Much-changed Shelbourne out of Champions League and into Europa League after aggregate defeat to Qarabag
The Reds will now face either Rijeka or Ludogorets in the
2
Shelbourne are out of the Champions League
Credit: Aziz Karimov/Sportsfile
The Croatian and Bulgarian title-holders are currently in action in the second leg after a 0-0 draw first time out.
A John Martin own goal was all that separated the sides in this return game with keeper Wessel Speel
saving
a penalty on his debut.
Joey O'Brien sprung a surprise by making eight changes to the team which had been beaten 3-0 at Tolka Park a week earlier.
Defender Kameron Ledwidge, midfielder Kerr McInroy and
striker
Mipo Odubeko were the only survivors.
Read More on Shelbourne
He handed a debut to Dutch keeper Speel who was signed just before the first leg with Lorcan Healy making way.
And fringe players such as Daniel Kelly, Lewis Temple, Sam Bone, Ellis Chapman and John Martin also came in, as did James Norris and captain Mark Coyle.
It went against the pre-match talk of learning lessons from the second leg but made sense given the 5,000km trek on an eight-hour flight to get to Baku with the same on the way back with a game in
Sligo
Rovers to come on Saturday.
Whatever team he had put out was unlikely to be able to undo the damage which had been done in the final 10 minutes in Drumcondra last week.
Most read in Football
But there was a fear that putting out a team with limited game-time under their belts and even more restricted experience of playing alongside each other could lead to them being given the runaround and losing by an even bigger margin the second time around.
They came close to achieving what the frontliners had not managed last week, getting to half-time without conceding.
RTE pundit's one-liner about Damien Duff makes Joey O'Brien laugh after Shelbourne's win vs Linfield
But they did leak a goal just before the interval when Martin inadvertently put the ball into his own net.
Kady burst past Coyle on the right before drilling a cross to the far post where the striker got the telling touch under pressure from Naramin Akhundzade.
It was a bitter blow, especially considering that, despite all of their possession and chances, the home side had struggled to really
work
Speel.
Pedro
Bacalho had twice fired off-target with Kady also failing to force a save out of the Dutchman with a long-range effort and a volley closer to goal with captain Abdellah Zoubir missing from point-blank range.
Shels needed a reaction after the break but, before they provided one, they could have fallen further behind with Coyle again finding one of his opponents
too hot to handle
.
Leandro Andrade cut inside him with his shot pushed around the post by Speel.
2
Pedro Bicalho of Qarabag FK in action against Ellis Chapman of Shelbourne
Credit: Aziz Karimov/Sportsfile
His opposite number Mateusz Kochalski had been a virtual spectator but, eventually, he was forced into action and Kerr McInroy will feel he should have done better with his first-time effort.
He shot straight at the Pole after Norris had done well to get forward and pull the ball back into his path. Ledwidge then let fly from distance as Shels carried more of a threat after the restart, as had been the case in the home leg.
Bringing on Sean Boyd, Harry Wood and JJ Lunney shortly after the hour mark were not exactly defensive substitutions either but Qarabag did continue to create goal-scoring opportunities of their own.
The most clearcut of them again involved a helping hand from Shels with Ledwidge conceding a penalty for raising his arm as he jumped to block Matheus Silva's cross.
Kady took responsibility from 12 yards but after a staggered run, Speel dived to his right to keep out his spot-kick.
With both sides going on to use their five permitted substitutes, the game petered out with no further goals.
Emmanuel Addai went closest for the home side but his effort was smothered by Speel with Kelly volleying over for the visitors in stoppage time.
QARABAG
: Kochalski; Silva, Mustafazade, Medina (Mmaee 72), Jafarguliyev (Bayramov 80); Bicalho, Kady (Kashchuk 80); Andrada, Addai, Zoubir (Kouakou 72); Akhundzade (Gurbanli 72).
SHELBOURNE
: Speel; Kelly, Temple, Bone, Ledwidge, Norris (Caffrey 72); McInroy 6 (Lunney 62), Coyle, Chapman (Coote 80); Odubeko (Wood 62), Martin 5 (Boyd 62).
REFEREE
A Colombo (Italy)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
RTÉ News
4 hours ago
- RTÉ News
Joey O'Brien aware Tolka test will follow Adriatic adventue
There are a lot worse ways to spend the early days of August than on the northern Adriatic coast. For Joey O'Brien and his Shelbourne players, their sojourn to Rijeka is one that will live long in the memory after their 2-1 win in the first leg of their Europa League third-round qualifier at Stadion Rujevica. Shelbourne were massive outsiders before the start of play and Niko Jankovic's opener from the penalty spot in the 56th minute only saw their odds lengthen. However, the visitors responded 90 seconds later, when Sam Bone soared high into the night sky and directed a header to the roof of the net after a Kerr McInroy corner which initially found James Norris. Twenty minutes from time, John Martin arrived at the back post to nod home Harry Wood's cross to send the travelling Shels fans into rapturous celebration, even if they were left biting their fingernails down to the quick before the final whistle. While his players may have been on cloud nine after the result, O'Brien left the distinct impression in his brief post-match press conference that they would already be grounded well before they landed back in Dublin. Describing the opening skirmishes in Croatia, the Shels boss said: "It was really tough, like we thought. We had shape, but probably gave up a bit of possession. "I didn't really like us in the first half in our own possession. I thought we turned over the ball a bit too much. "That was a negative, but I think our shape out of possession was really good. "Before the second half, we spoke about that in the dressing room, that we wanted to try to get on the ball a little bit more and show our quality. "At times we did that, but I still feel we didn't show how good a team we really are in possession." The truism that these European ties are games of two halves wasn't lost on O'Brien, who added of the night's work and the task in hand: "It's a really difficult stadium here and it's really difficult to come over to this level of opposition. We don't play this opposition in our league, a team like that, as good as that, so it was always going to be a really difficult game. "As I said to the boys down there, European football, for me, even a long time ago when I was playing, I always saw European football as four halves of football and there are two halves to go. "We have a small advantage, but it's two halves done and two halves to go. "Our record and every team in our country's record away from home in European football over the years is not very good. "It's very difficult, hence why it's difficult going away from home in Europe. But I think we have a good squad of players since I took the job. One of the reasons why I wanted the job was the quality that we have in the dressing room, and at times tonight, we showed that. "I still don't think we are favourites to go through. Obviously, it's a big result for us, but as I said, it's only two halves done. "We have a small advantage, but I still think they're the favourites. "It's a home leg for us and we have a good record at home, but it's still all to play for." The merit of the interview in sports is questionable, with both the interviewer and interviewee often indulging in cliche and retreating to the comfort of formulaic questions and answers that can be used again and again. O'Brien was illuminating in several of his observations, but at least one member of the Croatian media will be swotting up on all things Shelbourne after asking the following humdinger: "Do you consider this to be your biggest win in your coaching career?" Unsurprisingly, he got short shrift from the new manager: "In my coaching career? I think it's only my eighth game as a coach. I haven't been doing it too long."
The Journal
4 hours ago
- The Journal
Shelbourne FC beat Croatian champions away in Europa League
Uefa Europa League (Third qualifying round, first leg) HNK Rijeka 1 Shelbourne 2 GOALS FROM SAM Bone and John Martin saw Shelbourne stage a remarkable come from behind victory to record perhaps their greatest away night in Europe, stunning Croatian champions Rijeka in their own backyard on the Adriatic coast. Ahead of this first leg, head coach Joey O'Brien spoke of there being no Plan B in talking up his side's ability to come and win the game. And that they did, showing admirable organisation and shape under Rijeka's dominance of the ball and commendable composure and intent when they had it. It's now very much all to play for ahead of the second leg at Tolka Park next Tuesday. The rewards for getting through are huge. The winners advance to the Europa League play-off round with the parachute guarantee of Conference League league phase and its minimum €3.8 million prize fund. Greek side PAOK or Wolfsberger of Austria await in the play-off round of the Europa League. Defeat for the League of Ireland champions could see a repeat of their Champions League first round clash with Linfield in the Conference League play-offs, should the Irish League kingpins come through their third tier tie against Vikingur of the Faroe Islands. Joey O'Brien celebrates winning. Aleksandar Djorovic / INPHO Aleksandar Djorovic / INPHO / INPHO O'Brien made five changes from last week's Champions League loss at Qarabag, setting up in a defensive 5-3-2 formation with Mipo Odubeko and Sean Boyd both starting in attack. As expected, Rijeka enjoyed plenty of possession as they worked for openings early on before an injury to Boyd forced Shelbourne into an early change with Martin coming into the fray in a straight swap up top. Despite their dominance of the ball, it was 22 minutes before the home side threatened, Amir Gojak's low drive comfortably held by Wessel Speel. The well-positioned Speel ably dealt with a strike from Niko Jankovic before Shelbouren enjoyed their first spell of possession. Rijeka finished the first 45 back on the front foot, creating their only clear opening of the half. Again it was Jankovic who got sight of goal, his low drive bringing a fine save down to his right from Speel. Advertisement But an unforced error from Speel would all but gift Rijeka the lead 11 minutes after the interval. The recently signed on loan Dutch goalkeeper took a heavy touch from Bone's back pass and then tripped inrushing Congolese winger Merveic Ndockyt. The impressive Jankovic sent Speel the wrong way from 12 yards. The lead lasted just two minute, however, as Shelbourne levelled with a terrific set-piece goal from their first corner of the game. Kerr McInroy worked a one-two from the flag kick with Harry Wood to cross. James Norris nodded the ball back across goal where Bone arrived to head it over the line. Sam Bone scores Shelbourne's first goal. Aleksandar Djorovic / INPHO Aleksandar Djorovic / INPHO / INPHO The game really having opened up now, Speel redeemed his error for the penalty with a superb tip-over save to deprive Simon Butic while, at the other end, Martin surged forward to rifle a shot just over the crossbar. Shelbourne then silenced the home crowd with a brilliant winner on the night on 70 minutes. Milan Mbeng fed Wood on the right whose arced cross had plenty of pace on it for the negligently marked Martin whose firm header found the top corner to the delight of the boisterous Shelbourne support in the caged away end. Rijeka pressed for much of the remainder of the game as Shelbourne defended tenaciously, epitomised by a brave block by captain Paddy Barrett on a shot from Tiago Dantas. Then came a late scare in stoppage time when a VAR penalty check was needed after a shot from Jankovic struck Bone's arm by his side. But when the Spanish referee blew his whistle it was for full-time. HNK Rijeka: Zlomislic; Orec, Majstorovic (Husic, h-t), Radeljic, Devetak (Lasickas, h-t); Jankovic, Gojak (Menalo, 69), Dantas; Ndockyt, Juric (Cop, 69), Butic (Tanjov, 76). Shelbourne: Speel; Mbeng (Gannon, 87), Bone, Barrett, Ledwidge, Norris; McInroy (Coyle, 87), Lunney, Wood (Chapman, 77); Odubeko (Kelly, h-t), Boyd (Martin, 19). Referee: Ricardo de Burgos (Spain). Written by Paul Buttner and originally published on The 42 whose award-winning team produces original content that you won't find anywhere else: on GAA, League of Ireland, women's sport and boxing, as well as our game-changing rugby coverage, all with an Irish eye. Subscribe here .
The 42
5 hours ago
- The 42
Shelbourne secure famous Europa League win in Croatia
Uefa Europa League (Third qualifying round, first leg) HNK Rijeka 1 Shelbourne 2 GOALS FROM SAM Bone and John Martin saw Shelbourne stage a remarkable come from behind victory to record perhaps their greatest away night in Europe, stunning Croatian champions Rijeka in their own backyard on the Adriatic coast. Ahead of this first leg, head coach Joey O'Brien spoke of there being no Plan B in talking up his side's ability to come and win the game. And that they did, showing admirable organisation and shape under Rijeka's dominance of the ball and commendable composure and intent when they had it. It's now very much all to play for ahead of the second leg at Tolka Park next Tuesday. The rewards for getting through are huge. The winners advance to the Europa League play-off round with the parachute guarantee of Conference League league phase and its minimum €3.8 million prize fund. Greek side PAOK or Wolfsberger of Austria await in the play-off round of the Europa League. Defeat for the League of Ireland champions could see a repeat of their Champions League first round clash with Linfield in the Conference League play-offs, should the Irish League kingpins come through their third tier tie against Vikingur of the Faroe Islands. Advertisement Joey O'Brien celebrates winning. Aleksandar Djorovic / INPHO Aleksandar Djorovic / INPHO / INPHO O'Brien made five changes from last week's Champions League loss at Qarabag, setting up in a defensive 5-3-2 formation with Mipo Odubeko and Sean Boyd both starting in attack. As expected, Rijeka enjoyed plenty of possession as they worked for openings early on before an injury to Boyd forced Shelbourne into an early change with Martin coming into the fray in a straight swap up top. Despite their dominance of the ball, it was 22 minutes before the home side threatened, Amir Gojak's low drive comfortably held by Wessel Speel. The well-positioned Speel ably dealt with a strike from Niko Jankovic before Shelbouren enjoyed their first spell of possession. Rijeka finished the first 45 back on the front foot, creating their only clear opening of the half. Again it was Jankovic who got sight of goal, his low drive bringing a fine save down to his right from Speel. But an unforced error from Speel would all but gift Rijeka the lead 11 minutes after the interval. The recently signed on loan Dutch goalkeeper took a heavy touch from Bone's back pass and then tripped inrushing Congolese winger Merveic Ndockyt. The impressive Jankovic sent Speel the wrong way from 12 yards. The lead lasted just two minute, however, as Shelbourne levelled with a terrific set-piece goal from their first corner of the game. Kerr McInroy worked a one-two from the flag kick with Harry Wood to cross. James Norris nodded the ball back across goal where Bone arrived to head it over the line. Sam Bone scores Shelbourne's first goal. Aleksandar Djorovic / INPHO Aleksandar Djorovic / INPHO / INPHO The game really having opened up now, Speel redeemed his error for the penalty with a superb tip-over save to deprive Simon Butic while, at the other end, Martin surged forward to rifle a shot just over the crossbar. Shelbourne then silenced the home crowd with a brilliant winner on the night on 70 minutes. Milan Mbeng fed Wood on the right whose arced cross had plenty of pace on it for the negligently marked Martin whose firm header found the top corner to the delight of the boisterous Shelbourne support in the caged away end. Rijeka pressed for much of the remainder of the game as Shelbourne defended tenaciously, epitomised by a brave block by captain Paddy Barrett on a shot from Tiago Dantas. Then came a late scare in stoppage time when a VAR penalty check was needed after a shot from Jankovic struck Bone's arm by his side. But when the Spanish referee blew his whistle it was for full-time. HNK Rijeka: Zlomislic; Orec, Majstorovic (Husic, h-t), Radeljic, Devetak (Lasickas, h-t); Jankovic, Gojak (Menalo, 69), Dantas; Ndockyt, Juric (Cop, 69), Butic (Tanjov, 76). Shelbourne: Speel; Mbeng (Gannon, 87), Bone, Barrett, Ledwidge, Norris; McInroy (Coyle, 87), Lunney, Wood (Chapman, 77); Odubeko (Kelly, h-t), Boyd (Martin, 19). Referee: Ricardo de Burgos (Spain).
