I WILL TAKE THAT BABY
a scruffy one but, in the words of Eamon Dunphy, ‘I’ll take it baby’.” Michael Duffy has been Dundalk’s star turn all season and is a red hot favourite to scoop the Player of the Year awards at the end of the season. Striker Pat Hoban will also be pushing him close as he closes in on setting a new scoring record for the Premier Division.
But Shields’ impressive contribution to their title charge cannot be overlooked.
“It’s nice to get the man of the match award as normally it’s Pat or Mickey getting them – it’s a massive three points,” he said.
Dundalk, who are now nine points ahead of Cork, will all but claim the title if they beat Derry City at home on Tuesday.
Shields said: “It’s in our own hands as it was before the game but to really push ourselves ahead, with a game in hand to come on Tuesday, was great.
“What can you say, that’s four years on the trot that ourselves and Cork have pushed each other. “And we could meet each other in the cup final again. We’re always pushing each other and I think it makes for a good spectacle. “When there’s something on the line, you just find that extra yard. Maybe it’s the adrenalin taking over and we got over it.” Meanwhile, Cork City staff insist Barry Mcnamee and Josh O’hanlon still have futures with the club.
Speculation before the match suggested the Rebel duo – not involved in the match day squad – could be on their way out.
But assistant John Cotter said: “Things are out there but that’s false. I know they’ll be back next week ahead of the up semi-final.” watched Cork City defender Sean Mcloughlin in last night’s top of the table clash at Turner’s Cross.
The centre-back signed for the Rebels last summer from UCC having turned down moves to Scottish Premiership and England’s League One. side’s 14-year Premier Division status is at an end with just four top flight games remaining this season.
In comparison, the Munster men are still in the play-off spot but have hope after closing the gap on Sligo to eight points.
After early pressure, the visitors hit the front on 18 minutes against their sluggish opponents.
Skipper Shane Duggan gathered, evaded diving debutant goalkeeper Mark O’connor and slipped the ball into the six yard area where Barry Maguire had a simple tap in.
It got even better for the Munster outfit two minutes before the interval.
Karl O’sullivan’s centre was intercepted by Bray captain Conor Kenna but his heavy touch allowed a stretching Connor Ellis to poke in.