Shelbourne take big step towards league title with win over Drogheda

Michael Bolton

Shelbourne have taken a massive step towards the League of Ireland title after a 2-1 win over Drogheda United in Tolka Park.

Sean Boyd gave Damien Duff's side the lead after 11 minutes, as they were in control in the first half.

They doubled their lead with a goal from Rayhaan Tulloch in the 54th minute as they looked to be cruising to victory.

However, this season has been far from predictable, with Bridel Bosakani pulling a goal back in the 67th minute to make it a nervous last 23 minutes.

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

Derry city, who started the night two points behind them, 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, as Stephen Kenny's side boosted their hopes of European football.

The only team who can now stop Shelbourne is Shamrock Rovers, who face Dundalk on Sunday. Should they lose, Shelbourne will be champions.

Shelbourne travel to Derry next Friday, with a win securing the title for them.

Elsewhere, the points were shared between Galway United and Sligo Rovers in a 2-2 draw at Eamon Deacy Park.

Sligo Rovers opened the scoring through Luke Pearce in the 34th, as they went into the interval with the lead.

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

The drama was not finished there, with Stephen Walsh scoring the equaliser in the 83rd minute.

In the night's other game, Bohemians and Waterford United played out a 1-1 draw.