Derry City end winless run with Shelbourne win

Derry City moved up to fourth position in the League of Ireland Premier Division table as they defeat Shelbourne 1-0 at Tolka Park.

Michael Duffy scored the only goal of the game on 55 minutes with a stunning strike from the edge of the box.

Tiernan Lynch's men had to withhold a late spell of pressure from the defending Premier Division champions to clinch a crucial three points.

The result puts an end to Derry's four game winless run and is the Candystripes' first league victory at Tolka Park in more than two years.

In the eighth minute, Liam Boyce's speculative shot from just inside the Shelbourne half was close to giving the away side an early lead but his effort was just over the crossbar.

Boyce had another chance seconds later when he controlled a through ball from Gavin Whyte and travelled forward before firing across the face of goal.

At the other end, Sean Boyd leapt highest to connect with Harry Wood's corner and nodded narrowly over.

Wood was then unable to keep his effort on target, before Brian Maher made a crucial interception to deny John Martin tapping home Boyd's header from close range.

Hayden Cann's strike from distance was blocked by Patrick Barrett in the closing stages of a lacklustre first half.

Just after the restart Sadou Diallo's effort was palmed away by Conor Kearns before Boyd sent a right-footed shot wide.

Maher was nearly penalised for a mistake in the 54th minute after the Derry stopper advanced from his line to try and collect a long ball and missed, but Sam Todd was able to clear Evan Caffrey's chance from under the crossbar.

Tiernan Lynch's men went straight down the other end and broke the deadlock with Duffy cutting in from the right wing before sending a strong shot into the top left-hand corner, leaving Kearns with no chance.

Half-time substitute Alistair Coote looked dangerous for Shelbourne, but the Derry defence were able to deal with any threat created.

In the final 10 minutes of the game, the home fans appealed that a cross into the box struck the hand of Todd. However, referee Neil Doyle waved the gesticulations away.

The Candystripes return to action and are in Dublin once again on Monday when they travel to face St Patrick's Athletic.