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Shelbourne vs Galway United

7 September 2025 at 17:00Tolka Park, Dublin
Referee: Neil Doyle

Match Summary

Shelbourne defeated Galway United 1:0. The match was played in Premier Division 2025. Goals were scored by H. Wood 78′ (pen.). 4 yellow cards were shown. Shelbourne had 70% possession while Galway United held 30%. Shelbourne had 13 shots (5 on target) compared to 9 (3 on target) for Galway United. Shelbourne made 5 substitutions, Galway United made 5.

Match Events

Key match events between Shelbourne and Galway United — 1 goal and 4 cards recorded during the match.

Match Statistics

Shelbourne had 70% possession against Galway United's 30%. Shelbourne registered 13 shots (5 on target) while Galway United managed 9 (3 on target). Corner kicks: 9–1. Fouls committed: 7–8.

Shots on Goal
5
3
Shots Off Goal
4
4
Total Shots
13
9
Blocked Shots
4
2
Shots inside the Box
10
6
Shots outside the Box
3
3
Fouls
7
8
Corner Kicks
9
1
Offsides
2
1
Ball Possession
70%
30%
Yellow Cards
3
1
Red Cards
0
0
Goalkeeper Saves
3
3
Total Passes
625
262
Accurate Passes
545
183
Pass Accuracy
87%
70%
Expected Goals (xG)
0
0
Goals Prevented (xGP)
0
0

Lineups

Shelbourne lined up in a 4-3-2-1 formation under Joseph Martin O'Brien, while Galway United deployed a 3-4-2-1 under Johnathan Caulfield.

Squad Ratings

The overall squad rating for Shelbourne is 6.92, compared to 6.88 for Galway United. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. Shelbourne's highest-rated starter is H. Wood (7.24), while Galway United's best-rated player is D. Hurley (7.11).

Attacking Output

The starting XI of Shelbourne have contributed 27 goals and 15 assists this season, led by H. Wood (9G). Galway United's starters account for 4 goals and 5 assists, spearheaded by D. Hurley (2G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.

Defensive Solidity

Shelbourne deploy 4 defenders rated 6.89 on average, against Galway United's 3-man backline averaging 6.77. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.

Midfield Control

Shelbourne field 5 midfielders averaging 7.02, versus Galway United's 4 rated 6.94. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.

Forward Threat

Shelbourne start 1 forward(s) averaging 6.85, compared to 3 for Galway United averaging 6.87. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.

Passing & Build-Up

Passing accuracy averages 51% for Shelbourne and 64% for Galway United. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.

Discipline

Shelbourne's starters have collected 40 yellow cards this season, compared to 7 for Galway United. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.

Age & Experience

The average age of Shelbourne's starting XI is 24.9 (youngest: J. Norris (22), oldest: P. Barrett (32)), while Galway United average 28.0 (youngest: E. McCarthy (24), oldest: J. Keohane (34)). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.

Squad Depth

Shelbourne's starters average 26 league appearances each, versus 14 for Galway United. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.

Shelbourne4-3-2-13-4-2-1Galway United
GKDEFMIDFWD
13Speel25Mbeng15Bone29Barrett18Norris7Wood6Lunney23McInroy11Odubeko27Caffrey10Martin1Clarke26Buckley5Brouder4Slevin33Esua10Hurley24McCarthy18Burns15Hickey20Keohane27McGuinn.

Substitutes

Coach: Joseph Martin O'Brien

Substitutes

Coach: Johnathan Caulfield

ShelbournePosition StrengthGalway United
6.92
Avg Rating
6.88
6.73Goalkeeper (1 v 1)
0G 0A0G 0A
6.89Defender (4 v 3)6.77
1G 1A1G 0A
7.02Midfielder (5 v 4)6.94
19G 13A2G 4A
6.85Forward (1 v 3)6.87
7G 1A1G 1A
Shelbourne4-3-2-1
13GoalkeeperW. Speel6.7
25DefenderM. Mbeng7.0
15DefenderS. Bone6.91G
29DefenderP. Barrett6.9
18DefenderJ. Norris6.81A
7MidfielderH. Wood7.29G4A
6MidfielderJ. Lunney6.91G1A
23MidfielderK. McInroy
11MidfielderA. Odubeko6.97G3A
27MidfielderE. Caffrey7.12G5A
10ForwardJ. Martin6.87G1A
Galway United3-4-2-1
1GoalkeeperB. Clarke
26DefenderG. Buckley
5DefenderK. Brouder6.81G
4DefenderR. Slevin
33MidfielderJ. Esua
10MidfielderD. Hurley7.12G4A
24MidfielderE. McCarthy6.8
18MidfielderB. Burns
15ForwardP. Hickey
20ForwardJ. Keohane6.91G1A
27ForwardD. McGuinness

Rivalry since 2019

Shelbourne vs Galway United Head to Head Results· 18

Shelbourne and Galway United have met 18 times — Shelbourne won 7, Galway United won 3, with 8 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2019. Shelbourne leads the head-to-head with 7 victories from 18 meetings. A combined 47 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 2.61 per match (30 for the home side, 17 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 10 matches (56%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 7 games (39%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. Shelbourne are currently unbeaten in the last 5 meetings. The highest-scoring encounter finished 2–5 in 2020.

Drawn
8
·
Total goals
47 · 2.6/match
Both scored
10/18 · 56%
Over 2.5
7/18 · 39%

Recent Meetings

Match Details
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10/02/23Friendlies Clubs
Match Details
Highest-scoring game: 25 v 2020

Recent Form

WWonDDrawnLLost

In their last 6 matches, Shelbourne have recorded 1 win, 2 draws and 3 defeats. Galway United show 1 win, 3 draws and 2 losses from their last 6 outings.

Statistics are for informational purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

API data: 11 May 2026