Friendly Report: Shelbourne 1 - 2 Ipswich Town

Ipswich Town secured a 2-1 friendly victory over Shelbourne on Saturday evening thanks to a first-half wonder strike from striker Brett Pitman, added to by Ben Morris before Dylan Grimes’ penalty added a late consolation for the hosts.

The game represented new manager Owen Heary’s third game in charge of the Reds, albeit with a reduced line-up and intensity compared to his opening First Division outings. He would have been hoping to improve on yesterday’s disastrous loss at the hands of struggling Athlone Town, who inflicted a surprise 1-0 defeat on the Reds in Westmeath on Friday night.

Shelbourne are now 27 points off leaders Limerick on 19 points in fifth spot, and eight short of play-off hopefuls UCD in second. With many personnel changes to this game, Heary’s side nevertheless held their own for the opening exchanges, with midfielder Cian Kavanagh looking lively and promising in deep lying midfield.

However, a lack of presence up front for Shelbourne given the absence of forward James English meant Ipswich, managed by former Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy who was present on the side-line, were willing and able to stroke the ball around with high-tempoed short passes.

After a period of toing and froing from both sides Ipswich striker Brett Pitman was afforded oceans of space and bucket loads of time to smash home a 28th minute wonder strike that crashed into the top right-hand corner leaving Greg Murray to stretch to a shot even the world’s top shot-stopper would not have prevented.

It was 2-0 following a lull period to begin the second half. Substitute Ben Morris settled the ball between his feet inside the penalty area and beat Shels goalkeeper Murray at the near post with a fine strike low into the back of the net.

As with the game’s opening goal for the hosts, Shelbourne heads did not go down. While the first period offered few chances for the home side but rather moments of inspired brilliance via Cian Kavanagh and James Brown, it was the familiar sound of Brown’s 1964 hit “I Feel Good” that was ringing around Tolka after Dylan Grimes side-footed a 76th minute penalty past Ipswich ‘keeper Dean Gerken after referee Rob Harvey deemed Niall O’Neill’s cross to have deflected off an arm clad in blue and white.

The goal raised voices and hopes alike in the summer breeze, but ultimately it acted only as a late consolation as the game petered towards an Ipswich victory for McCarthy & co.

Shelbourne: Greg Murray; James Brown, Conor Keeley (Shane Maloney 65), Robert O’Reilly (Jack Tuite 45), Reece McEnteer (Aaron McDonald 65); Dylan Grimes (David Harper 77), Cian Kavanagh (Aji Sule 45), Mick Kelly, Dylan Kavanagh (Niall O’Neill 65), Adam Kelly, Luke Kelly.

Subs not used: Robert Duggan, Adam Evans, Matt Lyons.

Ipswich Town:

First Half: Dean Gerken, Luke Chambers, Paul Digby, Christophe Berra, Joe Robinson,Kevin Bru, Adam McDonnell, Teddy Bishop, Cole Skuse, Brett Pitman, Shane McLoughlin.
Second Half: Bartosz Bialkowski, Josh Emmanuel, Piotr Malarczyk, Tommy Smith, Jonas Knudsen, Andre Dozzell (James Blanchfield 81), Luke Hyam, Jonathan Douglas, Cameron Stewart, Freddie Sears, Ben Morris (Monty Patterson 81).

Subs Not Used: None.

Referee: Rob Harvey.

Attendance: 450 (estimate).

ExtraTime.ie Man of the Match: Brett Pitman (Ipswich Town).