Wood fires Shelbourne to league title in Derry

Shelbourne were crowned SSE Airtricity League of Ireland Premier Division champions following a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Derry City at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.

Super sub Harry Wood became the Shels hero, as his late strike ensured they deservedly secured the Premier Division title.

The Englishman will be the toast of Tolka Park as his 85th-minute effort, which was his first goal of the season, sealed their first title since 2006.

Damien Duff's superb job since taking over was summed up as his substitutes played a big part in their all-important win at the Brandywell.

Both sides had chances in the first half, but in truth neither team did enough in what was a cagey opening 45 minutes.

With news coming through that Shamrock Rovers took the lead early on, it may have gotten worse for Shels, but Ronan Boyce failed to captialise on eight minutes when unmarked at the back post, as he headed wide.

Shelbourne should have taken the lead on 17 minutes as Sean Boyd played in Liam Burt, but the Shamrock Rovers' loanee saw his low drive from the right hand side the box flash just past Brian Maher's right-hand post.

Shels net-minder Conor Kearns was called in action minutes later but he easily gathered Michael Duffy's low shot. Derry really should have taken the lead on 36 minutes as Paul McMullan's neat run and pass found Colm Whelan, but the striker's close-range shot was well saved by an out-rushing Kearns and Danny Mullen hooked the loose ball wide.

Boyd had a clear cut opening on 47 minutes as the big front man latched onto Duncan Idehen's terrible back pass, but after bearing down on goal the ex-Shamrock Rovers man saw his well-hit shot kept out by Maher.

The crossbar came to Shels rescue on 56 minutes as Boyce's right-wing cross found Mullen, but his header from close range, which had Kearns beaten, came back off the woodwork.

To be fair to Duff he made a double change on the hour mark with Ali Coote and Evan Caffrey replacing Mark Coyle and Burt, as they went in search of the all-important winning goal.

Shelbourne had another chance in the 70th minute as Coote found Sean Gannon at the back post, but the right-back's cross-cum-shot was gathered by a diving Maher.

The visitors had a massive shout for a penalty on 77 minutes as substitute Coote went down inside the box under Mark Connolly's challenge, but referee Paul McLaughlin waved play on much to the frustration of Duff on the sidelines.

The all-important goal came on 84 minutes as Boyd's free-kick was parried out by Maher and substitute Wood was on hand to turn the ball home to spark wild celebrations amongst the 300 hundred plus supporters and the visitors' bench.

Wood missed a golden chance to settle things deep into stoppage time when he broke the offside trap, but with only Maher to beat, the striker lifted the ball well over the bar.

Duff showed a great piece of class at the final whistle when he walked over to the Derry supporters and applauded them and to be fair to the Brandywell faithful they clapped in return.

Derry City: Brian Maher, Ronan Boyce, Mark Connolly, Duncan Idehen (Shane McEleney 75), Andre Wisdom; Sadou Diallo (Jacob Davenport 75), Adam O'Reilly, Paul McMullan (Sean Robertson 75); Colm Whelan (Will Patching 65), Daniel Mullen, Michael Duffy

Shelbourne: Conor Kearns, Sean Gannon, Paddy Barrett, Kameron Ledwidge, Tyreke, Wilson; JJ Lunney, Mark Coyle (Evan Caffrey 60); Rayhann Tulloch (Harry Wood 75), Liam Burt (Ali Coote 60), John Martin (Shane Griffin 89); Sean Boyd

Referee: Paul McLaughlin (Ardee)