Shelbourne 1-0 Drogheda

Revenge un-sweetened by poor performance

Although it was not pretty, anther 3 points in the bag is a hard thing to moan about, especially when Rovers are stuffed by UCD on the same night. Shels defeated Drogheda quite comfortably in this game, unlike the last time these teams met in the League Cup earlier this season. Drogheda were a shade of the team that knocked Shels out of the League Cup that night. They lacked the commitment and determination that won them respect that night, and only hinted at their ability to knock the ball around well in midfield. It's a good job too - as Shels were lack-lusture themselves. This lead to a dreary affair, lightened only by Dave Campbell's sweet strike midway through the first half. Stephen Geoghegan set up Campbell with a pass back where he awaited on the edge of the box. Campbell sent a powerful but well placed shot past the Drogheda 'keeper Gareth Byrne.

There has been criticism and discussion of Keely's choice of Campbell in midfield ahead of Carel Van Der Velden lately. Although Campbell gives us strength and guise, Shels look a more stylish and creative team with Van Der Velden on the field. We also look more decisive and dangerous in our build-ups. He is clearly the better midfielder, Dave is a self-confessed centre back, and does a good job there. I can well understand playing Dave, a fifth defender, in midfield in certain situations. Against dangerous attacking teams like St. Pats, or away from home such as against Finn Harps in Ballybofey. But surely we can go for a little style against Drogheda? Mind you, it's hard to criticise when he scores the winning goal.

To play Haylock or not - that has been a talking point lately. Dermot stuck by Haylock again in this game, and was awarded with another reason to play Johnny Powell. Powell scored twice against Sligo, but again watched a Haylock botch-job from the bench. Gary missed pretty much every chance what came his way - in style. Plenty of wides, a few out of the stadium. The Coup De Grace came in the second half, when Haylock blocked a Gegho shot that was bound for goal. Geoghegan shot, Haylock was on the line and stuck out his foot and blocked the goal-bound effort. As he kneeled head in hands in frustration, the phrase 'goal poacher's predatory instincts' did NOT spring to mind. The word 'Stockin' may well have.

Back to the game, in the second Drogheda made 3 substitutions. Although they had a few chances, they were disjointed. They also substituted their best player, Revins after 71 minutes. I really like Revins, he's fast and skillful. One for the future. Sign him up.

At the end of the day Drogheda were not strong enough to do any real damage to the Real Reds. Our defense was solid, good to see Steve Williams doing well in goal, looked confident. He seems to be settling into the defense well now, mind you he hadn't much to do.

Comment: Some unsettling comments lately. A St. Pats fan mentioned that we play like Dundalk in the 80s, and Daniel McDonnell said that we were like Dundalk when they last own the league - all 1-0 home victories. I'd hate to be known as the Dundalk of the 90's, we have always been known as a stylish team. It would be terrible for this title race to become Damo's Stylish Rovers Versus Dermo's Barbaric Reds. Not a nice thought.

SHELBOURNE: Williams; Heary, D Geoghegan, McCarthy, Campbell, Scully, Baker, Haylock, S Geoghegan, Fenlon, Ogden. Subs: Doolin for Campbell (88 mins); Byrne for Felon, and Van der Velden for D Geoghegan (both 90 mins).

DROGHEDA UNITED: G Byrne; A Murphy, Boyle, McDonald, Maher, O'Keeffe, Coleman, M Byrne, Revins, O'Dowd, Thornton. Subs: C Murphy for Boyle (45 mins); Roche for Revins (71 mins); Butler for Coleman (76 mins)

Red Bull is running scared, following recent criticism. Naah he'll be back for the Waterford game.

Fintan O'Dowd '99