Damien Duff’s side outclassed against Swiss side in first leg of Europa Conference League tie
FC Zurich’s Antonio Marchesano scores their second goal despite the efforts of Shelbourne's Sam Bone during the Europa Conference League second qualifying round, first leg at Stadion Letzigrund. Photograph: Martin Meienberger/InphoTheir general defensive solidity, the cornerstone of their season to date, deserted Shelbourne in the stifling heat of Zurich as their hopes of progressing in the Europa Conference League are all but over.
And starting with three full internationals in their line-up, they were straight out of the blocks to take an immediate lead.Damien Duff embracing the Zurich challenge for ‘massive underdogs’ ShelbourneThe boot was on the other foot at the Stadion Letzigrund as they suffered the same fate falling behind before half a minute was played.
Duff, highly critical of his team’s display in beating Bray Wanderers 1-0 in the FAI Cup last Sunday, made three changes to the side that won through in Gibraltar last week, acknowledging that they would have to defend diligently in central Europe. And as with the opening goal, what they did best was punish Shels’ sloppy defending once again in the 29th minute.
The 27-year-old slid a pass through for the run of Antonio Marchesano who drew Conor Kearns off his line and dinked the ball over him to the net for a delightful finish.
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