Opportunity knocks for stuttering Shelbourne as resurgent St Patrick's Athletic visit Tolka Park

Shelbourne have another chance to open up a sizeable lead at the head of the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division table when the form side in the country St Patrick's Athletic visit Tolka Park (live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player).

Damien Duff’s team were improved in drawing 0-0 with Sligo Rovers in a game very even statistically and seemed like a disappointment for the leaders until results emerged elsewhere.

Derry City's defeat in Drogheda, as well as Pat's dominating the game against the Hoops, meant Shels extended their advantage to four points with a month left in the season.

The Reds have recorded just a single league win since the end of June yet could find themselves on the cusp of the title if they can double that total tonight.

Duff said: "I'll never figure out this league this season. We didn't lose, we stretched our lead, but there is always that bit of what could have been.

"We've said it a few times this season that it was a chance to make the gap bigger and we didn't but we'll be fine.

"I'm pretty sure it is a corner turned. We've had our little blip performance wise. More often that not we say collective performances usually get you results. It didn't quite on Friday but I couldn’t ask any more of the lads."

Stephen Kenny has once against shown his quality as a manager, overseeing St Pat’s to the Europa Conference League play-off round and now a run of four victories on the bounce in the league.

Having looked out of contention for a European spot, tonight’s match could see move back inside the top half and put major pressure on the likes of Galway United and Shamrock Rovers.

A tilt at the title may be out of their reach but it has been a remarkable turnaround under Kenny.

Jake Mulraney and Mason Melia starred in Tallaght