Paul Corry: Winning at Derry City could be too big a hurdle for Shelbourne

Going to Derry City tonight and winning could prove to be a hurdle too far for Shelbourne as an SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division title race for the ages reaches its conclusion, according to Paul Corry.

Damien Duff's Shels side know that if they pick up all three points at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium they will win the league for the first time in 18 years, regardless of what second-placed Shamrock Rovers achieve at home to Waterford.

But a Hoops win coupled with Shels losing or drawing at Derry would see the LOI trophy remain at Tallaght Stadium for a record fifth time in a row.

Shels have been buoyed by back-to-back home victories over Waterford and Drogheda United which brought an end to a long winless run.

However, despite gathering some belated momentum and over-performing in relation to their budget, the Dublin club's recent record against top-half teams does not bode well according to Corry - although he does feel the fact that they are in the conversation for silverware is no mean feat.

"It's incredible. Nobody really tipped them at all to be challenging for this title," the former UCD, Shamrock Rovers and Sheffield Wednesday midfielder told RTÉ's Morning Ireland.

"When you compare the budgets within the league, they'd be probably one of the smallest ones so it's a huge testament to the work that Damien Duff and Joey O'Brien have done with that squad.

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"But I still think it's a massive test tonight. They've done well to get over the line in their