SLIP AND IN THE CAPITAL

Derby rivals fail to pile pressure on leaders after blowing chances to grab a huge three points in tense title race

- GARRY DOYLE

THE only winners from this one was Shamrock Rovers.

They can afford slip-ups. Their rivals can't.

Aiming to stop the Hoops collecting a fourth championship in a row, an opportunity was missed here, as the Hoops were pinned back by Shels. And so a four-point gap continues to separate them from the chasing pack.

It could be closer than that as both Pat's and Bohs had their chances a frantic closing ten minutes seeing the woodwork struck three times.

But composure was missing. And so was a goal.

It was one of those traditional Dublin derbies, full of passion, the noise from the 5,011 in attendance heard in neighbouring postcodes, the tackles having bite.

And either side could have won it.

For Pat's there was a double-attempt at goal when first Tommy Lonergan and then Conor Carty struck the frame of the goal; then shortly afterwards Oluwaseun Akintunde saw his header clip the top of the St Pat's crossbar.