A famous European night for Shels.
Damien Duff channelled his inner Jurgen Klopp with some dramatic full-time celebrations after Shelbourne squeezed past Gibraltarian side St Joseph’s in the Conference League.
After narrowly winning the first leg at Tolka Park, Shels travelled to the Rock where they would once again be touted as favourites.
There were nervy signs early on though as Liam Walker put the hosts ahead before Sam Bone’s equaliser ensured the two were level going into the break.
St Joseph’s pushed to bring the tie level on aggregate again and even hit the post on two different occasions however Duff’s men were able to hold on to win 3-2 over the two games and set up a tie with 13-time Swiss champions FC Zurich.
‘I told them that this could be a war’
Duff’s relief at advancing to the next round was visible for all to see as he passionately went and celebrated with the travelling Shels contingent.
As always too, his post-match interview didn’t disappoint as he produced plenty of box-office moments.
“It was a dramatic end,” he told Shels TV.
“I spoke to the guys before the game. I don’t think I have ever seen a pretty game of football here because of the heat, the dryness of the pitch, the astro. We always try to paint a reasonably good picture for them and let them know what to expect. I told them that this could be a war, could be a battle at times, and it ended up that.
“I’ve been mad on Gibraltarian history for the last two or three days. I believe there has been 14 wars, 14 battles, 14 sieges, whatever you call [it]. I told the guys this could well be the 15th and it ended up being that. We came out on top.
“People see ‘Gibraltar, away’ and just think the football here, that it will be easy. It’s not easy, I’ve never seen an easy game here. It’s an absolutely incredible night for the club. It reminded me of an away game with the Irish team many years ago. It’s a special night for the fans and I’m pleased for them.”
Their victory to progress to the second qualifying round of the Conference League has seen Shels pocket €550,000 in the process. Attention will now turn to their FAI Cup second-round tie away to Bray before facing Zurich next week.
Related links:
- Ireland rise up FIFA world rankings
- Shamrock Rovers survive 98th minute penalty scare as Champions League dream continues
- Damien Duff says he would ‘probably sack 90 per cent’ of people working at the FAI
