Doolin wins battle of the vets - January 8, 2001
Shelbourne 2 Monaghan 0
The spotlight was on Shelbourne veterans Bobby Browne and Gary Howlett - now jointly managing Monaghan United - before this second round FAI Cup tie at Tolka. But it was another veteran, Paul Doolin, who stole the show with a double strike which steered the defending champions safely through a potentially hazardous encounter.
Shiny-pated Doolin struck at either end of the game, giving Shels the lead after just three minutes and then making sure of it ten minutes from the end. The opener was the result of a mix-up between Monaghan 'keeper Robbie Hannon and full back James O'Callaghan. Doolin picked up the pieces to score a simple tap-in.
Doolin had another chance before half time when he headed over from Pat Fenlon's free kick. But he made no mistake in the 80th minute, running onto the end of Dessie Baker's cross to sidefoot home from twelve yards.
Shortly afterwards Doolin played in substitute Tony Sheridan for what should have been Shelbourne's third, but Hannon made a good stop.
Earlier Steve Geoghegan had shaved the crossbar for the champions. But the visitors were not without their chances either and Peter Rogers went close from two long-range efforts.
Shelbourne: Williams, Heary, D Geoghegan, Hutchison, John, P Scully, D Baker, Doolin, Fenlon, S Geoghegan, R Baker
Subs: Keddy for Hutchison 54, Foran for S Geoghegan 70, Sheridan for D Baker 81
Goals: Doolin 3, 80
Monaghan United: Hannon, Gill, O'Callaghan, McArville, Carroll, M Scully, Meier, Grendon, Rogers, McKenna, Smyth
Subs: White for Carroll 72, Lundy for O'Callaghan 75
Referee: John Feighery (Dublin)