Shamrock Rovers denied by Molloy's injury-time header

Shelbourne and Shamrock Rovers could not be separated in a breathless Ringsend derby, as Shels came from behind to earn their thirteenth draw of the season thanks to Gavin Molloy's heroics late on.

With Turkish owner Acun Ilicali watching on, the hosts, aiming for their first league win over the Hoops since 2005, made a bright start in a brave four-two-four formation in possession in a high tempo opening period.

In-form Hull City loanee Harry Wood, with two goals in his last two, forced Alan Mannus into a sharp low save with just a couple of minutes played

But the four-in-a-row chasing Champions made just one change to the side that overcame a tough Cork City side last Sunday with Rory Gaffney coming in for Johnny Kenny up top, weathered the early storm and went close when Dan Cleary’s powerful header sailed just over Conor Kearns crossbar.

With 21 minutes gone the visitors, well in the ascendancy at this point, took the lead through a well worked short corner in which Markus Poom snuck around the back to tap home from Dylan Watts clever deep cross.

The hosts ended the half strongly and there was huge controversy just before the break as Rovers almost saw their hard work undone.

Following another high press from Damien Duff's side, Cleary’s heavy touch fell kindly into Shane Farrell’s path right, forcing the Rovers defender to dive in recklessly into a tackle to bring down the Shels attacker and with many inside Tolka Park claiming the foul was inside the box, referee David Dunne disagreed eventually pointing to just a free-kick on the edge of the 18-yard box that was subsequently blocked.

Shels dominated following the restart as Damien Duff’s side must have been treated to some hairdryer treatment. The introduction of Jack