Shelbourne performed admirably in the 2023 League of Ireland Premier, earning a spot in the qualifying round of the 2024-25 Conference League. However, their European campaign ended on a disappointing note on Thursday night at home.
After a three-goal loss to Austrian giants FC Zurich on July 25, Shelbourne faced an uphill battle in the second leg. A goalless draw at Tolka Park meant their exit from the competition.
Due to their commitments in the Conference League and FAI Cup, Shelbourne has not played a League of Ireland match since July 4. In that game, Tyreke Wilson’s opener for the visitors was equalized by a Douglas James-Taylor penalty for Drogheda United, resulting in a draw.
Despite dropping points against a relegation contender, Shelbourne remains in a strong position in the League of Ireland title race. They are three points ahead of second place with a game in hand as the season’s critical phase approaches.
Meanwhile, Derry City also competed in the Conference League this summer but faced an embarrassing defeat to Gibraltar’s Bruno’s Magpies, losing 3-2 on aggregate.
Unlike Shelbourne, Derry City has returned to domestic action since their European exit. Ruaidhri Higgins’s team advanced in the FAI Cup with a three-goal victory over St Patrick’s Athletic, thanks to Michael Duffy’s brace.
Duffy, who has scored five goals and provided four assists in 20 League of Ireland matches, will be key in the title race. As they prepare for Monday night’s crucial clash, Derry City sits second in the standings, three points behind leaders Shelbourne. A win for Shelbourne could extend their lead to nine points.
