Dream goal in a

A screamer from Conor Clifford on what could turn out to be his last appearance for the club wasn’t enough to prevent an inexperienced Dundalk side going down to Shelbourne after extra-time in the Leinster Senior Cup final at Oriel Park last Wednesday.

The former Chelsea youth team player captained Stephen Kenny’s side on the night and gave them a half-time lead three minutes before the break with a stunning 30 yard free kick to the top left hand corner.

Ultimately Shels’ experience told in extra-time as they ran out 4-2 winners but Clifford’s week was to hit a lower note than losing a cup final when it emerged on Friday evening that he had been given a six month worldwide suspension by FIFA from all football-related activities for betting offences relating to his time in the UK.

Clifford, whose contract Oriel Park is up at the end of the season, cannot now play again until April 2nd 2018. The midfielder was also fined £600 by the English Football Association for 112 breaches of FA Rule E8, in which he admitted the charge.

Reacting to the suspension, manager Stephen Kenny admitted the 26-year-old had been naïve but said he felt the punishment was harsh.

“Rules are rules and you have to