Byrne sets up away success

By Kenny Archer at The Oval

Two away goals from Jason Byrne put Shelbourne FC in control of their UEFA Champions League first qualifying round tie with Glentoran FC in Belfast.

Byrne double
After a goalless first half, Byrne struck from open play before converting a penalty for the Irish Premier Division champions, but Glentoran winger Sean Ward pulled a goal back to set up a fascinating second leg at Tolka Park in Dublin next week.

Morris resolve
Northern Irish Premier Division champions Glentoran began brightly enough but Shelbourne soon took charge of the game, although they took their time to test the home team's goalkeeper. When they did, Elliott Morris repeatedly rose to the challenge, denying midfield player Stuart Byrne then saving twice in as many minutes from Wesley Hoolahan.

Shelbourne pressure
Glentoran captain Paul Leeman was forced to slide in to prevent Shelbourne centre-half Colin Hawkins shooting from close range and a minute later Leeman kicked away a low free-kick drilled on target by Byrne.

Narrow escapes
Two corners from Shelbourne left-back David Crawley both found the head of winger Richard Baker but his first attempt was sliced wide by Glentoran's Tommy McCallion before the second flew centimetres over the bar. But the visitors' superiority began to show after the break.

Deadlock broken
Byrne broke the deadlock ten minutes into the second half, and the same player soon converted a penalty after the busy Leeman had fouled Glen Crowe in the area, bringing up his eleventh goal of the season. Ward gave the hosts some hope when he drove a low right-foot shot inside the far post from the edge of the area - but Shelbourne are on course to meet FC Steaua Bucuresti in the second qualifying round.