Higgins and Duff adamant LOI competitiveness based on quality of entire division

Derry City boss Ruaidhri Higgins and Shelbourne manager Damien Duff came away with mixed feelings on the 1-1 draw between their respective clubs at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, but they were united in agreement on the difficulty of winning matches in this year's SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division.

City looked set to take three points in a hard-fought battle between two sides plotting a title challenge in the second portion of the season.

Paul McMullan’s goal was cancelled out by a brilliant Sean Boyd finish as the visitors stayed top of the table.

It would have been Derry hitting the summit had they hung on. Higgins was under pressure after a slack performance against Shamrock Rovers last month and has overseen a four-match unbeaten run since.

The late goal led to a subdued feeling at full-time last night, however.

Speaking to RTÉ Sport, he said: "It's extremely disappointing to concede at that stage of the game. Brian Maher didn't really have a save to make in the game. Although Shels had plenty of possession, we had a good defensive control and we had one or two opportunities to get the second goal and put the game to bed, but it wasn't to be.

"It definitely feels like two points dropped when you go to the 89th minute when 1-0 in front.

"It's obviously disappointing. We need to do more, to maybe not let the cross get in, and then defend the cross better when it's in there.I need to see the goal back before I decide."

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Adam O’Reilly came close to a Derry second goal