.gif "Sack Attack: An A-League Webcomic")
Shels began the Airtricity League season as heavy favourites to win promotion, a tag earned through signing a heap of talented and proven players. Reds fans know better than to believe the hype but there is now a genuine sense of optimism around Tolka Park which the club hasn't had in a few years.
After the last round of matches Shels sit on top of the table- a point ahead of likely promotion rivals Cork City. Friday saw them scrape a 1-0 win against Finn Harps (who recently sacked their manager). One of the club's longer-serving players, David Cassidy, got the goal on 49 minutes but Shels really weren't on their game. They could have gone behind just before half-time, while in the second half they had most of the possession but just couldn't kill the game off. Next Friday sees Shels face strugglers Salthill Devon away, before a crunch match with Cork City the following week.
In the cup competitions, Shels have progressed to the quarter finals of the EA Sports Cup (League Cup) after beating local rivals Bohemians 4-2 last Monday. The Reds are also on course to defend their Leinster Senior Cup title- they'll play Wexford Youths in the fourth round. You can see highlights of the cup win against Bohemians (including one cracking goal from Barry Clancy), along with highlights of all recent Shelbourne FC matches, over at Shels TV.