Dramatic first-leg between Shelbourne and Linfield

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Shelbourne 3 - 1 Linfield

Shelbourne take a two-goal lead into the second leg of their Uefa Conference League play-off after a pulsating over 10-man Linfield.

Author | Liam Philips

Stadium | Tolka Park

Conference League 25 26 | Shelbourne v Linfield kick off

The Dublin contest delivered drama throughout, with four goals, three penalties and a red card. Harry Wood put the hosts ahead from the spot just before half-time, moments after Linfield had been reduced to 10 men. 

Less than a minute into the second half Mipo Odubeko extended the advantage, making amends after missing a first-half penalty when the match was still goalless.

Kieran Offord gave the visitors hope with a well-taken finish after the break but later missed a chance to draw level from the penalty spot. Evan Caffrey stepped off the bench to seal the win for Shels, finishing from close range 13 minutes from time.

READ MORE | Conference League 25/26 season

READ MORE | Shelbourne knock Linfield out of Champions League

Drama again between these two sides

Linfield, beaten at Tolka Park in a Champions League qualifier only last month, endured another difficult evening as they were reduced to 10 men after just 18 minutes.

Conference League 25 26 | Shelbourne v Linfield atmosphere

Matthew Fitzpatrick was dismissed for a high boot that caught Milan Mbeng in the midriff. Three minutes before the break Shelbourne were handed a chance from the spot, only for Mipo Odubeko to blaze over. Moments later the hosts were awarded another penalty when Ben Hall’s late challenge was punished, and Harry Wood converted with composure from 12 yards.

Less than a minute into the second half Shels struck again. Substitute Evan Caffrey made an immediate impact, cutting the ball back for Odubeko to finish from inside the box and atone for his earlier miss.

Linfield hit back seven minutes later when Kirk Millar’s corner was flicked on by Sam Roscoe, with Kieran Offord reacting quickest at the back post to nod home. Offord then squandered the chance to level, failing from the penalty spot after Patrick Barrett handled, as Wessel Speel dived low to his left to save.

Caffrey had the final say, adding a third with 13 minutes to play to give the Dubliners a two-goal cushion heading into next week’s return leg in Belfast.

Some immediate reaction

Frank, a Shelbourne fan, told us: "A great win. One match away from the group stage of European football. What an achievement that would be."

Dazza, a neutral who watched the match, said: "I think the big moment was Linfield missing that penalty at 2-1. It was a big wake-up call for Shelbourne, and it went against Linfield. As soon as they missed it, the whole vibe in the stadium changed."

Location: Tolka Park, Richmond Rd, Drumcondra, Dublin, Co. Dublin, D03 A6K6, Ireland

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