Damien Duff hails last-minute winner as Shelbourne remain on top

There was much satisfaction for Damien Duff in seeing his Shelbourne side strike at the death in taking the three points on offer against St Pat's Athletic at Richmond Park on Monday evening.

With Derry City falling to a 1-0 defeat at Shamrock Rovers, Shels are now four points clear at the summit of the Premier Division, with another away assignment to come at Tallaght Stadium on Friday.

A stunning left-footed strike six minutes into injury time from substitute Evan Caffrey gave Duff's troops victory by the banks of the Camac, this after Jake Mulraney's free-kick cancelled out a fine Sean Boyd header before Caffrey's goal.

"There are not many better feelings in life than a last-minute winner," was Duff's initial assessment of his side's victory when he spoke to RTÉ Sport after the game.

The execution of the two goals certainly delighted the former Chelsea and Ireland star, as he added: "There aren't many better eye-catching sights in football than a beautiful cross and an aggressive header. It was an amazing goal and our second goal was an amazing goal.

"They got back in the game in the second half with Mulraney's quality. I called them over straight away, we were clam and we reset. I told the lads a win is all the sweeter when you get a last-minute win.

"The guys had a little celebration and a hug but it's all about being calm and recover now for Friday."

For Boyd, it's now four goals in four games for the Shels attacker, with his manager quick to pay tribute.

"He is a top striker. He has come off two very serious injuries so we have to manage Sean and keep him fit. To score four in four games, not many players do that in their career and long may it continue."

Duff also applauded the contribution of the substitutes he sent on -