CHARLIE FROM THE STANDS: Still all to play for in the title race!

It was billed as one of the biggest games of the season. A tie that could have a seismic input in the destination of the Premier Division title this season. A match from which the top two could set up a run of form, to take into the run-in.

And, in true Derry and Shels fashion this season – it ended in another draw. Unlike the fixtures earlier in the season which were void of any attacking prowess or ingenuity, or even a will to get a result from either side, Monday night seemed different.

Shelbourne manager Damien Duff had built the game up all week as the ‘most important game in the last 20 years’. Duff’s admission of wanting the league title at the expense of the fan-friendly European ties, was evident in his team selection in the second leg - when he rested most of the starting XI, who would then feature against Derry. So, while the stage was set by Duffer, on the other side Derry remained cool, calm and collected, out of the spotlight, preparing for this game.

This showed in the opening 20 minutes, where tactically and technically Derry were a lot sharper and crisper in everything they were doing. A clear game plan on how to attack the 4-3-3 low block, utilizing Adam O’Reilly in a more advanced position like against St Pat’s, where he caused havoc for the midfielders in front of the back four, dragging them everywhere (think Ciaran Martyn back in the day), whilst allowing Cameron Dummigan and Will Patching the freedom to pull the strings. You also had Pat Hoban and Michael Duffy linking up well and playing on the front-foot, evidence of the sustained pressure from Derry’s attacking players.

Then, the red card…

The sending-off then changed the game. A smart burst of pace for the first yellow, followed by a smart turn for the second by Liam Burt, caught Sam Todd out on both occasions, resulting in the Carndonagh man’s dismissal. What caught my eye after that was the bravery of the Derry City players. Nothing really changed, and the game plan remained the same. The game never really shifted after that, and despite making a raft of attacking changes, they still failed to trouble Brian Maher.

In watching the game again, you could see the tension all over – notably between the managers after the game. In Damien Duff, we had a manager who showed signs of frustration, knowing that during the game Derry were the better team and it was an opportunity to put more points between themselves and Derry. I think Damien Duff knows he needed those extra points on Monday night and he might not get a better opportunity. Considering Derry are only three points behind with a game in hand, they will be much the happier of the sides.

Derry will entertain Shels again at home on the last day of the season, and I’m sure Ruaidhri, the players, and the fans would take your arm off now to be three points behind coming into that game. When you consider Derry’s superior goal difference, they just need to make up three points between now and the last game. Add in the fact that Derry seems to be playing with an air of confidence and togetherness, I think Damien Duff is feeling a little uneasy for the first time this season. And with so many points left to play, I think the momentum has swung back in Derry’s favour.

While the top two will have all eyes on them, Shamrock Rovers are quietly picking up important points, climbing ever closer to the summit with every week that goes by. It was their know-how and resilience that saw them grind out a win against a prickly Waterford on Monday, with Graham Burke’s 85th minute strike enough to take all three points.

I know how good a squad they have and understand they are probably the only squad that could put a run together between now and the end of the season, but you have to look at how they are playing and what has gone before. The momentum and consistency are not there, which are two things you cannot turn on and off. The other small matter is the fact that they are chasing two sides at the top. Had they been only chasing Derry or Shels, I would say they are in with a shout, but the chances of both Shels and Derry hitting a poor run of form, is slim to none. If Shamrock Rovers manage to turn it around, considering how they have played this season and win their fifth league title in a row - there won’t be enough room in Tallaght for all the statues.

Across Dublin, under Stephen Kenny’s stewardship, St Pat’s have been a mixed bag. Though their performance on Monday wasn’t convincing, they are starting to show some signs of progress and cohesion, after being put to the sword by Derry City in the FAI Cup. Sligo on the other hand are producing some fine performances week-in, week-out, and for large periods they were the better team in Inchicore, only to come away with nothing.

In truth, the game was another marred by a refereeing decision, with Pat’s getting a penalty in injury time. Now, if you haven’t seen the late penalty incident, go on X and have a look. I am going to go against the grain on this one and say it’s a penalty. Watch the Sligo player, he misjudges the flight of the ball and gets the wrong side of the Pat’s player and realizes late, he then panicked and grabbed the collar of the Pat’s player and pulled him down. Let me know what you think on X, and if I’m wrong!