Damien Duff blames 'lucky runners' for touchline slip, but hails Shelbourne for big win in title race

With just two games to go, Shelbourne continue to lead Derry City and Shamrock Rovers by two points

Damien Duff blamed his lucky runners for his touchline spill, but hailed his Shelbourne aces for standing tall in the title race.

Sean Boyd scored twice and Liam Burt added a cracking third as the league leaders came from behind to sink Waterford 3-1 at Tolka Park.

Duff ended up on his backside while celebrating Boyd’s equaliser, slipping on a muddy patch after racing up the sideline - and it was captured on live TV. He laughed it off afterwards and insisted he won’t be reaching for studded footwear while he watches games.

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Pointing to his trainers, Duff said: “They've no grip but they're my lucky runners! They’re just for the season. I like to go through a few pairs in the season but these always get you wins so that's why I wore them here. But I won't blame the runners, I'll blame the pitch.”

Shels had only won once in 10 games going into the Waterford clash and that led to people questioning their title credentials. But the Reds produced a big win when it mattered, and particularly so with Derry City, Shamrock Rovers and St Pat’s all winning to keep the heat on.

With two games to go, Shels still lead by two points from Derry and Rovers and they cannot win the league next Friday - but could seal it that weekend. If Shels beat Drogheda at Tolka Park next Friday, and Derry City don’t win at St Pat’s, then Shels will be champions on Sunday if Rovers fail to win in Dundalk that evening.

Duff feels the Waterford win was a significant moment in their season and praised his players for responding to the ‘beautiful tension’ at Tolka Park.

“There was a beautiful tension in the ground, which is what we want here at Tolka Park, so I always had faith,” he said. “Was I a bit nervous before the game? Yeah, but I like nerves. Every time I pulled the jersey on as a player, for whoever I was playing for, I was always a little bit nervous.

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“It always drove me to have a real clarity and aggression in my play - it's something I always talk about with our lads, the tension, the nerves. They're going to be there but it has to be a driver. It could be a weight on your shoulders but it's about striking that fine balance. Today it drove the lads.”

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