Shelbourne take a big step towards the championship by beating Drogheda

Michael Bolton

Shelbourne took a huge step towards the League of Ireland title after a 2-1 win over Drogheda United at Tolka Park.

Sean Boyd gave Damien Duff’s side the lead in the 11th minute as they controlled the first half.

They doubled their lead with a goal from Raihan Tulloch in the 54th minute and looked to be heading for victory.

However, this season was far from predictable, with Bridel Bosakani scoring in the 67th minute to make the final 23 minutes nerve-wracking.

However, Shelbourne survived and are now one game away from the title.

Derry City, who started two points behind, saw their hopes ended with a 1-0 defeat to St Patrick’s Athletic.

Brandon Kavanagh scored the only goal of the game in the 44th minute to boost Stephen Kenny’s side’s European football hopes.

The only team that can now stop Shelbourne is Shamrock Rovers, who face Dundalk on Sunday. If they lose, Shelburne will become champion.

Shelbourne travel to Derry next Friday and victory will secure the title.

In the other match, the points were shared between Galway United and Sligo Rovers in a 2-2 draw at Eamon DC Park.

Sligo Rovers opened the scoring through Luke Pearce in the 34th and went into the break with the lead.

Galway United equalized through Jimmy Keohane in the 58th minute, but Sligo regained the lead in the 61st minute through Simon Power.

The drama didn’t end there as Stephen Walsh equalized in the 83rd minute.

In the evening’s other game, Bohemians and Waterford United drew 1–1.