Damien Duff has guided Shelbourne to a historic league title with a late winner – and a shot at the Champions League next season.
The former Celtic coach went into the final round of fixtures knowing victory on the road at Derry City would guarantee him the league championship, and his troops delivered with just FIVE minutes to play with Harry Wood the hero. He will go down as a legend of the club as they won the league ahead of four-in-a-row champions Shamrock Rovers, who lose their crown after finishing runners-up.
Celtic loanee Johnny Kenny was on target for the Irish outfit, and for a long spell on the night they were on course to pip Shelbourne to the title on goal difference. But the late show at Derry City sparked wild celebrations for Duff, his players and staff as the whistle blew for full time. It’s only the start of a party that will no doubt go long into the night as they bring an end to their campaign in the perfect fashion.
Rovers will need to pick themselves up from missing out on the title with Conference League football still on their agenda up until just before Christmas at least. They’ve bagged four points from two games so far and host TNS next time out. Victory in that one would put them in a strong position for the next stage with a big final day clash at EPL giants Chelsea to come in their final league phase outing.
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