Damien Duff self-censors but hits out at 'rugby tackle' in Shelbourne's loss to St Patrick's Athletic

Shelbourne manager Damien Duff contrasted his own side's profligacy with the "stone-cold killers" of St Patrick's Athletic after a devastating loss at Tolka Park, while making a brief but pointed criticism of the officiating in the Premier Division encounter.

Duff's charges remain top of the table, four points clear of nearest pursuers Derry City. However, the Candystripes have a game in hand ahead of their Brandywell blockbuster on 1 November.

Substitute Al-Amin Kazeem proved the St Pat's hero, bagging the 88th-minute winner in a 3-2 victory.

"He's been rugby tackled, I think it's Joe Redmond; mind-boggling decision"

"I don't think you win any game of football at any level giving away the three goals that we did tonight," Duff told RTÉ Sport after the game.

"In saying that, I think the third goal... shortly before, there's a free-kick given against John Martin when it's a free on him. He's been rugby tackled, I think it's Joe Redmond; mind-boggling decision.

"Outside of that I won't comment any more. I know other managers in this league are allowed to comment and say what they want about referees. I won't because I will get a ban.

"I couldn't be any prouder of the lads. They got back in, the difference tonight - St Pat's, top-quality attacking talent, they were stone-cold killers and we weren't.

"We got many, many good positions and we didn't take advantage of it."

"Granted, it's another slip-up, but trust me - I think you know me by now - I will go 'til the death."

Despite the immediate disappointment, Duff acknowledged that Shelbourne remain masters of their own destiny, and stressed his own unwavering commitment to the cause.

Nothing's changed," he added. "I'm sick of saying it over the last seven or eight weeks, we're still