Shelbourne and Shamrock Rovers could not be separated in a breathless Ringsend derby, as Shels came from behind to earn their thirteenth draw of the season thanks to Gavin Molloy's heroics late on.
With Turkish owner Acun Ilicali watching on, the hosts, aiming for their first league win over the Hoops since 2005, made a bright start in a brave four-two-four formation in possession in a high tempo opening period.
In-form Hull City loanee Harry Wood, with two goals in his last two, forced Alan Mannus into a sharp low save with just a couple of minutes played
But the four-in-a-row chasing Champions made just one change to the side that overcame a tough Cork City side last Sunday with Rory Gaffney coming in for Johnny Kenny up top, weathered the early storm and went close when Dan Cleary’s powerful header sailed just over Conor Kearns crossbar.
With 21 minutes gone the visitors, well in the ascendancy at this point, took the lead through a well worked short corner in which Markus Poom snuck around the back to tap home from Dylan Watts clever deep cross.
The hosts ended the half strongly and there was huge controversy just before the break as Rovers almost saw their hard work undone.
Following another high press from Damien Duff's side, Cleary’s heavy touch fell kindly into Shane Farrell’s path right, forcing the Rovers defender to dive in recklessly into a tackle to bring down the Shels attacker and with many inside Tolka Park claiming the foul was inside the box, referee David Dunne disagreed eventually pointing to just a free-kick on the edge of the 18-yard box that was subsequently blocked.
Shels dominated following the restart as Damien Duff’s side must have been treated to some hairdryer treatment. The introduction of Jack Moylan gave everyone inside the ground a lift and the in-demand attacker caused immediate problems creating a glorious opportunity for fellow sub-Tyreke Wilson who could only drag his shot wide from 20-yards out.
Wood became more influential as the home side tried to ramp up the pressure, but to their credit The Hoops defended resolutely, still carrying a threat on the break. Both Darragh Nugent and Dylan Watts should have done better with efforts around the 18 but failed to hit the target on both occasions.
With the raucous home support elevating their side as they entered the closing stages The Reds eventually snatched a point with just seconds remaining when Wood delivered an inviting in-swinging corner to the back post, finding Molloy who showed great strength to power home his header.
A point each not ideal in the grander ambitions for both sides as Rovers look to retain their title, and Shels chase a European spot but still a lot of football to be played between now and the end of the season.
Shelbourne FC: Conor Kearns, JR Wilson (Tyreke Wilson, 13'), Paddy Barrett, Shane Griffin, Gavin Molloy, Will Jarvis, JJ Lunney (Gbemi Arubi, 83’), Mark Coyle, Evan Caffrey (Jack Moylan, 45’), Harry Wood, Shane Farrell (Jad Hakiki, 70’)
Subs not used: Harry Fisk, Andrew Quinn, Luke Byrne, David Toure
Shamrock Rovers: Alan Mannus, Ronan Finn (Darragh Nugent, 58’), Roberto Lopes, Dan Cleary, Gary O’Neill, Sean Kavanagh, Dylan Watts, Markus Poom, Liam Burt (Aaron Greene, 79’), Graham Burke (Richie Towell, 76’), Rory Gaffney (Johnny Kenny, 76’)
Subs not used: Leon Pohls, Sean Gannon, Kieran Cruise, Conan Noonan, Naj Razi
