Friday night saw Shelbourne visit The Showgrounds for the first time this season and they made it a succesful journey by defeating Rovers 1-0 thanks to a Dan Carr penalty in the first half.

Liam Buckley made four changes to his side from the game against Shamrock Rovers last time out with David Cawley, Robbie McCourt, Shane Blaney and Colm Horgan all coming in for Niall Morahan, Paddy Kirk, Nando Pijnaker and Lewis Banks.

Greg Bolger returned from injury to the bench as Pijnaker was rested following his busy international window.

The game started slowly with neither side creating much in terms of goalscoring upportunity. Shelbourne forced a couple of early corners and The Bit O’ Red huffed and puffed but couldn’t create much in front of goal.

In the 33rd minute, the visitors broke and Shane Farrell’s cross from the right went all the way to Conor Kane on the left hand side. Kane went into the penalty area and Karl O’ Sullivan brought him down with referee Ray Matthews pointing to the spot. Carr stepped up and scored, putting McGinty the wrong way.

This sparked the hosts into life and Robbie McCourt went closest with a header following Colm Horgan’s cross from the right.

Rovers then had a free kick around 25 yards from goal with Shane Blaney shooting straight at Brendan Clarke.

The half ended on a disappointing note however as recently named Player of The Month Aidan Keena limped off with a leg injury, and was replaced by Max Mata.

The second half started with Rovers maintaining possession and looking to create chances to get themselves back into the game. David Cawley broke into the area but his shot was cleared by Aaron O’ Driscoll.

Liam Buckley made three changes before the hour mark as Seamas Keogh, Greg Bolger and Paddy Kirk all replaced Robbie McCourt, Will Fitzgerald and Karl O’ Sullivan.

Rovers had the majority of the possession from there on in, however created little in terms of real clear chances.

Mark Byrne was introduced for Jordan Hamilton on 78 minutes before hald chances fell to Adam McDonnell, Cawley and Paddy Kirk who’s shot looked to be heading toward goal but was deflected away for a corner.

Six minutes of added time saw Rovers throw everything at Shelbourne but they stood firm and saw the game out to pick up their second win of the season and inflict a first defeat on Liam Buckley and his team.

Next up is Bohemians here at The Showgrounds on Tuesday night at 7:45pm followed by another home game with UCD four days later. (Also 7:45pm).