Shels refuse to hand over their crown without a fight as Rovers put the title champagne back in ice bucket

AND SO it goes on.

- BY MARK McCADDEN

players can believe they didn't win the title last night

Shamrock Rovers, who were 10 seconds from being crowned champions last Sunday before Michael Duffy's goal for Derry City against Sligo Rovers kept the Candystripes, notionally at least, in the hunt, must now wait until next Friday at least before they can uncork the champagne.

Shelbourne's desire not to have to perform a straight handover of the title was evident right from the start.

They were helped, no doubt, by the absence of key Rovers defenders due to injuries and international duty, but they were at it from the very first minute, and didn't let their heads drop when captain Paddy Barrett was sent off with 13 minutes plus stoppage time remaining.

Stephen Bradley was without Roberto Lopes, Lee Grace, Josh Honohan and Danny Grant, so Dan Cleary was the only regular to start in the back-line.

And the makeshift defence was under the cosh right from the start, with Shels engaging in a high press from the very first whistle.

They spent the final stages of the game under siege, as Rovers threw everything at them in an effort to cancel out Kerr McInroy's goal and claim the point they needed to seal their fifth title in six seasons.