DerryCity 2-1 Shelbourne

Shels (and Dermo) lose it

Shel's record breaking league run came to it's inevitable end, paradoxically in the Brandywell, a ground where the Real Reds have done quite well in recent years. It took a fabulous strike from Liam Coyle to give the Reds their first taste of defeat this season in the championship, but in truth the Candystripes were well deserving winners and could easily have made it 3-0 on the day. A weakly taken penalty in the first half, and an incredible miss - again by Andy Moran, after he was put through clear - midway through the second half, might have underlined a really piss-poor display by Shelbourne, where not one of their players raised himself above the mediocre.

Both Stephen Geoghegan and James Keddy returned to line out in what has been manager Dermot Keely's first choice selection this season (once he copped-on to the Stockin). Shels started strongest in the game but failed to make any headway as the home side's defence and midfield quickly snuffed out any threat from their visitors. The penalty incident on 17 minutes was dodgy to say the least, when Beckett broke clear onto a pass through the Red's defence from the left. William came rushing out, missed the ball and brought down the Derryman, apparently outside the box. However, referee Perry seemed to know better and without hesitation pointed to the spot. Williams had no bother getting down to block Moran's soft spot-kick, who further compounded his error when he headed the rebound wide. The remainder of the half dragged, with little of note happening as Red Bull counted down the minutes, looking forward to his feed of chips from the best chip-van in any NL ground.

Come the second half and Derry were a different team, taking the game by the scruff of the neck. Full credit to Coyle for that wonder-goal, but Red Bull maintains that Scully stood off him and gave him too much respect. Williams was off his line and mistakenly watched the ball sail over his head without any effort to intercept in the belief that it was going over the bar. Van der Velden was brought in for Doolin, but he too sank into anonymity with his team mates. With the Red's running out of any fresh ideas or willingness, the Candystipes looked most likely and Moran was again the culprit as they failed to capitalise on another sure chance with only Williams to beat. However, Tony McCarthy - who was probably the best of a bad lot - galloped back in time to distract Moran, who blazed wide.

With 16 minutes to go, Keely decided to throw caution to wind and to bring on a defender for a striker. One nil down and a 20 game unbeaten record at stake and the Bohez getting too close for comfort !
A defender for striker !!!
Why was Johnny Powell on the bench ?
In case a defender got injured ?
Red Bull has been almost warming to the bould Dermo, given that he's been doing the business - results wise.
But as our sheep-shagging friends would say - "That beats Banagher" !

Five minutes to go and we send another defender into the fray as Scully joins the attack, but promptly gives away 2 offsides. Pat Fenlon nearly stole a point in the final minute when his close range scrambled shot was somehow blocked by keeper Platt. But, it would have been a travesty and Shels have rode their luck too many times this season

Team : Williams Heary, McCarthy, Scully, D Geoghegan ; R Baker, Doolin (van der Velden 58mins), Fenlon , Keddy ; S Geoghegan, D Baker (Campbell 74 mins).

Comment : Now that, that monkey is off their back, Shels might get down to the real business of scoring goals and winning the league.

Red Bull '00