Derry fall off top spot as Shels keep them at bay

Derry City lost top spot in the Premier Division on a disappointing night at the Brandywell.

The Candystripes have won now won just four times from 10 games at home this season, with their lack of cutting edge in attack again finding them wanting.

Derry started the game in determined fashion and had a real opportunity just four minutes in. Jamie McGonigle rose high to flick on a pass from Brian Maher straight into the path of Michael Duffy.

The winger's touch took him inside and he bore down on the Shelbourne goal before shooting just wide from 25 yards.

Shelbourne took four points from two visits to the Brandywell last season, and they were not just there to absorb Derry pressure, and gave the home fans a real fright on 11 minutes.

Shane Farrell’s ball from the right was intended for Kyle Robinson, but it bounced high over the striker and ran instead into the path of Jack Moylan, whose eyes lit up at what looked like a free shot on goal until Ronan Boyce arrived with a vital tackle to take the ball off his toe.

The visitors came even closer just minutes later when Farrell again sent an incisive ball forward, putting Robinson in on goal but the forward’s effort crashed back off the upright with Maher beaten.

The game exploded into life just after the half hour but it somehow remained scoreless after an incredible sequence of events.

After all their hard work, Shelbourne were undone by a simple ball over the top as Maher’s pass sent Duffy through on goal.

Duffy lobbed the advancing Conor Kearns and it looked a certain goal until JR Wilson somehow scooped the ball off the line to spectacularly save his team.

The danger wasn’t done however as Moylan then headed off the line to deny McGonigle from the resulting corner, before Mark