Shelbourne have another chance to open up a sizeable lead at the head of the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division table when the form side in the country St Patrick’s Athletic visit Tolka Park (live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player).
Damien Duff’s team were improved in drawing 0-0 with Sligo Rovers in a game very even statistically and seemed like a disappointment for the leaders until results emerged elsewhere.
Derry City’s defeat in Drogheda, as well as Pat’s dominating the game against the Hoops, meant Shels extended their advantage to four points with a month left in the season.
The Reds have recorded just a single league win since the end of June yet could find themselves on the cusp of the title if they can double that total tonight.
Duff said: “I’ll never figure out this league this season. We didn’t lose, we stretched our lead, but there is always that bit of what could have been.
“We’ve said it a few times this season that it was a chance to make the gap bigger and we didn’t but we’ll be fine.
“I’m pretty sure it is a corner turned. We’ve had our little blip performance wise. More often that not we say collective performances usually get you results. It didn’t quite on Friday but I couldn’t ask any more of the lads.”
Stephen Kenny has once against shown his quality as a manager, overseeing St Pat’s to the Europa Conference League play-off round and now a run of four victories on the bounce in the league.
Having looked out of contention for a European spot, tonight’s match could see move back inside the top half and put major pressure on the likes of Galway United and Shamrock Rovers.
A tilt at the title may be out of their reach but it has been a remarkable turnaround under Kenny.
Jake Mulraney and Mason Melia starred in Tallaght in the 3-0 success.
Saints fans are already getting excited at what could come in 2025 after watching such a performance.
Their manager has wared they are in for a battle this evening, however
He said: “It’s a completely different game tactically. Shelbourne are the league leaders, they are there on merit.
“They concede very few chances, with another clean sheet on Friday, and they are four points clear top of the league on merit.”
“Last Friday will have no relevance to tonight.”
Kick-off is the earlier time of 7.15pm.
Watch Shelbourne v St Patrick’s Athletic in the League of Ireland on Monday from 7pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. Kick-off 7.15pm. Follow a live blog on RTÉ.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app
