Shelbourne added to their league title in 2024 by overcoming Drogheda United in the season-opening President’s Cup this weekend. A promising outing from the front two will give Shels fans optimism about competing at the top again in 2025.
Sean Boyd and Mipo Odubeko were on the scoresheet in the 2-0 win over Drogheda United at Tolka Park and their display promised much about their partnership in 2025.
Former West Ham Academy Star Compliments Boyd’s Skillset
It was clear in the first half that the duo could be an effective partnership as both had scored within the opening 40 minutes and Odubeko’s energetic and direct play was a perfect foil for last season’s top scorer Boyd.
26-year-old Boyd is a player who likes to get more involved in the build-up and work hard out of possession.
This allows his striker partner to occupy a more advanced role and judging by Odubeko’s display last night, that is how he likes to play the game, on the front foot while peppering the opposition with efforts on goal.
There is an argument to be made that Damien Duff had his best success last season when playing a front two after the departure of Will Jarvis but there was no ideal solution in terms of a striker partner for Boyd.
Lack of Goals Almost Unravelled Shelbourne Title Bid
Despite being crowned champions last season, Shelbourne scored just 40 goals in their 36 League of Ireland Premier Division outings.
That tally was one fewer than Drogheda United, who finished in a relegation play-off position.
However, if the tidy flick from Odubeko and finish from Boyd are anything to go by, goals should be less of an issue in the current campaign.
The creativity offered by Ali Coote and Harry Wood in midfield should ensure that chance creation remains at a high level. There is also the introduction of Ellis Chapman to consider, who is a reliable goal scorer from an attacking midfield role.
Damien Duff has built a side that have the capabilities to significantly improve their attacking displays and judging by the business done in the winter transfer window by their potential title rivals, they will need to considerably improve their output in front of goal in 2025.
Shelbourne start the defence of their Premier Division crown against Derry City on Friday, the same side they won the title against on the final day of the 2024 campaign.
Their first away outing will be at Waterford the following week before a mouth-watering tie with Shamrock Rovers to close out February.