IT'S NILS & THRILLS AT RICHMOND

NO GOALS, but no shortage of intensity and entertainment last night.

- MARK MCCADDEN

St. Patrick's Athletic and Shel-bourne played out a scoreless draw in Inchicore, which saw the Saints give up top spot in the Premier Division to Drogheda United.

Both goalkeepers made crucial saves, there were a couple of big blocks and some poor finishes, as both sides battled for derby bragging rights.

Stephen Kenny described this one as the big rivalry for Pat's and Shels, and there was certainly an edge to things as 5,374 fans packed into a sold out Richmond Park.

There was little let-up in a frantic opening half-hour, with both sides going full-throttle with their attack-ing play.

Brandon Kavanagh has been out-standing so far this season and last night was no exception, as he carved out openings for himself and others, and produced some dizzying turns.

The former Shamrock Rovers and Derry City man was in the middle of the attacking trio that lined up behind Mason Melia.