IT'S the biggest game bf the season so far. A Derry victory over Shelbourne in the Brandywell tonight would put them nine points clear of the Cup holders and constitute their most significant step yet toward a second National League title.

Nevertheless, there would still be 13 games left or, as Bohemians manager Turlough O'Connor might say "39 points to play for".

Accordingly, the rival managers, Felix Healy and Damien Richardson, adopted traditional managerspeak yesterday; Healy maintained "there is still a long way to go" while Richardson said: "It's not a be-all and end-all situation by any stretch of the imagination."

They're probably right. Derry still might not have both hands on the trophy, more a finger or two. Thus it will be fascinating to see how tonight's protagonists approach this game.

It's hard to disagree with Richardson's claim that his Shelbourne stylists know only one way. "We will be going for a win because usually in a challenge like this to go looking for a draw passes the initiative on to the opposition. So, we go looking for a win as we do week-in, week-out. We're going to play our way.

The theory goes that the pressure is on Shelbourne, yet in many respects their task is quite clearcut. Derry will know that a draw constitutes a better result for them.

"Human nature being what it is, that comes into play," admits Healy, recalling the day Derry's treble winning side of 1989 needed a draw at home to Shamrock Rovers to clinch the league title. They lost 1-0.

Watching a video of that Derry side last week en route to Cork reminded them of the need to go for a win in Turner's Cross. They did so in what Healy describes as "our most difficult match of the season, thereby seriously denting Cork's title hopes. Healy knows another win tonight "would put SheIs under a lot of pressure to win quite a few matches.

"It'll be close. They're not going to come and murder us, and we're not going to murder them. It's going to be a very tight match and one of those which will be decided by the odd goal, if anybody is going to win," said Healy.

With a huge Brandywell crowd as well, it will be an occasion for players to stand up and be counted. Healy begins his 11-month ban from the touchlines tonight, a reminder of the hullabaloo which accompanied the Brandywell's last top-of-the-table collision the controversial 1-0 win over Bohemians a month ago.

But John McDermott is one of the best, and most dependable, referees around, and Richardson is not concerned about the fall-out from that game.

"The crowd are always very hostile, as they are in Sligo, Cork and Richmond Park. That's why they're there. I've personally, always found the stewarding arrangements at Derry among the safest and I love the intimidatory atmosphere. Good pros will revel in that. It adds an edge to the game.

"Unfortunately, not all players or referees are good pros. In an atmosphere like that you want a player who can hold his head and let the occasion make him a better player; and you want a referee and linesmen to handle the occasion and be better because of it."

. The FAI have ordered a feasibility study into building a national soccer stadium for the millennium. FAI chief executive Bernard O'Byrne, who will head a special committee to appraise options, said: "It is now our intention to second a person from the banking community to help in our deliberations.