In the Airtricity Premier Division match-up, Shelbourne and Derry City squared off in a goalless draw. A banner in Latin reading “Carpe Die”, displayed by Shelbourne supporters, was intended to motivate the team in their top of the league fixture.
Unfortunately, Damien Duff’s team couldn’t make the most of the day, facing a 10-men Derry City team for almost 60 minutes. The teams still remain in their original standing despite the uninspiring game at Tolka Park.
This is the sixth consecutive draw between the clubs, marking the tenth match where Duff has failed to defeat Derry. Regardless, his team maintains a three-point lead over Derry, their primary competitor, with an additional game yet to be played, extending their undefeated streak to five league matches.
On the other hand, Derry, having rest for 15 days, showed significant vigour early in the match and missed an opportunity to take the lead within the first 15 minutes. Despite having a numerical disadvantage from the 35th minute, they managed to keep the score sheet blank.
Central defender Todd was showed the red card after being booked a second time for fouling Liam Burt. Shelbourne, fielding six replaced players, was struggling to have a say in the match but had their first real attempt to score in the 42nd minute. Although the match had become unpredictable, neither side could change the final score before half-time, with Derry’s Duffy squandering another chance.
Shelbourne launched an offensive against Derry for the first time during the match, with Will Jarvis delivering a cross that was prepared by JJ Lunney for Wood. However, Wood’s attempt was thwarted by Dummigan who was on high alert.
During the half-time break, Duff opted to shake things up by introducing Evan Caffrey to replace team captain Coyle, switching to a more attack-minded line-up.
Even with their disadvantage in terms of personnel, Derry kicked off the second half in much the same vein as they began the first, with Doherty and Hoban earning themselves some chances.
Not long afterwards, Shelbourne managed to take control of the ball, stretching Derry shortly before the 60-minute mark. Jarvis masterfully navigated down the left to create an opportunity for Wood, prompting the match’s first significant save by Brian Maher.
Smith, who came on as a substitute, missed his chance to put the ball away when his header sailed over following a cross from Burt.
Shelbourne started to find more openings as they moved into the final third of the match and the opposition showed signs of fatigue. Jarvis played a key role again, this time finding substitute Ali Coote with a far-reaching cross, though Coote’s low strike was deflected, resulting in a corner kick.
Shellbourne’s team consisted of Kearns, Gannon, Bone, Griffin, and Ledwidge, with Lunney, Coyle (substituted by Caffrey at half-time), Wood (subbed out for Tulloch at ’74), additionally having Burt (replaced by Coote at ’74), Martin (subbed for Smith at ’57), and Jarvis. Derry’s line-up had Maher, Coll, Connolly, Todd, and Doherty, featuring Dummigan, Patching, McMullan (subbed for Kelly at ’69), O’Reilly, Duffy (replaced by Mullen at ’78), and Hoban (swapped for Diallo at ’90). Damien MacGraith from Mayo was the referee.