Daniel Kelly’s goal was Shelbourne’s only shot on target but was enough to pick up a vital win on the road.
Sligo Rovers 0
Shelbourne 1
A tame opening to proceedings meant that neither Sam Sargent or Wessel Speel had anything to deal with. The only opportunity from the first ten fell to Archie Meekison, at best it could be considered a half-chance, a low driven effort from a tight angle went wide of the far post.
The first chance of substance came the way of Sligo Rovers, though it was created by Shelbourne. Harry Wood picked the ball up deep and carried it into his own box before offloading to his goalkeeper. Speel’s attempted clearance deflected off Zeno Ibsen Rossi, creating panic in the six yard box.
The ball fell to Alex Nolan, and the former Cork City man would have given the home side the lead, had his shot not been fantastically cleared off the line by Sam Bone.
The resumption of the game saw a similar tempo, though Shelbourne had began to apply a slight increase in pressure.
A series of shots were easily blocked by Sligo. The ball was recycled well by Shels, with possession being shared between their three center-backs and Jack Henry Francis, and it would be the former Arsenal man to pick out Ali Coote in space in the final third.
Coote laid it off to Daniel Kelly, who cut inside and placed the ball into the bottom right corner. Joey O’Brien’s side took the lead at The Showgrounds with their first shot on target.
What a strike!
Daniel Kelly gives Shels the lead. pic.twitter.com/uXPxZr7tHl
— League of Ireland (@LeagueofIreland) March 21, 2026
The main themes of the match continued with little chances coming to fruition. Substitute Mai Traore had an audacious effort on the half volley, but failed to get the needed dip, with the ball bouncing off the roof of the net.
Additional time saw the ten outfield Sligo Rovers players camping in the final third with Sargent sending it long.
The best chance fell to Meekison, who received the ball in a similar position to where Kelly found the back of the net. The Scotsmen opted to aim for the top left corner, instead of Kelly’s bottom left, and his effort was palmed away by Speel.
Shelbourne’s one shot on target was enough to pick up three points on the road and move into the top four going into the international break.
After the conclusion of the international break, Sligo Rovers travel to Richmond Park to take on St Patrick’s Athletic, while Shelbourne host Dundalk.
Man of the Match: Zeno Ibsen Rossi put in an impressive defensive display, making a ridiculous 12 clearances, putting in a strong performance that was vital to Shelbourne’s victory.
Sligo Rovers (4-3-3): Sam Sargent; Jeannot Esua, Oliver Denham, Sean McHale, Will Fitzgerald, James McManus, Carl McHugh, Seb Quirk, Alex Nolan, Cian Kavanagh, Archie Meekison Subs: Gareth McElroy for Carl McHugh, Mai Traore for Alex Nolan (both 70′), Ciaron Harkin for James McManus (79′)
Shelbourne(3-5-2): Wessel Speel; Sam Bone, Zeno Ibsen Rossi, Kameron Ledwidge, Daniel Kelly, Ali Coote, Jack Henry-Francis, Kevin Mcinroy, James Norris, John Martin, Harry Wood Subs: Maill Lundgren for Ali Coote (67′), Sean Gannon for James Norris, Sean Boyd for John Martin (both 77′), Evan Caffrey for Daniel Kelly, Jonathan Lunney for Jack Henry-Francis (both 86′)
Referee: Paul Norton
Attendance: (TBA)