’ defence. But the visitors held firm, with the moment of note for Shelbourne being a handball claim which was rejected by referee Kevin O’Sullivan.
As the break beckoned, there was a sense of frustration brewing amongst the Shels players after a number of errors invited pressure, and also made life difficult when attempting to reach the final third. As the players arrived for the second half, Damien Duff had hauled three players off in Sam Bone, Tyreke Wilson, and John Martin. The trio were replaced by Sean Gannon, James Norris, and Ellis Chapman.
The changes looked to bring some energy into the Reds' play, with Gannon sparking a move that would pull his side level after just three minutes. Evan Caffrey proceeded to fizz a low ball across the face of goal, with Wood the first to get a touch on the ball and poke it past Anang.
We are level in Tolka!
— League of Ireland (@LeagueofIreland) May 9, 2025
Harry Wood with the goal. pic.twitter.com/pXIp3NZNa7
From the equaliser, Shelbourne once again raised their game, but this time seemed to be far more controlled. McInroy came close, striking his effort narrowly wide while at the far end of the pitch, Melia once again showed his class as he struck the post.
Pats seemed to weather the Shelbourne storm, but nearly found themselves trailing two times in quick succession. Sjoberg's loose pass was picked up by Odubeko, and despite having Chapman as an option, he attempted to chip Anang from distance. From there, the Shels frontman pressed the keeper, very nearly catching him.
In need of some fresh legs, Stephen Kenny opted for a double change as Simon Power and Jake Mulraney replaced Zak Elbouzedi and Simon Power. For Shels, there was just the one substitution, as goalscorer Harry Wood was hooked for John O'Sullivan.
While it looked as though it was heading for a second stalemate of the season between these two sides, McInroy popped up with the goods at the death. A headed clearance was well taken down, and after two Pats players collided in the box, it opened enough space to get a shot off and slot it past Anang.
Full Time: Shelbourne 2-1 St Patrick’s Athletic
Shelbourne: Kearns; Caffrey, Bone (45), Coyle (c), Ledwidge, Wilson (45), McInroy, Lunney, Wood (79), Martin (45), Odubeko (90+5)
Substitutes: Healy, Gannon (45), Chapman (45), Coote, O’Sullivan (79), Kelly (90+5), Norris (45), O’Kane, Tulloch
St Patrick’s Athletic: Anang; Sjoberg (90), Hoare, Redmond (c), Breslin, Elbouzedi (79), Forrester (51), Lennon, Leavy (90), Keena (79), Melia
Substitutes: Rogers, Grivosti, McClelland, Kavanagh (90), Carty (90), Baggley (51), Mulraney (79), McLaughlin, Power (79)
Referee: Kevin O’Sullivan
Attendance: 5,411
