Patrick McEleney scores for Derry City
Early days, of course, and after a laboured performance against Damien Duff’s Shelbourne, the three points will be sweet enough for the Candystripes.
McEleney pounced in the 73rd minute after an Eoin Toal header from a Matty Smith free-kick was palmed into his path by Lewis Webb.
It was enough to inflict a second Tolka Park defeat on Duff’s side, but Derry boss Ruaidhri Higgins will know improvements will be required to sustain a challenge.
The two men in the dugout had previously worked under Stephen Kenny for the Republic of Ireland and are now forging their own paths as managers.
This was not the greatest advertisement, even if endeavour could not be faulted.One shot on target in the first half tells the tale of a contest that never quite sparked into life, despite a varied array of attacking talent on show.
It took until the 21st minute for that effort to arrive, and even then Jamie McGonigle could only scuff a harmless shot into the hands of Lewis Webb from 15 yards out.
The chance came after Shels failed to deal with a long ball forward, but other than that it was both sides’ attempts to play intricate football which led to the stalemate.
They allowed each other to pass in areas of little danger and when some composure or anticipation was required in the final third it was lacking.
This could be best summed up by two contrasting opportunities. The first, a set piece to the back post from Shels in the 29th minute, was knocked down superbly by striker Sean Boyd at the back post.
He had peeled off his man and headed the ball into a dangerous area, but Jack Moylan failed to read it and was on his heels.
The playmaker had a bright half other than that and his night was curtailed when a hamstring injury forced him off for Jordan McEneff on the stroke of half-time.
His departure came moments after Derry had a glorious chance to take a one-goal lead into the interval. Again they were found wanting when Patrick McEleney’s through ball for Joe Thomson was not properly acted upon.
He allowed it drift too wide when a shot had been on, and his attempt to pull it across goal in the box was easily cleared.
The highlight in terms of skill and entertainment was undoubtedly Derry goalkeeper Brian Maher’s Cruyff turn in his own six-yard box to change direction and evade a challenge from McEneff.
Again there was a slow opening after the re-start, the guts of the goalmouth action before the hour mark consisting of Boyd clearing a goal-bound Daniel Lafferty header from a corner, and the Shels frontman then having a shot deflected wide at the other end after some strong hold up play to turn and get his effort away.
Both bosses made changes in the 61st minute to try and inspire their teams in the final third. Holding midfielder Mark Coyle was replaced by forward Stanley Anaebonam while livewire Matty Smith replace Thomson on the left for Derry.
Pressure was building, though, and after huffing and puffing in open play it was a Smith set-piece that helped break the deadlock.
His free was met by Eoin Toal, whose header was palmed by Lewis Webb into the grateful direction of McEleney.
He tapped home from close range to send the Candystripes top of the table on a night they were far from their best. Not a bad sign.
Shelbourne: Lewis Webb; Aaron O’Driscoll, Luke Byrne (c), Kameron Ledwidge; John Ross Wilson, Aodh Dervin, Mark Coyle (Stanley Anaebonam 61), Brian McManus, Conor Kane; Jack Moylan (Jordan McEneff 44); Sean Boyd (Shane Farrell 76).Subs not used: Brendan Clarke, Daniel Hawkins, Adam Thomas, Jad Hakiki, Kyle O’Connor, David Toure.
Derry City: Brian Maher; Ronan Boyce (Shane McEleney 87), Eoin Toal (c), Cameron McJannet, Daniel Lafferty; Cameron Dummigan, Will Patching; Brandon Kavanagh, Joe Thomson (Matty Smith 61), Patrick McEleney (James Akintunde 76); Jamie McGonagle.Subs not used: Nathan Gartside; Ciarán Coll, Gerard Storey, Jack Malone, Caoimhin Porter, Liam Mullan.
Referee: Ray Mathews (Westmeath)
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