Ben Doherty stunner rescues Derry City a point at Tolka Park

Shelbourne 1

Derry City 1

Ben Doherty scored his fourth goal of the season to earn a draw for Derry City at Shelbourne.

The defender powered in an unstoppable shot to level the game after Sean Boyd's opener, but any hopes of a late winner for the Candystripes were ended by a red card to Adam O'Reilly late on. 

The first half was completely unremarkable but the second half was much better and it was Shelbourne celebrating on 57 minutes. Sadou Diallo needlessly gave away a free kick and Evan Caffrey was able to find substitute Sean Boyd unmarked with the striker sending a diving header past Brian Maher to make it 1-0.

Boyd was making a real difference and his link up play with Jack Moylan in particular was superb, with the pair combining on 69 minutes and forcing Maher into a brilliant save to deny the latter a goal.

That save proved decisive as Derry City equalised just a minute later, with Ben Doherty cracking home an unbelievable effort from 20 yards, the ball flashing past Kearns who could do nothing.

Still, Derry almost fell behind immediately when they were caught short at the back within seconds of the restart and Maher had to come out bravely to deny Boyd, who should have restored Shelbourne’s lead.

Derry City’s hopes of winning the game were all but ended with a straight red card to O’Reilly on 80 minutes, the midfielder sent off by referee Rob Harvey for a foul on substitute Cameron Ledwidge. It is now just one win in seven for Derry City.

City fall down to third place with this result, but they move an inch closer to leaders Shamrock Rovers regardless, after the champions' loss at Dundalk. 

Teams

SHELBOURNE: Kearns, JR Wilson, Quinn. Griffin (Barrett 22’), Lunney, Coyle, Moylan, T Wilson (Ledwidge 68’), Farrell (Boyd 57’), Molloy, Caffrey.

DERRY CITY: Maher, Boyce, S McEleney, McJannet, Dummigan (Connolly 74’), Diallo, O’Reilly, Doherty, McEneff (C Kavanagh 63’), B Kavanagh, McGonigle (Coll 84’).

REFEREE: Rob Harvey