Derry City 3 Shelbourne 1
Derry City kept their slim hopes of a place in next season’s Europa League with a deserved 3-1 victory over relegation-threatened Shelbourne at Brandywell.
Michael Rafter, on the scoresheet twice.
The win moves City up to fourth place in the Airtricity Premier Division. However, with three games left they are nine points behind Sligo Rovers who occupy third spot which guarantees European qualification.
To play in Europe next season Derry must finish in fourth place and hope either Sligo Rovers or Dundalk, currently in the runners-up spot, win the FAI Cup, the semi-finals of which take place this Sunday – Sligo taking on Shamrock Rovers while Dundalk play near neighbours Drogheda – with both games being screened live on RTE Network 2 Television.
Derry will almost guarantee fourth spot on Saturday next, 12 October, if they beat Shamrock Rovers in the Brandywell. A home win would move City six points ahead of Rovers with only two games left to play.
Derry got off to the perfect start against Shelbourne when the league’s top goalscorer Rory Patterson scored from the penalty spot. City went two ahead when Michael Rafter found the back of the net in the 13th minute.
The visitors came briefly into the game when Kelly pulled one back in the 35th but the revival was shortlived as Rafter restored Derry’s two goal lead a minute later.
Shelbourne finished the game with nine men as a result of Gannon and Bayly being sent off in the 74th and 76th minutes respectively.
Meanwhile, RTE have confirmed they will screen the top of the table clash in the Airtricity League Premier Division between St Patrick’s Athletic and Sligo Rovers on Sunday, October 13, at 5.15pm.
Pat’s extended their league at the top of the table with a 3-1 away against UCD, a result which puts them six points clear of second-placed Dundalk which means they will clinch the title if they defeat Sligo at Richmond Park.
Meanwhile, Setanta Sports have confirmed that they will screen the Premier Division clash between Cork City and Shelbourne on Thursday, October 10, at 8.00pm in Turner’s Cross.
Elsewhere, Finn Harps ended their home league campaign with a 3-2 win over Athlone Town at Finn Park with goals from McCarron (18), McCann (27) and McHugh (64 pen). Gorman (43 pen) and Coughlan (90) were goalscorers for the visitors.
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