Shelbourne won only their second home league game of the season as they beat the reigning champions Shamrock Rovers by the odd goal in three in a rip-roaring contest at a heaving Tolka Park.
Two breakaway goals by Evan Caffrey and Mipo Odubeko in either half was enough to stretch their unbeaten run to eight games and inflict a fifth defeat of the season on Rovers.
It was a backs to the wall performance at times with the home side soaking up a lot of Rovers pressure, who in truth created little outside of Adam Brennan’s 55th minute equaliser as the Shels revival continued after their indifferent start to the season.
Indeed, inspired by the effervescent Harry Wood, Shels registered their first win over the Hoops since February 2024
The league leaders were missing their captain Pico Lopes who is at the world cup with Cape Verde, but welcomed back Brennan, Matt Healy and keeper Ed McGinty from international duty with Ireland.
After an early Sam Bone header missed the target for the home side, Rovers largely dominated opening quarter of the game with the Reds defence holding firm.
Harry Wood pursues Jake Mulraney
In the fourth minute, Graham Burke, in front of goal, shot straight at home keeper at Wessel Speel.
Midway through the opening period, Bone had to be alert to deny Aaron Greene at the back post, hooking away a Jack Byrne cross with the Hoops striker loitering close by.
But Shels weathered the storm and took the lead against the run of play through Evan Caffery just past the half hour mark.
Burke’s pass on the edge of the Shels penalty area was intercepted by Wood who immediately launched a counter attack, at the end of which, the former Hull City player, after excellent build-up play outside the Hoops area, crossed to the lurking Caffery whose looping header found the net, beyond the despairing dive of Ed McGinty.
Shels grew into the game now and Wood had the ball in the net in the 37th minute, only to be whistled back by referee Rob Harvey for a handball in the lead-up.
Just before half-time, Rovers had a great chance level as Brennan, now an Irish International, received a left-hand side cross from Jake Mulraney, but, just shy of the six yard box and leaning back, Brennan skyed his effort over the bar.
However, the Ireland international redeemed himself when he equalised 10 minutes after the restart.
The referee didn’t give a free for what looked like a foul on Milan Mbang, and the visitors kept the ball moving. Burke’s cross found Mulraney at the back post, the latter teeing it up for Brennan who fired home the levelling goal with an unstoppable first-time shot from just inside the penalty area.
Shelbourne supporters celebrate their second goal
The sides were only level nine minutes as Shels’ advatange was restored courtesy of Odubeko, who found the net for the first time in this league season.
It was another breakaway goal, Bone slipping a pass to JJ Lunney on the edge of their own box. Lunney picked out Wood, whose swerved pass set Odubeko free down the left side.
The Tallaght native hammered a low shot from the left edge of the penalty area, though McGinty will be disappointed not to have got down quicker at his near post.
Having retaken the lead, Shels went back to playing possum as Rovers upped the ante in search of the second equaliser.
But the home side defended well and in numbers, allowing Stephen Bradley’s side very little in front of goal. Michael Noonan heading over from a Byrne cross represented the best of their chances.
Late on, Speel beat away a goal-bound Danny Grant free kick as Shels held on, maintaining their excellent run, with four wins and four draws from their last eight games.
Shelbourne: Wessel Speel; Sam Bone, Paddy Barrett ©, Kameron Ledwidge; Milan Mbeng (Sean Gannon 71) Ellis Chapman (Will Jarvis 62), Evan Caffrey (Ali Coote 71) , JJ Lunney, Daniel Kelly (James Norris 82), Harry Wood; Mipo Odubeko (Rodrego Freitas 82).
Shamrock Rovers: Ed McGinty; Tunmise Sobowale, Lee Grace ©, Enda Stevens (Conor Malley 90+2) ; Jake Mulraney (Danny Grant 74), Dylan Watts (Michael Noonan 74) Matt Healy Jack Byrne Adam Brennan; Graham Burke (Najemedine Razi 84) , Aaron Greene (John McGovern 74)
Referee: Robert Harvey