Ten-man Derry City held Premier Division leaders Shelbourne to a 0-0 draw at Tolka Park on Monday night despite having defender Sam Todd sent off in the first half.
The result keeps second-placed Derry three points off the summit, with Shels having one game in hand over the Candystripes.
Michael Duffy passed up three good scoring opportunities for the visitors, the most glaring chance missed when he smashed a volley from point-blank range which was well saved by Conor Kearns.
Ruaidhri Higgins’ side were reduced to 10 men in the 35th minute when Todd was dismissed for a second yellow card offence – a cynical foul – Derry’s first red card of the season.
Kearns made another fine stop from a Pat Hoban header after the break while Brian Maher was called into action to deny Harry Wood.
It was a sixth consecutive draw in matches between these opponents as Derry were in league action for the first time in a month.
Derry are at home to Dundalk in their next top flight encounter on Friday night, with Shelbourne away to Sligo Rovers 24 hours later.
Derry City,Shelbourne,Premier Division,Michael Duffy,Liam Burt,Conor Kearns,Sam Todd
