The League of Ireland season is closing in on it's conclusion and each point is crucial, none more important than the three that were on offer in Dalymount Park on Friday night.
It ended 1-1 on the night which left more questions than answers for both sides.
The rearranged fixture moved Damien Duff’s Shelbourne four points clear with seven games to go and ultimately level on matches played with second-placed Derry City.
Having claimed two Premier League titles across the water with Chelsea, Shelbourne manager Duff knows just how important each point on the board is as the possibility of a first title for the Reds since 2006 looms large.
Bohemians came into the match in good form as they defeated Dublin rivals Shamrock Rovers on Sunday to end their 10-match winless run in the league.
TABLE | SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division
A draw against Bohs sees Shelbourne inch further away from Derry City!
Massive few weeks in store at both ends of the table 🍿#LOI | #LOITV pic.twitter.com/0GCaeu7OTf— League of Ireland (@LeagueofIreland) September 6, 2024
READ HERE: The Four Ireland Internationals Who Have Played For Another Country
"Brilliant Point" Duff Staying Positive Despite Bohemians Late Equaliser
🎙️ | "I think a lot of teams in the league have one win in six... Bohs is one win in... what?" 😬
Damien Duff isn't too concerned at the lack of victories for Shelbourne in recent weeks!#LOITV | #BOHSHE pic.twitter.com/qPnfB5wVpp— League of Ireland (@LeagueofIreland) September 6, 2024
Shelbourne remain in charge in the title race but an 82nd minute equaliser from Ross Tierney spoiled what could've been a massive three points for the Drumcondra club. But speaking after the match, Duff remained positive after his sides late concession:
People are going home slightly disappointed because you've given away the equaliser in the 82nd minute, but they shouldn't be. It's a brilliant point, it's a very difficult place to come
Part of Duff's optimism comes from how highly he rates Bohemians despite how poorly they've performed in the league this season:
Don't be fooled by their league position, they've some of the best players in the league
Truth being told, it was the home team that outplayed Shels for much of Friday nights contest and they will be pleased to gain a point on their short journey home from Phibsborough.
The draw leaves the ultimate destination of the league title still very much in question with seven games remaining and time for those trying to catch Damien Duff's men running out.
Strange ending to Duff interview
While talking to LOI TV, Duff's post-match interview ended in somewhat surreal circumstances (around 3.20), with the interviewer giggling and apologising to Duff, before the Shels manager made the comment 'sometimes manners are hard to find.'
🎙️ | "I think a lot of teams in the league have one win in six... Bohs is one win in... what?" 😬
Damien Duff isn't too concerned at the lack of victories for Shelbourne in recent weeks!#LOITV | #BOHSHE pic.twitter.com/qPnfB5wVpp— League of Ireland (@LeagueofIreland) September 6, 2024
Darren O'Hanlon, who was doing the interview, tweeted and clarified that's he hadn't been laughing at the Shels manager but in something that happened off camera.
Understandable confusion about the laughter
I wasn't laughing at Duff for saying they're mouth-watering games, as some people think!
Something happened outside the window behind me, for which I apologized. Duff wasn't directing his comment about having no manners towards me https://t.co/w1mu3vEQXo— Darren O'Hanlon📸 (@YourDailyDOHs) September 6, 2024
