Thursday, November 7, 2024

Shelbourne beat Derry to win Premier Division title

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Shelbourne beat Derry City 1-0 to clinch the League of Ireland Premier Division title for the first time since 2006.

Harry Wood was the man of the moment, as he hit the title-winning goal five minutes from time at the Brandywell.

The crown almost went to Shamrock Rovers for a fifth consecutive year, as they took care of their job by defeating Waterford 2-1 in Tallaght.

But Wood’s late goal ensured it was Shelbourne’s night after an enthralling title race.

Damian Duff’s side had a huge early chance to take the lead when Liam Burt found himself in one on one with Brian Maher, but he dragged his shot wide of the far post.

Derry had their best chance of the half when Paul McMullan put Colm Whelan through on goal, but he was denied by Conor Kearns.

Shelbourne striker Sean Boyd got in behind the Derry defence minutes into the second half, but his powerful shot was saved by Maher.

At the other end, Ronan Boyce’s cross found Danny Mullen, who came close to breaking the deadlock, but his header hit the crossbar.

Inside the last 15 minutes, Shelbourne had a penalty shout when Ali Coote went to ground under Mark Connolly’s challenge, but the referee waved their appeals away.

Minutes later, Coote almost scored a fine goal, but he saw his half-volley from 25- yards out fly just wide of the post.

Wood wins the title for Shelbourne

The deciding moment for Shelbourne came in the 85th minute, when Boyd’s free- kick was saved by Maher but the rebound fell for Wood, who converted from close range to write his name into the history books.

Wood almost added a second goal to put the icing on the cake deep in stoppage time, but his chipped effort went wide.

The defeat meant that the Candystripes have finished fourth in the table, after their title charge fell away in the closing weeks of the season.

By missing out on a top three spot, they will have to defeat Drogheda in next weekend’s FAI Cup final in order to qualify for next season’s UEFA Conference League qualifiers.

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