Shelbourne, wrestling with inconsistency and struggling to maintain their grip on a Premier Division title that has eluded them since 2006, will face reigning champions Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght Stadium on Sunday at 5.45pm, a match to be aired live on RTÉ2.
The Shelbourne team, steered by manager Damien Duff and his deputy Joey O’Brien, have resorted to various morale-boosting tactics, such as watching episodes of the classic comedy Only Fools and Horses, in an attempt to keep the team spirit uplifted. However, regardless of the final outcome of this season, Shels will record the lowest score in their history after 36 matches, with maximum points achievable being only 66. This is in stark contrast to Shamrock Rovers who were scrutinised for securing their fourth consecutive win with just 72 points last year.
This unpredictable season has seen some captivating sporting tensions, with Shels, and a Derry City lagging four points behind them, leaving a gap for rival teams such as Shamrock Rovers, Galway United, St Patrick’s Athletic, and Sligo Rovers to potentially snatch the title.
The Rovers trail five points behind the Shels, whose brief return to form was witnessed at Tolka Park prior to their home city match against St Pat’s that culminated in a 3-2 defeat. The highlight of the match was the excellent goals by Rayhaan Tulloch and Matty Smith in the last 10 minutes. This was thought to be Shels’ opportunity to conserve their resources and prepare for the impending encounter with the title holders in Tallaght.
However, St Pat’s took advantage of their strengthened position under the leadership of Stephen Kenny, and the momentum provided by Zach Elbouzedi and Mason Melia, to secure the victory. A disheartened Duff acknowledged the mistakes, lamenting the ‘ridiculous’ goals they conceded, and their poor record of one victory in the last nine matches. Nevertheless, he is willing to fight to the end, with two home and two away games remaining for redemption.
Smith’s red card and subsequent three-match ban proved quite detrimental, especially as he was accused of touching Aaron Bolger’s face with his hand. Shels are under additional strain as Paddy Barrett is also currently suspended due to a series of yellow cards, coupled with the mid-season departure of star players Gavin Molloy and Will Jarvis, who joined Aberdeen and Hull City respectively. Now, the team is in dire need of some sort of miraculous event if they are to bounce back in the remaining four games.
As for Rovers, their previous 1-1 result against Apoel Nicosia might have left them feeling a bit weary. The equalising goal in the injury-time was scored by Dylan Watts. This might hint that the champions are warming up for a flurry of European games this winter.
Stephen Bradley, Rovers’ manager, is expected to be a spectator in the next match due to a one-game suspension handed down for derogatory remarks against a match official. Despite such set-backs, Bradley remains optimistic. “It’s certainly not concluded,” Bradley asserted. “The final series [of games] always brings the greatest challenge, a lesson we’ve learnt from past experiences”.
Just as all these unfold, it seems that the RTÈ cameras have turned up at an opportune time.