Overview

• Matthew Fitzpatrick was sent off midway through the first half for a high boot, tilting the first leg at Tolka Park in Shelbourne’s favor.
• Mipo Odubeko missed an initial penalty before VAR upgraded a free kick to a second spot kick that Harry Wood converted on the stroke of half-time.
• Odubeko struck less than a minute into the second half, Linfield’s Kieran Offord replied from close range, and Wessel Speel then saved Offord’s penalty to preserve the lead.
• Substitute Evan Caffrey added a late third to restore a two-goal margin, giving Shelbourne a 3-1 advantage to take to Windsor Park next week.
• Manager Joey O’Brien said his side will attack the return leg despite the lead, while Linfield’s David Healy stressed the need to score first at home to keep the tie alive.