Good evening, and welcome along to our live coverage of Shelbourne’s Uefa Conference League clash against Drita.
They’re not the only League of Ireland side in European action this evening: Shamrock Rovers just drew 1-1 with AEK Athens. A late penalty denied Stephen Bradley’s men a famous win, their attention now turns to Sunday’s FAI Cup final.
All eyes on their Tallaght Stadium base now, however, where Shels host the Kosovo champions.
Kick-off is at 8pm, with the action live on Premier Sports 1 and TNT Sports 4.
After what could prove to be a very valuable 1-1 draw for Shamrock Rovers in Athens, it’s over to Shelbourne for a must-win game with Drita. pic.twitter.com/GeFEtKJvZV
3 mins – Speel has to be on his toes to cut out an early threat from Drita.
The visitors looking to settle an enjoying an early spell of possession.
6 Nov 2025
8:07PM
5 mins - Drita with a free shot on target, but Limaj’s effort is easily claimed by Speel.
Shelbourne respond with some nice play down the left from Harry Wood, but any promise of a meaningful attack is cut out.
6 Nov 2025
8:09PM
7 mins - Shels enjoying a little more possession in the last few. As I type, they loose the ball but press Drita high and try to keep them in the top left-hand corner of the pitch.
6 Nov 2025
8:13PM
10 mins - Brilliant play from Mbeng down the right, he turns his man and makes something out of nothing, but his run is cut out.
From the next move, he plays Henry-Francis into the channel and his cross bounces around the box. A corner eventually follows, Wood heading well over from the near post.
6 Nov 2025
8:14PM
12 mins – Drita launch an attack, but Kelly is equal to the delivery as he heads back to Speel.
Mbeng back on the charge at the other end, Shels prodding and probing as they look to take control of proceedings.
6 Nov 2025
8:16PM
13 mins - Wood’s shot is deflected out for another corner after a sustained spell of Shels pressure.
6 Nov 2025
8:18PM
CLOSE! Wood’s corner clips the near post and Drita clear their lines. The crowd thought it was in!
Break in play, and the referee is checking VAR for a separate incident.
6 Nov 2025
8:19PM
RED CARD! Shelbourne’s James Norris is sent off.
A blow for Joey O’Brien’s side after an encouraging start.
6 Nov 2025
8:23PM
Will need another look at that, but Eoin Doyle is arguing it was harsh on commentary.
Ledwidge comes on to replace Kelly as O’Brien must shuffle his deck.
6 Nov 2025
8:23PM
Here’s a replay…
"That's a very, very harsh red card" 😬
Shelbourne are on ten men after just fifteen minutes as James Norris gets sent off 🟥 pic.twitter.com/vAGQ3Bjr9z
23 mins - One of Ledwidge’s first involvements is to force another corner. Wood’s inswinger causes more trouble for Drita, the goalkeeper fumbles as he jumps with McInroy and the referee awards a free out.
6 Nov 2025
8:28PM
26 mins – Shels have reacted well to the early red card, Wood dancing through the Drita defence after a promising team move but he’s eventually intercepted.
Drita with a tame cross-cum-shot at the other end, which Shels deal with accordingly.
Shelbourne's Milan Mbeng and Raddy Ovouka of Drita. Ryan Byrne / INPHO
Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO
6 Nov 2025
8:32PM
30 mins – Barrett with a crucial defensive header to cut out a promising dinked ball as Drita look to capitalise with numerical advantage.
Shels break from the restart, with Wood and Mbeng prominent, and the latter is penalised for a foul the crowd are unhappy with.
6 Nov 2025
8:34PM
32 mins – Mipo has grown into the game in the last few minutes, linking up with Wood.
McInroy wins a free kick after doing well under pressure, Wood’s delivery doesn’t amount to anything of significance.
6 Nov 2025
8:37PM
BIG CHANCE! How has Mipo missed that?! He’s gifted an opportunity with the Drita defence at sixes and sevens as they struggle with a long delivery. The ball sits up perfectly, his effort is just wide.
6 Nov 2025
8:38PM
36 mins - Wood wins a free kick in a dangerous area after being hauled down. He’ll fancy this…
6 Nov 2025
8:39PM
CLOSE! Wood’s brilliant effort goes just over.
6 Nov 2025
8:42PM
40 mins – Shels have been much the better side, despite being reduced to 10 men, but Drita look to offer a reminder of their threat.
Two of their players run into each other going for the same ball, one is treated and there’s a lengthy stoppage for both management teams to rally the troops.
6 Nov 2025
8:47PM
43 mins - Drita offering a little more since the restart, one of the players involved in the collision returning with his head bandaged up.
Dangerous ball from the right side towards the back post, but Speel parries wide and Mbeng helps it out for a corner.
6 Nov 2025
8:48PM
45 mins - Speel with a save to deny a Drita shot, Henry-Francis having blocked another effort in the build-up.
SEVEN minutes added on.
6 Nov 2025
8:50PM
CLOSE! Drita with another quick short corner, Broja heads a good delivery off the bar.
6 Nov 2025
8:52PM
45 mins +4 - Shels will be willing the half-time whistle here, Drita building up a head of steam in the last few minutes.
A cross from deep is poor, however, and the ball trickles over the end line.
6 Nov 2025
8:54PM
45 mins + 6 – Another Drita chance goes abegging, the ball lifted well over the bar.
Shels will be confident to see this out to half time, Mbeng among those dropping back to take care of defensive duties.
Shelbourne down to 10 men since the 15th minute, when James Norris was shown a straight red card after an encouraging start.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Shels have arguably been the better team, but Drita have grown back into the game in the last few minutes.
Both sides have had their chances: Mipo with the best of the lot shortly after the half-hour mark.
Big second half ahead.
6 Nov 2025
9:10PM
SECOND-HALF: Drita get us underway again.
Shels make another change, Temple in for Coyle.
6 Nov 2025
9:11PM
46 mins - Ajzeraj blazes a big Drita opportunity over, let off for Shels as their defence switches off.
Mbeng draws a free kick as he dances down the right wing.
6 Nov 2025
9:14PM
49 mins - An inviting delivery is snuffed out as Shels are penalised for a foul in the Drita box.
Drita on the charge at the other end, a bit of a coming together between players.
6 Nov 2025
9:16PM
51 mins – Shels threaten from back to back corners, the first won by Mipo as the Drita ‘keeper bats away another dangerous Wood delivery. He’s then aggrieved, pinged for a foul as the second corner comes in from the other side.
6 Nov 2025
9:20PM
55 mins – Groans as the ball appears to come off Ben Zidane’s arm in the box after another delivery from deep, he plays on and tries to set up an overhead kick but it doesn’t come off. Drita on the front foot again.
6 Nov 2025
9:22PM
GOAL! Shelbourne 0-1 Drita (Ajzeraj 57)
Ajzeraj credited with the goal, but the shot takes two deflections in the Shels box, the second off Temple.
A really unfortunate goal to concede, a sucker punch for 10-man Shels.
6 Nov 2025
9:26PM
Here’s the goal that has Drita 1-0 up at Tallaght Stadium:
SAVE! Speel with a good reactionary stop, getting down to deny a Zidane header.
6 Nov 2025
9:29PM
CLOSE! Martin, just on for Lunney, heads narrowly over after brilliant work from Ledwidge down the left. Good response from Shels, can they pull one back?
6 Nov 2025
9:30PM
66 mins - Drita launch another attack, but Speel comfortably stops a tame effort.
The Shels ‘keeper collects another delivery, and Shels look to go again.
6 Nov 2025
9:32PM
68 mins - Barrett sees yellow for a rather needless lunge out wide right, the subsequent free kick is overhit and floats wide.
6 Nov 2025
9:35PM
70 mins - ‘Gwan Shels, gwan Shels,’ the crowd roar their side on as another Drita delivery floats harmlessly over the end-line.
They’re enjoying much more of the ball in this second half, as their numerical advantage counts. They make a sub, Albania international Azabaj coming in.
6 Nov 2025
9:38PM
74 mins - Shelbourne really struggling for any control here, looking devoid of ideas as they chase shadows, a man down. But all it takes is one moment . . .
6 Nov 2025
9:40PM
75 mins - McInroy intercepts to cut out Drita’s latest attack, and wins a free kick to relieve some pressure. Martin and Mipo can’t link up when the ball gets up top.
Looks like Caffrey and Coote could be coming on.
6 Nov 2025
9:43PM
77 mins - Drita play with fire at the back, Martin coming close to dispossessing but they survive. The attacks keep coming at the other end, but nothing of real substance.
Time for those Shelbourne subs: Caffrey for Henry-Francis, Coote for Wood.
6 Nov 2025
9:45PM
DOUBLE SAVE! Instant impact from the bench as Caffrey is denied twice.
Better play from Shels there, the fresh legs playing dividends. A word too, for McInroy winning the ball back and driving through the middle.
6 Nov 2025
9:48PM
82 mins – Shels with a few flashes of promise, Speel’s long kickout eventually falls to Mbeng but Martin can’t steer his inviting low delivery on target.
Before that, Drita made another sub: Kosovo underage international Mustafa for captain Broja. They also had a player booked, didn’t quite catch who.
6 Nov 2025
9:49PM
84 mins - Coote’s shot is blocked, as Shelbourne press high. The intent and energy levels are up since the double change, can they pull one back?
6 Nov 2025
9:51PM
86 mins – Coote’s corner is claimed by the Drita ‘keeper at the back post.
6 Nov 2025
9:55PM
89 mins - Ledwidge with a big block to intercept a Drita shot, it just hasn’t been happening for Shelbourne in the last few minutes.
As I type, Barrett concedes a free-kick to stop a run through the middle. It is skied.
Four minutes added on, boos from the Shelbourne supporters.
6 Nov 2025
9:58PM
90 mins + 3 - Speel with a few long balls, Martin does well to control the latest and Mbeng wins a throw-in. Nothing comes from Caffrey’s slings, however. Doesn’t look like it’s going to be Shelbourne’s night.
Drita’s goalscorer heads off to a big reception from the bench.
6 Nov 2025
9:59PM
90 mins + 4 - Martin penalised for a foul in the middle as he looks to latch onto a long ball, and that could well be that . . .
6 Nov 2025
10:00PM
90 mins + 5 - Referee plays on, Shels try to muster up one last chance but it’s not to be.
The final whistle sounds, frustration for Joey O’Brien’s side and another big opportunity missed.
Another disappointing European night for Shelbourne, a famous win for Drita. The early red card was a hammer blow, the goal an unfortunate one to concede. Shels had their chances, and will be hugely frustrated.
“I’m just angry and very sad,” Mbeng tells Premier Sports 1.
That sums it up.
Our live coverage ends here, but David Sneyd’s report will be on The 42 imminently.
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As it happened: Shelbourne v Drita, Uefa Conference League
Shelbourne 0-1 Drita
Good evening, and welcome along to our live coverage of Shelbourne’s Uefa Conference League clash against Drita.
They’re not the only League of Ireland side in European action this evening: Shamrock Rovers just drew 1-1 with AEK Athens. A late penalty denied Stephen Bradley’s men a famous win, their attention now turns to Sunday’s FAI Cup final.
All eyes on their Tallaght Stadium base now, however, where Shels host the Kosovo champions.
Kick-off is at 8pm, with the action live on Premier Sports 1 and TNT Sports 4.
We’ll keep you updated right here.
Confirmation of the Shelbourne XI…
Call it?
Poll Results:
David Sneyd is at Tallaght Stadium for us…
KICK-OFF: We’re underway.
3 mins – Speel has to be on his toes to cut out an early threat from Drita.
The visitors looking to settle an enjoying an early spell of possession.
5 mins - Drita with a free shot on target, but Limaj’s effort is easily claimed by Speel.
Shelbourne respond with some nice play down the left from Harry Wood, but any promise of a meaningful attack is cut out.
7 mins - Shels enjoying a little more possession in the last few. As I type, they loose the ball but press Drita high and try to keep them in the top left-hand corner of the pitch.
10 mins - Brilliant play from Mbeng down the right, he turns his man and makes something out of nothing, but his run is cut out.
From the next move, he plays Henry-Francis into the channel and his cross bounces around the box. A corner eventually follows, Wood heading well over from the near post.
12 mins – Drita launch an attack, but Kelly is equal to the delivery as he heads back to Speel.
Mbeng back on the charge at the other end, Shels prodding and probing as they look to take control of proceedings.
13 mins - Wood’s shot is deflected out for another corner after a sustained spell of Shels pressure.
CLOSE! Wood’s corner clips the near post and Drita clear their lines. The crowd thought it was in!
Break in play, and the referee is checking VAR for a separate incident.
RED CARD! Shelbourne’s James Norris is sent off.
A blow for Joey O’Brien’s side after an encouraging start.
Will need another look at that, but Eoin Doyle is arguing it was harsh on commentary.
Ledwidge comes on to replace Kelly as O’Brien must shuffle his deck.
Here’s a replay…
23 mins - One of Ledwidge’s first involvements is to force another corner. Wood’s inswinger causes more trouble for Drita, the goalkeeper fumbles as he jumps with McInroy and the referee awards a free out.
26 mins – Shels have reacted well to the early red card, Wood dancing through the Drita defence after a promising team move but he’s eventually intercepted.
Drita with a tame cross-cum-shot at the other end, which Shels deal with accordingly.
30 mins – Barrett with a crucial defensive header to cut out a promising dinked ball as Drita look to capitalise with numerical advantage.
Shels break from the restart, with Wood and Mbeng prominent, and the latter is penalised for a foul the crowd are unhappy with.
32 mins – Mipo has grown into the game in the last few minutes, linking up with Wood.
McInroy wins a free kick after doing well under pressure, Wood’s delivery doesn’t amount to anything of significance.
BIG CHANCE! How has Mipo missed that?! He’s gifted an opportunity with the Drita defence at sixes and sevens as they struggle with a long delivery. The ball sits up perfectly, his effort is just wide.
36 mins - Wood wins a free kick in a dangerous area after being hauled down. He’ll fancy this…
CLOSE! Wood’s brilliant effort goes just over.
40 mins – Shels have been much the better side, despite being reduced to 10 men, but Drita look to offer a reminder of their threat.
Two of their players run into each other going for the same ball, one is treated and there’s a lengthy stoppage for both management teams to rally the troops.
43 mins - Drita offering a little more since the restart, one of the players involved in the collision returning with his head bandaged up.
Dangerous ball from the right side towards the back post, but Speel parries wide and Mbeng helps it out for a corner.
45 mins - Speel with a save to deny a Drita shot, Henry-Francis having blocked another effort in the build-up.
SEVEN minutes added on.
CLOSE! Drita with another quick short corner, Broja heads a good delivery off the bar.
45 mins +4 - Shels will be willing the half-time whistle here, Drita building up a head of steam in the last few minutes.
A cross from deep is poor, however, and the ball trickles over the end line.
45 mins + 6 – Another Drita chance goes abegging, the ball lifted well over the bar.
Shels will be confident to see this out to half time, Mbeng among those dropping back to take care of defensive duties.
HALF-TIME: Shelbourne 0-0 Drita
Scoreless at the break in Tallaght Stadium.
Shelbourne down to 10 men since the 15th minute, when James Norris was shown a straight red card after an encouraging start.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Shels have arguably been the better team, but Drita have grown back into the game in the last few minutes.
Both sides have had their chances: Mipo with the best of the lot shortly after the half-hour mark.
Big second half ahead.
SECOND-HALF: Drita get us underway again.
Shels make another change, Temple in for Coyle.
46 mins - Ajzeraj blazes a big Drita opportunity over, let off for Shels as their defence switches off.
Mbeng draws a free kick as he dances down the right wing.
49 mins - An inviting delivery is snuffed out as Shels are penalised for a foul in the Drita box.
Drita on the charge at the other end, a bit of a coming together between players.
51 mins – Shels threaten from back to back corners, the first won by Mipo as the Drita ‘keeper bats away another dangerous Wood delivery. He’s then aggrieved, pinged for a foul as the second corner comes in from the other side.
55 mins – Groans as the ball appears to come off Ben Zidane’s arm in the box after another delivery from deep, he plays on and tries to set up an overhead kick but it doesn’t come off. Drita on the front foot again.
GOAL! Shelbourne 0-1 Drita (Ajzeraj 57)
Ajzeraj credited with the goal, but the shot takes two deflections in the Shels box, the second off Temple.
A really unfortunate goal to concede, a sucker punch for 10-man Shels.
Here’s the goal that has Drita 1-0 up at Tallaght Stadium:
SAVE! Speel with a good reactionary stop, getting down to deny a Zidane header.
CLOSE! Martin, just on for Lunney, heads narrowly over after brilliant work from Ledwidge down the left. Good response from Shels, can they pull one back?
66 mins - Drita launch another attack, but Speel comfortably stops a tame effort.
The Shels ‘keeper collects another delivery, and Shels look to go again.
68 mins - Barrett sees yellow for a rather needless lunge out wide right, the subsequent free kick is overhit and floats wide.
70 mins - ‘Gwan Shels, gwan Shels,’ the crowd roar their side on as another Drita delivery floats harmlessly over the end-line.
They’re enjoying much more of the ball in this second half, as their numerical advantage counts. They make a sub, Albania international Azabaj coming in.
74 mins - Shelbourne really struggling for any control here, looking devoid of ideas as they chase shadows, a man down. But all it takes is one moment . . .
75 mins - McInroy intercepts to cut out Drita’s latest attack, and wins a free kick to relieve some pressure. Martin and Mipo can’t link up when the ball gets up top.
Looks like Caffrey and Coote could be coming on.
77 mins - Drita play with fire at the back, Martin coming close to dispossessing but they survive. The attacks keep coming at the other end, but nothing of real substance.
Time for those Shelbourne subs: Caffrey for Henry-Francis, Coote for Wood.
DOUBLE SAVE! Instant impact from the bench as Caffrey is denied twice.
Better play from Shels there, the fresh legs playing dividends. A word too, for McInroy winning the ball back and driving through the middle.
82 mins – Shels with a few flashes of promise, Speel’s long kickout eventually falls to Mbeng but Martin can’t steer his inviting low delivery on target.
Before that, Drita made another sub: Kosovo underage international Mustafa for captain Broja. They also had a player booked, didn’t quite catch who.
84 mins - Coote’s shot is blocked, as Shelbourne press high. The intent and energy levels are up since the double change, can they pull one back?
86 mins – Coote’s corner is claimed by the Drita ‘keeper at the back post.
89 mins - Ledwidge with a big block to intercept a Drita shot, it just hasn’t been happening for Shelbourne in the last few minutes.
As I type, Barrett concedes a free-kick to stop a run through the middle. It is skied.
Four minutes added on, boos from the Shelbourne supporters.
90 mins + 3 - Speel with a few long balls, Martin does well to control the latest and Mbeng wins a throw-in. Nothing comes from Caffrey’s slings, however. Doesn’t look like it’s going to be Shelbourne’s night.
Drita’s goalscorer heads off to a big reception from the bench.
90 mins + 4 - Martin penalised for a foul in the middle as he looks to latch onto a long ball, and that could well be that . . .
90 mins + 5 - Referee plays on, Shels try to muster up one last chance but it’s not to be.
The final whistle sounds, frustration for Joey O’Brien’s side and another big opportunity missed.
FULL-TIME: Shelbourne 0-1 Drita
So, that’s that.
Another disappointing European night for Shelbourne, a famous win for Drita. The early red card was a hammer blow, the goal an unfortunate one to concede. Shels had their chances, and will be hugely frustrated.
“I’m just angry and very sad,” Mbeng tells Premier Sports 1.
That sums it up.
Our live coverage ends here, but David Sneyd’s report will be on The 42 imminently.
Thanks for following, goodnight!
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