Shamrock Rovers’ champagne remains on ice as Shelbourne take all three points in the Ringsend derby.
Rovers headed into the derby knowing anything but a defeat would see their 22nd title finally be confirmed with four games remaining.
Joey O’Brien, Shelbourne boss, spoke strongly ahead of the clash, insisting the aim was to leave Tallaght “remaining champions”.
The Hoops were on the back of a comfortable victory over Kerry FC, a 6-1 scoreline that meant a spot in the 2025 FAI Cup final.
Shelbourne were always going to be heading into the clash eager to stop Shamrock Rovers from directly taking the title from them.
Noticeable omissions
It was confirmed ahead of time that Rovers would have to play without skipper Roberto Lopes and Michael Noonan, as the pair were away on international duty.
Lopes, who is away with Cape Verde, was missed, particularly in the first half, as Rovers looked uneasy at the back.
The skipper may even miss Cape Verde’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Eswatini on Monday (13 October) as his wife is expecting.
Adam Matthews had to fill the vacant spot, leading to Darragh Nugent playing out of position at right-wing back.
Joshua Honohan and Lee Grace, as well as Daniel Grant, both missed the derby due to injury. The former was replaced by Trevor Clarke, who made his first start since 20 June.
Issues continued to be present throughout the first half. In turn, Kerr McInroy slotted home past Ed McGinty in the 33rd minute.
In the first half, Shamrock Rovers failed to get to grips with Joey O’Brien’s side. They made just two interceptions compared to the away side’s 11.
Second-half improvements
Stephen Bradley opted against making any alterations at the interval. He stuck with the same 11 hindered by injuries and those on international duty.
However, big improvements were made as Rovers stepped up the pressure being applied on Shelbourne.
The Hoops had 13 shots in the second half alone (nine more than the first half). They could not find the net as it appeared to be one of those days.
Possession statistics improved by 14% in the second half as it looked like the title-winning goal was in sight for Bradley’s side.
Daniel Mandroiu, John McGovern, Daniel Cleary, and Cory O’Sullivan all had late efforts prevented from hitting the net, including one attempt being cleared from the line.
In the 77th minute, Paddy Barrett, Shelbourne captain, was dismissed for a reckless challenge on John McGovern that prevented a counterattack.
McGovern, who came on in the 65th minute for Dylan Watts, had a positive impact. He made two runs with the ball that led to the belief the tide was to turn.
The Newry man also had three attempts in stoppage time. The Hoops threw the kitchen sink to try to claim the title against their Dublin rivals.
Despite the last-gasp efforts from the home side, Shamrock Rovers could not find the highly anticipated equaliser.
Key moment
The key moment evidently came in the 33rd minute when McInroy found the net to give Shelbourne an early lead.
The Scotsman was pivotal in his side’s victory. He completed the match with an 85% pass accuracy rate (40/47 successful pass attempts).
McInroy also had 69 touches in the 90 minutes he played, completing three long balls and attempting four.
Shelbourne left Tallaght Stadium deserved winners of the tie. Despite being on the receiving end of a green and white surge as time ran out.
O’Brien’s side now sits in fourth place. They are one point behind Bohemians in third place, as the European battle continues to play out.
Richmond awaits
After the 1-0 defeat to Shelbourne, Shamrock Rovers’ next opposition reside in Inchicore, St. Patrick’s Athletic.
The two go head-to-head on Friday at 7.45 pm. It is likely the Hoops’ 22nd league title will then be confirmed.
The only way for this not to be the case is if Shamrock Rovers are beaten by St. Patrick’s Athletic and Derry City take all three points at the RSC Stadium against Waterford FC.