Mark Coyle on the mark as Shelbourne take the points against Sligo Rovers in the Pemier Division

The threat of a dreaded relegation play-off still hangs over the Showgrounds after Sligo Rovers were beaten by Shelbourne at the same venue.

A mistake from Bit O'Red goalkeeper Conor Walsh, who let Mark Coyle’s shot from distance through his legs, was the deciding moment of this game as Shels continue to pursue their outside chances of European qualification.

Jack Moylan should have made things more comfortable for the Drumcondra outfit, but Walsh atoned somewhat for his error late in the second half when he kept out Moylan’s penalty after a re-take was ordered.

Hoping for a first win in five, Rovers manager John Russell made three changes from their narrow defeat in Dundalk two weeks ago. Fabrice Hartmann, Kailin Barlow and Reece Hutchinson returning to the starting eleven. While there was space on the bench for former Arsenal attacker Robbie Burton following his recent re-signing.

On the tails of the top five, Damien Duff was boosted by the return of Tyreke Wilson and Jack Moylan, both of whom missed the late draw with Shamrock Rovers.

Unbeaten in six, Shels arrived in the northwest in better league form, with two wins from their last five in comparison to Rovers' single win with three defeats included.

There was a hairy moment for the visitors in the first minute when net minder Conor Kearns’ poor clearance landed to Barlow. The Sligo youngster unable to shift his feet in time to take advantage of Kearns’ mis-hap.

Rovers did probe early on, but to no avail as Shels looked comfortable at the back. The Tolka Park outfit should have gone ahead eight minutes in, but Evan Caffrey blasted wide after Walsh had palmed Moylan’s effort straight to the unmarked Caffrey.

Sligo were sloppy in possession at times, offering up chances to