Shelbourne 0–2 Dundalk FC
Patrick McEleney hit his first goal in a Dundalk shirt as the Lilywhites got their defence of the Leinster Senior Cup underway with a 2–0 win over Shelbourne at Tolka Park.
The former Derry City star was excellent on his debut against Cliftonville three nights earlier and he caught the eye again on a bitterly cold night in Drumcondra.
His 64th minute goal, added to Paddy Barrett’s delightful first half effort, put the seal on a comfortable win for Stephen Kenny’s side who controlled proceedings right from the off. McEleney pulled the strings early on, the highlight being a delicious piece of skill on the halfway line that left two Shels players in knots.
His vision was there for all to see, notably when he slipped Georgie Poynton in on the inside left with a delicious pass after six minutes but the youngster just couldn’t pick out Michael O’Connor in the six-yard box. McEleney then saw an audacious chip from close to 40-yards just clear Greg Murray’s crossbar.
Dundalk continued to press and Brian Gartland’s lofted pass set Darren Meenan away in the 16th minute but his low drive was well gathered by Greg Murray.
Jamie Doyle’s positive run gave the home support some encouragement in the 23rd minute. The winger drove towards the Dundalk penalty area but his shot was deflected wide by the covering Sean Gannon.
Both sides may effectively be still in pre-season but there was still plenty of commitment on show with Barrett putting in a crunching tackle on James English right in front of the main stand. Shels’ Gareth Coughlan then found his way into the book after leaving Michael O’Connor in a heap in the 26th minute.
Dundalk pulled in front five minutes later when Barrett showed the other side to his game. Picking up a pass to the left of the Shels 18-yards box, he curled a sumptuous effort over the flailing Murray into the top corner.
A jinking run across the Shels penalty area by McEleney almost led to the second before the break but he could only rifle the left footed drive over the top.
Shels introduced Dylan Grimes at the break and the youngster should have pulled the Reds level in the 53rd minute when he raced in behind Barrett. However, he delayed his effort, allowing the Dundalk centre-back to get back and do enough to force a weak effort that Gabriel Sava collected with ease.
Meenan was replaced by Daryl Horgan on the hour mark and the winger was involved within minutes, delivering a corner from the left that O’Connor headed just wide of the target.
The result was put beyond doubt in the 63rd minute when McEleney picked the ball up in the Shels box and drilled a low effort under Murray to open his account for Dundalk.
The 23-year-old was replaced by Ronan Finn seven minutes later, receiving a warm reception from the visiting supporters on his way to the bench. He has certainly made an impressive start to his Dundalk career.
SHELBOURNE: Greg Murray; Robert O’Reilly, Adam O’Connor, Ryan Robinson, Dylan Kavanagh; Gareth Coughlan, Cian Kavanagh, Robert Duggan (Dylan Grimes HT), Daire Doyle (Alan Kehoe 64), Jamie Doyle; James English (Mark Sandford 65). Subs not used: Jack Brady, Carl Walshe, Conor Keeley, Darragh Gannon.
DUNDALK FC: Gabriel Sava; Sean Gannon, Brian Gartland, Paddy Barrett, Shane Grimes; Georgie Poynton, Chris Shields; John Mountney, Patrick McEleney (Ronan Finn 70), Darren Meenan (Daryl Horgan 61); Michael O’Connor (David McMillan 74). Subs not used: Gary Rogers (GK), Andy Boyle.
REFEREE: Rob Rogers.