McEleney pounces to edge Candystripes past Shels

Patrick McEleney was in the right place at the right time to prod home the only goal of the game and send Derry City top of the Premier Division.

Early days, of course, and after a laboured performance against Damien Duff's Shelbourne, the three points will be sweet enough for the Candystripes.

McEleney pounced in the 73rd minute after an Eoin Toal header from a Matty Smith free-kick was palmed into his path by Lewis Webb.

It was enough to inflict a second Tolka Park defeat on Duff’s side, but Derry boss Ruaidhri Higgins will know improvements will be required to sustain a challenge.

The two men in the dugout had previously worked under Stephen Kenny for the Republic of Ireland and are now forging their own paths as managers.

This was not the greatest advertisement, even if endeavour could not be faulted.One shot on target in the first half tells the tale of a contest that never quite sparked into life, despite a varied array of attacking talent on show.

It took until the 21st minute for that effort to arrive, and even then Jamie McGonigle could only scuff a harmless shot into the hands of Lewis Webb from 15 yards out.

The chance came after Shels failed to deal with a long ball forward, but other than that it was both sides' attempts to play intricate football which led to the stalemate.

They allowed each other to pass in areas of little danger and when some composure or anticipation was required in the final third it was lacking.

This could be best summed up by two contrasting opportunities. The first, a set piece to the back post from Shels in the 29th minute, was knocked down superbly by striker Sean Boyd at the back post.

He had peeled off his man and headed the ball into a dangerous area, but Jack Moylan failed to read it and