Shelbourne still need one point to lift the Eircom Premier Division title after last night's scoreless draw with Drogheda at Tolka Park. They could now win the title at Waterford on Friday April 7. The point for Drogheda will help them in their fight against relegation. The only other team that could win the league is Bohemians and they would have to win their last four games and have Shels lose their last three to turn it around.
Shels midfielder Pat Fenlon and Drogheda keeper Gareth Byrne were sent off in the final minute of last night's game and that dismissal could possibly see Fenlon suspended for the Cup final against Bohemians at the end of the month.
Meanwhile Roddy Collins, the Bohemians manager has been fined and severely warned as to his future conduct after the recent league defeat to St Patrick's Athletic. Robbie Brunton, the Bohs full back was banned for three games after being reported by the referee in the same game. St Pat's won the game last month after a hotly disputed penalty converted by Eddie Gormley late in the game.
In other news it is expected that Cork City will formally announce the appointment of their new manager tonight. Former Shelbourne manager Colin Murphy is the hot favourite to succeed Dave Barry who leaves at the end of the season. The 53-year old former Shelbourne manager is likely to be named as Barry's successor after a board meeting which will take place in a Leeside hotel later tonight. Murphy wins the vote of confidence ahead of a list which included former English forward Kerry Dixon and former Republic of Ireland midfielder Ray Houghton.
Finally, the FAI have announced that John Stacey from Athlone will referee the FAI Harp lager Cup final at Tolka Park on April 30.
