Premier Division wrap: Derry City blow chance to close gap on leaders Shelbourne with loss away to Drogheda United

Derry City have had plenty of chances to close the gap on leaders Shelbourne in recent weeks - but their latest missed opportunity will sting for a while yet.

Heading to Weavers Park after picking up a late draw against Shamrock Rovers last week, the Candystripes knew that a win would keep the pressure on Damien Duff’s Reds.

But they failed to even pick up a point, losing 2-1 to Drogheda United.

Marksmen Douglas James-Taylor and Frantz Pierrot have been a lethal force in the top-flight this season and it was the latter who grabbed a brace for the Boynesiders.

That second half brace from the former Athlone Town striker gave Kevin Doherty’s breathing space heading into the final minutes, even if Andrew Quinn’s own goal ensured a nervy finale.

It was a crucial result at the bottom of the table however, with Drogheda now eight points clear of basement side Dundalk with just four league games to play.

But for Derry, they will rue another opportunity to close in on Shels.

And an opportunity was there for them to do so as the Reds were held to a scoreless draw at home against Sligo Rovers. 

Shelbourne have now won only once in their last eight games, but they were the big winners on the night with Derry and Shamrock Rovers both beaten.

They are now four points clear of Derry at the summit.

It was an entertaining stalemate at Tolka Park though and both sides will feel as though they should have won.

But goalkeepers Ed McGinty and Conor Kearns proved why they are two of the best in the country.

McGinty was alert to deny Ali Coote early in the first half, while Kearns pulled off sensational stops in both halves to prevent Luke Pearce and Ollie Denham.

Elsewhere, Shamrock Rovers slumped to a surprising 3-0 loss at home to St Patrick’s Athletic.

The result leaves the Hoops on 49 points and five behind leaders Shels with four games to play. They have also played more than the Reds.

But this was all about the Saints who produced one of their best displays under boss Stephen Kenny to date.

The Athletic struck first blood 42 seconds into the derby when captain Joe Redmond found the net with his second goal of the league campaign, getting on the end of a Jake Mulraney corner. 

Mulraney went from provider to scorer soon after, netting the remaining two goals in a convincing 3-0 triumph.

The result boosts St Pat’s own hopes of European qualification as they sit just five points behind fourth-placed Galway United with a game less played.

But fourth-place will only be enough for Europe if Derry City win the FAI Cup.

Meanwhile, Dundalk’s stay in the top-flight is all but over after they fell to a costly 2-0 loss at home to Bohemians.

The Lilywhites needed to win to stay in touch with Drogheda but were unable to do so, with Dawson Devoy and Adam McDonnell both on target for the Gypsies who are all but safe.

And at the RSC, Galway United emerged with a priceless 2-1 win over Waterford.

Dean McMenamy opened the scoring for the Blues early on and Keith Long’s side had an opportunity to double their lead soon after through a Padraig Amond spot-kick.

But his effort was saved by Brendan Clarke and the Tribesmen subsequently pushed on to win with Stephen Walsh and Killian Brouder netting.

John Caulfield’s side are looking good to qualify for Europe through the league and are incredibly just five points behind leaders Shelbourne.

With games against Dundalk (home), St Patrick’s Athletic (away), Sligo Rovers (home) and Bohemians (away) to come - they could be a surprise package yet.