There were no trophies handed out in Tolka Park on Monday night but Shelbourne's goalless draw with second placed Derry City will feel like a missed opportunity in their quest to secure their first Premier dDvision title since 2006. Given the importance of the result, it was always going to be a cagey affair.
Tensions are understandably running high as both teams set their sights on putting an end to Shamrock Rovers five in a row bid. This was evident at the final whistle as Damien Duff and Ruaidhrí Higgins seemed to have a few words with the Derry boss unhappy with the treatment of his players by referee Damien McGrath.
Questioned in relation to his post match handshake with the Derry manager, Duff was quick to laugh off the situation:
Ruaidhrí's probably my only friend in the League of Ireland, I guess I have none left now.
FT at Tolka Park.
Shels 0-0 Derry City.
All square between 1st and 2nd. A big effort from Derry having played with 10 men for an hour.
A bit of a moment between Damien Duff and Ruaidhrí Higgins at full-time...
#SHEDER | #LOI pic.twitter.com/qHGioL7V71— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) August 5, 2024
Trailing by three points and with defending champions Rovers lurking behind them, the greater need for points was undoubtedly with Derry heading into the top of the table clash. And that was evident from how both sides began the tie.
The lack of urgency at times throughout will frustrate Shels manager Damien Duff as he was seen on numerous occasions demanding his players move the ball quicker:
Thought there was a real slowness, (it was) pedestrian how we moved the ball. There was an apprehension about how we played as well, maybe a bit of nervousness.
The Candystripes had a fortnight to get set for this game after their European exit. And it showed. They flew out of the traps and dominated the opening 20 minutes of the contest with their midfield looking especially dominant.
The away side enjoyed the better play early on and could've taken the lead after 15 minutes through Michael Duffy. A ball into the box was flicked on by Pat Hoban and found Duffy five yards out but he was brilliantly denied by Conor Kearns. The first chance in an understandably cagey opening.
The flow of the game was flipped on its head after Derry were reduced to 10 just before the 35th minute, Sam Todd received his second yellow after a rash tackle on Liam Burt. But it took Shels until the hour mark to come up with a proper attempt on goal, forcing Brian Maher into his first save of the game,. much to Duff's frustration.
𝗥𝗘𝗗 𝗖𝗔𝗥𝗗! 🟥
Huge moment at Tolka Park as Sam Todd is sent off for Derry City after a second yellow card!
This place has erupted!#SHEDER | #LOI pic.twitter.com/80czy6KtMX— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) August 5, 2024
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Duff v Higgins
Damien Duff's rookie season at Shels resulted in a 4-0 cup final defeat to the Candystripes, they've come a long way since that day in the Aviva Stadium and the league table is a prime example of that.
Derry boss Ruaidhrí Higgins was quoted playing down the size of the game in the buildup to the clash but recent form suggested it would be tight with the last five games between Derry City and Shelbourne all ending in draws, three of which were scoreless. These are two teams and two managers who know each other very well.
Duff and Higgins have both served on Stephen Kenny’s Ireland staff for a short period of time. Higgins is well aware that the former Ireland international's show is the hottest ticket in the League of Ireland at the moment and insists he is happy in the shadows.
Despite only coming away with a point, Higgins was bullish about his sides chances going forward in the title race after the match:
I found out (tonight) that we are up for it, we're made of the right stuff. I've no doubt after tonight that we are up for the challenge.
Both managers agreed that Shamrock Rovers are still in the race to be crowned champions despite the talk of the title being a two horse race. Speaking after the match, Duff reiterated the Tallaght sides title credentials:
Brilliant team, brilliant players, brilliant manager, everything about them is brilliant. They'll be going along nicely and (They'll be) happy no-one is talking about them. I'm not stupid, they're absolutely in it.
TABLE | SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division
Here's how the standings shape up as Round 26 concludes with this evening's stalemate!
Shelbourne stay three points clear with a game in hand on Derry City in second 🔝#LOI | #SHEDER pic.twitter.com/FopeaSCYxs— League of Ireland (@LeagueofIreland) August 5, 2024
We get the feeling there'll be many more twists and turns before this title race is decided.
