Shelbourne 1-1 Galway United

Shels fail to press home early advantage.

1 point against newly promoted Galway is hardly the best start to the season, but 1 point is all Shels manages in this entertaining but frustrating League game. The game started well for Shels but from the onset it was clear we were in for a night of frustration and blind fury at man in black Hugh Byrne. Byrne failed to stamp his authority on the game, hiding behind his UEFA rulebook rather than use common sense and let the two teams do what they do - play entertaining and flowing football. The game started feverently and physically, but instead of having a word with players and calming things down, Byrne incensed teams and crowd with ridiculous and unbalanced bookings. He seemed to prefer booking Shels players, as numerous Shels players were booked, whilst Gary Haylock came away with a bloody nose and Richie Baker was knocked around, and yet Galway went unpunished. By Byrne's rules, there would have been a sending off or two for the away side, before Tony McCarthy got his marching orders 5 minutes from half time. McCarthy's first booking was harsh in the extreme. It was early on, the game was only getting started and instead of a telling off Tony get his first yellow, to the bewilderment of the Shels fans. McCarthy's second was a more reasonable offence, but it should have been his first. Instead, McCarthy was sent off.

The referee cannot be blamed totally for Shels feverish and physical play. Gary Haylock played a part in incensing the team, using elbows and kicks to get revenge for Galway challenges that went unpunished by the arse that called himself the ref. This feverish play did nothing to help Shels, who looked more likely to score before 'things got rough'. Shels started well, taking the lead on 14 minutes when Pat Fenlon neatly sidefooted home a Deco Geoghegan cross.

In the second half, both teams struggled to create clear-cut chances. Richie Baker shot over the bar from a clever Van Der Velden free kick, but that was about as close as Shels got. Richie had a comparatively quiet night, quiet when compared to his shining performance against Man Utd.

Galway got their deserved equaliser on 71 minutes, when sub Ollie Keogh hammered home after a Gareth Gorman free caught the depleted Shels defense napping. Although this is a disappointing result, Shels spirit in the final 10 minutes is encouraging. Carl Van Der Velden was instrumental in these attacks, setting up Johnny Powell on a number of occasions. Powell, a late sub, was disappointing when in possession; he failed to create when set free. Hopefully, this was an off night for the talented Dutchman.

Comment: Although this as a poor result for the Real Reds, this squad looks strong and committed. Carl Van Der Velden has been excellent in midfield, as was Nutsy last night. Up front the competition for places can only be good, and Williams in goal is definitely a lot safer than Goughie. Both Scully and McCarthy look nimbler than last season, as they have both shook off injuries during the summer.

The Red Bull sends his apologies for not being able to write the report; he is abroad at the moment. However, I expect him back soon, so hopefully he will be writing the reports again soon.

*thought* Glenavon looked fairly shagged this season, with Goughie in goals and Liam Kelly up front :-D

Fintan O'Dowd '99