Dundalk FC edge Shels to claim significant win

Dundalk FC claimed a significant SSE Airtricity League Premier Division victory on Friday night, edging Shelbourne 3-2 at Tolka Park after surrendering a two-goal lead before a late own goal settled a compelling contest.

A commanding first-half performance from the visitors put them firmly in control. Goals from Gbemi Arubi and Bobby Burns had Dundalk 2-0 ahead at the interval, their fluency and tempo troubling a Shelbourne side that struggled to contain them.

READ NEXT: Louth U20s defeat Dubs as Reel hails "really good" response

The hosts threatened early, however. Evan Caffrey drew a save from Enda Minogue inside three minutes, and Harry Wood’s follow-up was blocked by Burns. Dundalk responded with Burns testing Wessel Speel from distance before the breakthrough arrived on 11 minutes.

From a quickly taken corner by Daryl Horgan, Burns delivered into the area where Conor O’Keeffe’s lifted ball was met by Arubi, who headed beyond Speel with his back to goal.

Dundalk doubled their advantage midway through the half. Arubi’s delivery caused uncertainty in the Shelbourne defence and Burns reacted quickest to drive home the loose ball.

The Lilywhites might have extended their lead further before the break, Declan McDaid forcing a good save from Speel following a quick throw-in.

Shelbourne’s best moments before half-time came through Caffrey. He fired over from distance, then produced a dangerous cross that JR Wilson cleared off the line with John Martin poised.

Kameron Ledwidge later headed into the side-netting as the home side sought a route back into the game.

Shelbourne’s response gathered momentum after the interval. Daniel Kelly spurned a clear chance when Minogue spilled Martin’s effort, but the pressure told on the hour mark.

ubstitute Sean Gannon crossed from the right, Martin flicked on and Zeno Ibsen-Rossi applied the finishing touch.

Dundalk had opportunities to restore their cushion, Arubi dragging wide when through on goal and later testing Speel again, but they were punished on 67 minutes. Kelly broke down the flank and squared for Martin, who finished neatly to level the tie.

The closing stages remained open. Horgan almost capitalised on hesitant goalkeeping, while Tyreke Wilson and Arubi both threatened.

Dundalk eventually regained the lead four minutes from time when substitute Eoin Kenny escaped down the left and his cross was sliced into his own net by Ibsen-Rossi.

There was still time for late drama. Dundalk saw a goalmouth scramble cleared, and Shelbourne nearly snatched a point deep in stoppage time, Gannon’s volley drifting inches wide. The final whistle confirmed Dundalk’s first win at Tolka Park since 2020, secured in dramatic fashion.

Shelbourne: Wessel Speel; Sam Bone (James Norris HT), Zeno Ibsen-Rossi, Kameron Ledwidge; Evan Caffrey (Sean Gannon HT), Jack Henry-Francis, Kerr McInroy, Daniel Kelly (Rodrigo Freitas 72); Maill Lundgren (Will Jarvis HT); Harry Wood, John Martin (Sean Boyd 83)

Subs not used: Conor Walsh (gk), Ellis Chapman, JJ Lunney, Ali Coote

Dundalk FC: Enda Minogue; JR Wilson, Mayowa Animasahun, Conor O’Keeffe, Tyreke Wilson; Keith Buckley, Bobby Burns (Harvey Warren 89); Declan McDaid (Eoin Kenny 65), Harry Groome (Shane Tracey 79), Daryl Horgan; Gbemi Arubi

Subs not used: Peter Cherrie (gk), Sean Spaight, Aaron Keogh, Shay Casey, Max Ferguson, TJ Molloy

Referee: Lucas Keating (Cork)

Attendance: 4,674