Mipo Odubeko's 58th-minute goal earned Shelbourne a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Linfield in their Champions League first-round qualifier at a raucous Tolka Park.
The stakes are so high in the embryonic stages of UEFA's elite competition. Progression to a second-round clash with Azerbaijani champions Qarabag would guarantee a precious injection of funds into the coffers, and also offer extra lives in Europe. Lose to Qarabag and you drop into the Europa League, lose that tie and you head for the Conference League.
Shels – led by the excellent Harry Wood – dominated most of this encounter but had to be patient to break down the visitors, who sat deep and in numbers.
Sean Boyd's introduction off the bench proves crucial, as he released Odubeko to steer a left-footed effort past Chris Johns.
Boyd and Tyreke Wilson threatened to add a second, while Evan Caffrey spurned two great chances in the first half – both with his head – as the Reds tried to shatter Linfield's resistance.
In the end they had to settle for a slender win to tee up a mouthwatering battle in Belfast next week.
The atmosphere was frenzied as the teams emerged from the tunnel at Tolka. Inevitably, the early fare was scrappy but Shels soon found their feet, and really should have taken the lead just seven minutes in.
7 mins: Shelbourne 0-0 Linfield
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Caffrey had two bites at the cherry: first timing his run perfectly to glance a corner kick off the woodwork; then, after Shels recycled the ball, ghosting back into the area to power in a downward header that keeper Chris Johns brilliantly scooped out.
Linfield were under pressure. They tried to take the sting out of proceedings with sporadic spells of possession, but were mostly putting out fires, by all means necessary.
Josh Archer went in the book for a late challenge on Kerr McInroy, then skipper Jamie Mulgrew also saw yellow when he scythed down Ali Coote.
Shels thought they'd got the opening they craved in the 22nd minute. McInroy's corner caused panic, with JJ Lunney controlling the ball on his chest and lashing in a volley that hit the arm of Ben Hall. Penalty kick said Portuguese referee Luis Godinho. However, after a VAR check, he changed his mind. It was the right decision.
Linfield rarely threatened, though they did get a sniff just after the half-hour mark. McInroy's sloppy pass out from the back fell nicely for the onrushing Ethan McGee a couple of yards outside the area. His first-time shot flew well wide.
They had another chance approaching half-time. A long ball caught the Shels defence flat, with Callumn Morrison darting onto the bouncing ball. He tried to lob Conor Kearns but failed to get enough power on the attempt, and the stopper backtracked to make a straightforward save.
Goalless at the break. Shels re-emerged with plenty of energy, but still lacked a cutting edge.
Joey O'Brien's triple change in the 55th minute proved critical. On came Tyreke Wilson, Daniel Kelly and Boyd. Three minutes later, they took the lead.
Boyd bundled past a challenge and poked a little pass through for Odubeko, who twisted into a half a yard of space before steering home a low left-footed finish from just inside the box.
It was a major shot in the arm, and seemed like it might open the floodgates.
But Linfield – still in pre-season and at times looking weary – showed resilience to jab back. Barrett had to be alert to block Morrison's fierce effort as the visitors came out of their shell.
Odubeko slashed at a dropping ball, Boyd prodded wide from a Ledwidge cross and then headed wide after being picked out by Wood.
But a second goal would not arrive. Shelbourne will take a one-goal to Windsor Park for a fascinating second leg that promises plenty more twists and turns.
Shelbourne: Conor Kearns; Mark Coyle (Capt), Paddy Barrett, Kameron Ledwidge; Evan Caffrey (Daniel Kelly 56), JJ Lunney, Kerr McInroy, Harry Wood (Ellis Chapman 78), James Norris (Tyreke Wilson 56); Ali Coote (Sean Boyd 56); Mipo Odubeko (John Martin 87).
Linfield: Chris Johns; Matthew Orr, Euan East, Ben Hall, Dane McCullough; Josh Archer, Jamie Mulgrew (Capt, Chris McKee 71), Ethan McGee; Kirk Miller, Matt Fitzpatrick, Callumn Morrison (Kieran Offord 71).
Referee: Luis Godinho (Portugal)
