Bradley: You are allowed draw games

Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley says he isn't concerned by his side’s failure to win any of their opening five league games, insisting he is encouraged by their latest performance.

The champions' quest for their first win of 2023 goes on as they were frustrated on a chilly spring evening in Drumcondra, held to a 0-0 draw by a resolute Shelbourne.

Rock-bottom UCD are the only other side yet to taste victory this season.

The staelmate at Tolka was the Hoops’ fourth draw in five games, with their defeat away to Derry followed up by a defensive horror show in last Monday’s 4-4 draw at home to Cork City.

Despite the sluggish start, Bradley insists he has no concerns for the season.

"No," he told RTÉ Sport when asked if he was worried by the latest failure to claim three points.

"People react to results, we look at the whole picture, the performances, whet we are doing. You take out the defensive performance on Monday (against Cork City) night and as whole we have been very, very good.

"You are allowed draw games, it is not the end of the world. Over the course of the season you are going to draw games, we are just doing it at the moment.

"We know this team is capable of going 30-od games unbeaten. I’m sure we can do that again."

Last night’s draw sees Damien Duff’s Shels sit a point ahead of Rovers in the table, and reflecting on the game itself, Bradley says there was much to like from his side given the hosts’ defensive structure.

"I thought we were very good. We were never looked in any danger, controlled the game and created four really good opportunities.

"I thought they (Shelbourne) would have a bit more of a go to be honest. That is a sign of respect that they have given us. It shows how quickly our players settled and