Shelbourne 4 Finn Harps 0A PERFORMANCE OF determination, skill and pace powered Shelbourne back to the top flight in style to thrill their long-suffering fans at Tolka Park last night.
Shelbourne took the lead from their first corner of the night on four minutes. Captain David Cassidy whipped an inviting cross to the near post where it was met by the head of right-back Ian Ryan with the ball flashing across the goal into the far corner of the net.
Their second goal arrived on the stroke of half-time.
Brendan McGill fed Ryan on the right to cross and Hughes stooped to head home his 27th goal of the season.
Harps enjoyed a little pressure early in the second half with Shelbourne goalkeeper Dean Delaney saving well from Stephen O’Donnell’s header.
Shelbourne sealed the win and promotion on 64 minutes.
Fittingly, it was Cassidy who shot home after Stephen Paisley flicked on a Hughes free kick. Conan Byrne, just on the pitch, added the fourth goal on 72 minutes, toeing past Ciarán Gallagher off a post before tapping home.
SHELBOURNE: Delaney; Ryan, Boyle, Paisley (Mathews, 67), Byrne; B McGill, Dawson, Sullivan, Clancy (Byrne, 70); Cassidy; Hughes (Mulhall, 75).
FINN HARPS: Gallagher; Redmond (Doherty, 71 mins), Cowan, O'Hagan (Mailey, half-time), JP Gallagher; Devaney, O'Mahoney, Curran, Harkin (McHugh, half-time); O'Donnell; Curtis.
Referee: R Rogers (Dublin).
