Oct 19,2024
Shelbourne manager Damien Duff believes that the international break came just at the right time for his side, as they returned to action with a 3-1 victory over Waterford that keeps them in the title race driving seat.
A late penalty from Sean Boyd and a stunning Liam Burt strike maintained Shelbourne's two-point lead over Derry and Shamrock Rovers with two games remaining.
Padraig Amond gave Waterford the early lead from the penalty spot, but Boyd levelled before he struck again from the spot to put Shels ahead ten minutes from time.
The win was Shelbourne's first since a 1-0 victory over Dundalk at the end of August and incredibly, only their second win in 11 games.
Duff credited the international break with their upturn, giving him a chance to reset things within the squad.
"I think it was a good time just to take a step back and reset and the lads did that.
"Granted before the break, points wise not great, but our form was good and I was happy with it.
"It's carried into tonight and I think we deserve to win the game."
The season is now building towards a potential final day decider between Shelbourne and second-placed Derry City, with the two sides meeting at the Brandywell on 1 November.
While that game has stood out on the calendar for some time, Shels first have to navigate their final home game of the season against Drogheda and Duff's not looking past that fixture.
"As I said two weeks ago, it's was still in our hands then and it is now. So we'll just concentrate on ourselves.
"It's not a time to be nervous or stressed or uptight. I'm certainly not. I'm emotional and I show energy and passion, but it’s not nerves.
"It’s Drogheda next - a really tough game. They got to the FAI Cup final, but, first things first, it's all about Shelbourne next week [for Drogheda].
"We’re not looking ahead to Derry. It's Drogheda and hopefully we’ll get the win."
