Dundalk draw blank at Shelbourne to lose ground in title race

Wasteful Dundalk surrendered ground in the title race in a forgettable game on a balmy evening in Drumcondra.

Robbie Benson, David McMillan – in for the absent Patrick Hoban – and substitute John Martin all had really good chances for the Lilywhites, Shels struggling to fashion anything at the other end.

It was a cagey, error-ridden and a frustrating night for Dundalk – but this is a competitive league and few wins are easily earned.

Sloppy Greg Sloggett play resulted in a Shels free-kick in a promising position on eight minutes but Shane Farrell got under the ball from his delivery. The Reds were certainly not lacking confidence, evinced by the beautiful touch of the promising Jad Hakiki: Dundalk were in a battle by the Tolka.

The pitch was bumpy in places but both sides were intent on passing the ball. Steven Bradley's deflected drive had Brendan Clarke scampering as Dundalk edged into the game but their own passing was decidedly hit and miss.

Bradley got into a dangerous position midway through the half, only to make a hames of his cross. This game was struggling to take on life and one would forgive some of the home fans if their thoughts were already turning to the Mauro Picotto gig in the bar afterwards.

However, Dundalk should have gone ahead on 33 minutes. Benson stole in from a deflected pass and, with just Clarke to beat, he was off target. You'd have expected him to score.

Superb Bradley play had Conor Kane in a knot before the break; true to the first half, it came to nothing.

Dundalk began the second half well and should have scored on six minutes. JJ Lunney uncharacteristically gave the ball away and from Lewis' Macari's excellent cross, McMillan – who has started rarely this term – got his connection all wrong