O'Brien: Mad stuff is ruining title defence

SHELBOURNE assistant manager Joey O'Brien says the Reds' title defence is faltering because they are making errors that were absent from their play in recent seasons.

- BY MARK MCCADDEN

Shels fell to their fourth defeat of the league campaign in Friday's derby against Bohemians - while they have only won five games so far.

The former West Ham and Ireland defender believes individual mistakes — such as the one that led to Bohs’ opener and captain Mark Coyle’s red card — are costing them dearly.

Coyle turned into danger at Dalymount Park and reacted by dragging Dayle Rooney down inside the box, resulting in a penalty to Bohs and Coyle’s dismissal.

O'Brien (inset) said: “We got a turnover of players, you know. So, I suppose since last season, the lads leaving in the summer ... and then again this season there's been a turnover of players.