HE'S COOTE AS A FOX

Shels back to winning ways as Ali comes up trumps

- PAUL O'HEHIR

SHELBOURNE still have a long road to travel to get back into the title race, but this was a badly needed step in the right direction.

Last night's win - courtesy of Ali Coote - lifted a weight off their shoulders as the collective reaction of the champions on the final whistle was one of relief and nothing more.

This was only their third win in 12 league games, and it moves them level on points with St Pat's, who lost at home for the first time in 17 league games.

Saints goalkeeper Joseph Anang went closest to equalising at the death but he planted his header into the ground before Mason Melia squandered another soon after.

Home fan frustration on the final whistle would have been amplified were it not for St Pat's have-a-go approach in that second-half, after dominating without capitalising.

They were much improved, but only because it couldn't have been any worse as Shels lorded the opening half with Duff the sideline windmill powering their play.