Soccer

Airtricity League: Shelbourne go eight points clear at the top despite Derry draw

St Patrick’s Athletic put three past Sligo to win in Inchicore; Shamrock Rovers move up table after win in Waterford

Shelbourne's John O'Sullivan in action against Michael Duffy of Derry City during the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division match at Tolka Park. Photograph: Ryan Byrne/Inpho
Mon Apr 01 2024 - 21:44
Airtricity League Premier Division: Shelbourne 0 Derry City 0

Shelbourne moved eight points clear at the top of the Airtricity League Premier Division despite being held to a goalless draw by Derry City at Tolka Park on Easter Monday.

St Patrick’s Athletic handed Sligo Rovers just their second defeat of the season in Inchicore, with champions Shamrock Rovers the big movers in the table after their 2-1 win in Waterford brought them alongside Sligo and Derry City on 12 points, with Damien Duff’s side soaring ahead on 20. Bohemians beat Galway United 2-0 away from home.

It proved a disappointing affair overall at Tolka Park, with Derry putting in a much-improved showing after back-to-back defeats by Bohemians and Galway United. But team boss Ruaidhrí Higgins will be disappointed not to have secured victory on a day when defences dominated, with clearcut scoring chances at a premium.

Both teams enjoyed good periods of possession during what was a lively opening half, with Derry’s Michael Duffy having a shot blocked inside the area during the early stages.

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At the other end Shelbourne were presented with a superb chance to break the deadlock when hitting on the break but Evan Caffrey strayed offside and a great chance was lost.

Derry’s other main chance in the first half saw Will Patching float a free-kick over the Shelbourne crossbar from 20 yards.

Derry lost the services of top striker Pat Hoban, who was replaced by Danny Mullan, and he was played in by Duffy in the 62nd minute only to drag his shot well wide of the target.

In the 70th minute, another Patching free was deflected wide at the expense of a corner as the Candystripes began to get a grip on the game.

Derry could have nicked the win during six minutes of added time after a superb Patching lob into the danger area was met by Cameron McJannet, but the Englishman failed to lift the ball over the outstretched arms of alert Shels goalkeeper Conor Kearns.

SHELBOURNE: Kearns; Gannon, Barrett, Molloy, Wilson; Jarvis (Boyd, 80), Lunney, Caffrey (Farrell, 61), O’Sullivan; Burt (Ledwitch, 80); Smith (Martin, 63).

DERRY CITY: Maher; Boyce (Todd, 88), Connolly, McJannet, McElhinney, Coll; Patching, McMullan (Kelly, 75), O’Reilly, Duffy; Hoban (Mullan, h-t).

Referee: E O’Shea.

Other Premier Division results

Dundalk 0 Drogheda United 0

St Patrick’s Athletic 3 Sligo Rovers 0

Waterford 1 Shamrock Rovers 2

Galway United 0 Bohemians 2