Match Report
In the standings it was Shelbourne 1219th on 2 points, Hearts 836th on 4 — separated by 2. The last five rounds placed Shelbourne no better than 1563rd for form, against 1219th in the standings. In league terms the two rates read 0.4/3 for Shelbourne and 2.25/1.25 for Hearts (scored/conceded per game); the competition average is 1.69.
Shelbourne had won four straight, having scored in 6 consecutive games. Defeat had followed defeat for Hearts — four in succession. Over the last five, Shelbourne had taken 13 of 15 points to Hearts's 1.
Tolka Park in Dublin staged the fixture, a ground that holds 9,700. Half-time and full-time told different stories: Hearts led 2-0 at the break, before 5 more goals closed it at 0-7.