Shelbourne open Setanta Cup campaign with draw

Shelbourne and Irish Cup winners, Portadown shared six goals in an exciting Group B Setanta Cup match played at Tolka Park on Tuesday night. Shelbourne took command of the game approaching half time when first Richie Baker headed home following a free kick and then Jason Byrne curled in a delightful shot on 45 minutes. The northern side were not to be undone and fought back to equalise with a brace of goals from Gary Hamilton who twice exposed a lack of pace in central defence to score in the 50th and 60th minutes. Shelbourne regained the lead 20 minutes from time when a Richie Baker shot evaded the grasp of the Portadown goalkeeper and crossed the line. Portadown, perhaps reflecting their greater level of match fitness equalised once more with a powerful 25 yard drive from Wes Boyle seven minutes from the end.