Shelbourne go out despite holding Zurich in Tolka Park

As somewhat expected following last week's sobering 3-0 first leg defeat in Switzerland, Shelbourne bowed out of Europe amid a frenzied atmosphere at Tolka Park.

But there was redemption of sorts on the night as Damien Duff's side held their own in producing a controlled performance that just lacked a clinical edge in front of goal.

Though Shelbourne were the better side for spells of the first half in which they created several chances, Zurich showed their quality in the latter stages of the second as Duff’s side had to defend, and that they did superbly, in what was an entertaining scoreless draw.

Doubtless with Monday’s top-of-the-table league class with Derry City in mind, Duff made five changes from last week, with skipper Mark Coyle and JJ Lunney chief among those who dropped to the bench.

Zurich arrived in Drumcondra backed by a vociferous support of some 350 fans who had walked to the ground under a Garda escort from O’Connell Street.

While Duff had duly acknowledged that Zurich were very good in that first leg, he was disappointed with the performance of his side whose mistakes were ruthlessly punished.

Shelbourne started far better here, forcing the first corner of the game inside the second minute and the first attack of note 12 minutes later.

Centre-back Paddy Barrett launched a free kick from halfway which found winger Will Jarvis in space on the left to advance only to see his hurried shot arrow wide.

Growing in confidence as the game wore on, Shelbourne came close again on the half hour, Matty Smith just not able to get a touch to Ali Coote's low centre across the face of the Zurich goal.

Minutes later a Coote corner found Barrett whose first time volley flashed past a post.

Excellent defending then prevented