The flexing of muscles from a new and fully stocked Shelbourne looked a little flabby last night. It matters little to Pat Fenlon, though, as his team moved into pole position without producing the form required to replicate last season's European adventures.
We came to see the dream partnership of Jason Byrne and Glen Crowe, but Richie Baker ruined that after just six minutes. After a loose pass down the right wing, Baker proceeded to crash into Kevin Waters, who gave him a dead leg for his troubles. That seemed to be that, until Baker turned and punched the Waterford winger, leaving referee John Feighery little option but to produce a red card.
It soured an excellent return to the Eircom League for Baker after two years with New England Revolution. More importantly, it forced Shelbourne to adopt the ultra-cautious tactics they employed against Deportivo La Coruna last season at Lansdowne Road. Byrne switched to the right, leaving Crowe to forage alone up front.
With the one-man advantage Waterford had a prime chance to take a valuable three points from Tolka Park, but they found themselves trailing within nine minutes of Baker's dismissal.
Waters was again involved as he impeded Owen Heary in the box at a Shelbourne corner. Byrne sent Patrick Holden the wrong way from the penalty spot.
There was another story on the night as United striker Daryl Murphy may be an Ipswich Town player by Monday, presuming the English club can produce the funds. Naturally, Waterford looked to him to dig them out of a hole. On three occasions in the opening half he almost did. One chance in particular skimmed across the goalmouth.
Early in the second half a knock-down from Murphy gave Willie Bruton a clear sight of goal but Steve Williams was equal to the shot.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Shelbourne controlled the tempo. Jim Crawford and Stuart Byrne kept the midfield tight, while for 20 minutes Wesley Hoolahan seemed destined to win the match from off the left wing. Ollie Cahill's introduction for the last quarter brought a similar threat from the right. More is the pity that Crowe was so far off the pace.
SHELBOURNE: Williams; Heary, Hawkins, Rogers, Crawley; Baker, Crawford, S Byrne, Hoolahan (Harris, 87); Byrne (Cahill, 69), Crowe (O'Neill ,73).
WATERFORD UNITED: Holden; Mulcahy, Breen, Purcell, Frost; Heffernan, Reynolds, Crowley (Andrews, 68), Waters (Yelverton, 70); Bruton (Doyle, 86), Murphy.
Referee: J Feighery (Dublin).
