Derry City have failed to close the gap on eircom League leaders Shamrock Rovers, conceding a late equaliser to their hosts in tonight’s top-of-the-table clash at Richmond Park.
Billy Wood’s dramatic goal four minutes from time cancelled out Padraig Moran’s excellent first half strike for Derry and leaves Rovers four points clear at the top of the Premier Division.
Rovers came into the game in bullish mood having seen off the challenge of Bohemians last weekend. And despite being outplayed for long periods in that game, boss Damien Richardson was confident his side would extend their lead over second place Derry on their home patch.
But the visitors are in buoyant form at the moment having won their previous three in the league and remain unbeaten in eight outings. And Kevin Mahon’s side looked to have secured another fine win thanks to a wonderful Padraig Moran strike in the 28th minute.
Some poor defending in the Rovers defence was capitalised upon by Eamon Doherty who wasted no time finding Moran. The ball sat up nicely for the Derry man to strike on the half-volley from fully 20 yards for his third goal of the season.
Although Rovers improved in the second period, they were unable to break down a resolute Derry defence and as time ebbed away it appeared the visitors would leave with all three points. However, with Derry sitting back protecting their lead, Rovers grew in confidence and when Shane Robinson fired the ball into the danger area, Woods reacted quickest to prod the ball home and claim a share of the spoils.
At Tolka Park Shelbourne welcomed back boss Dermot Keely from a brief illness with an emphatic 2-1 win over Cork City. Pat Fenlon opened the scoring early in the second-half before Wes Whelehan wrapped up the points in the 88th minute. Cork grabbed a late, late consolation through Alan Bennett.
The win moves Shels into second, four points behind Shamrock Rovers.
Elsewhere, UCD were brought back down to earth with a bump at Terryland Park. The Students had won four of their last five league matches but their climb up the table was halted by a spirited Galway City side. Colin Fortune was the hero for the home side, netting in the 65th minute.
