1 week Ago By Philip Quinn
Damien Duff lost his footing as Shelbourne stayed upright in the title race with a dramatic comeback win at home to Waterford. Duff came a cropper as he celebrated Seán Boyd’s equaliser but he led the Tolka polka at the end as two goals in the final ten minutes kept the Reds on the title track. With chasers Derry City, Shamrock Rovers and St Pat’s all winning, the destination of the championship is headed for a thrilling conclusion with two rounds of games to go.
In front of 4,755 fans, the largest crowd of the season, Shels had to find a way to win for only the second time in 11 games. They deservedly did, scoring three goals for the first time this season, but the Blues made it difficult for them. At the break, the thrill of anticipation in Drumcondra was mingled with a hint of tension even though Shels levelled after falling behind and chiselled out the better chances.
In the real-time table, Shels had lost the Premier Division lead to Derry on goal difference. The chasers were sensing blood. Duff spoke beforehand about Shels not needing to be gung-ho early on.
They weren’t. Their play was cagey, and conservative and the exchanges arguably reflected the status of teams eighth and ninth in the 10-game form table at kick-off. Gradually, the bolts were eased on the shackles.
By the mid-way point of the half, Alistair Coote was becoming a menace, Rayhaan Tulloch was finding gaps and Boyd was putting himself about. The rangy striker picked the pocket of Grant Horton inside the box but dallied and the chance was lost. Coote then found the target with a left-footer after enterprising work by Tyreke Wilson, and then scuffed another effort towards goal.
It was a turn of events when they went in front with Padraig Amond’s 14th of the season. Referee Rob Hennessy had no doubt as he pointed to the spot after John Martin collided with Horton. The seasoned Amond calmly drilled a right-footer into the corner.
To Shels’ credit, they regrouped and immediately went on the offensive. Boyd over-hit a pass to Coote who pulled a muscle as he stretched for the ball. The beanpole striker made amends soon after.
Evan Caffrey dispossessed Ben McCormack and played the ball for Boyd to chase. Darragh Leahy allowed Boyd to nip the ball off his toe, scamper clear and curl a left-footer beyond Sam Sargeant. As he ran down the touchline to celebrate, Duff ended up on his backside.
Shels couldn’t afford any more stumbles and set about completing their rescue mission. However, the cutting edge, which has held them back in recent months, was absent. Boyd tumbled in the box like a giant redwood but Hennessy wasn’t having it.
Substitute Burt turned smartly and found the target but didn’t trouble Sargeant. Waterford kept their shape and played to their strengths. A slick release from the keeper to Christie Pattison who wriggled away and crossed to the near post where Amond whipped the ball a whisker over the bar.
With 10 minutes to go, Shels struck for the lead goal. Wilson, arriving late into the box on the blind-side of Pattinson, was sent sprawling. Boyd stepped up and smashed the ball in off the underside of the bar.
At 2-1 down, Waterford bared their teeth and the Reds were indebted to Conor Kearns for sticking out his left leg to thwart Dean McMenamy. Moments later, Burt slalomed through and left rip with a left-footer from the edge of the box that beat Sargeant to his left. Harry Wood then smacked the crossbar as the Reds rejoiced.
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