Liam Coyle, Derry City's star striker, netted another of his wonder goals at the Brandywell yesterday to end Shelbourne's remarkable unbeaten league run of 20 matches.
The Brandywell's favourite son returned to haunt Dermot Keely, a manager who has experienced defeat at the hands of the 31-year-old so many times. But Keely openly admitted his admiration of the player following yesterday's game, claiming that Coyle was one of his all-time favourite players in the National League.
"He's pure class and a genius," said Keely afterwards. "I've always maintained that. Only he could have scored that goal - that's if he meant it!" he declared.
Four minutes after the break, Coyle gained possession following a Gary Beckett pass and after outwitting Shelbourne skipper, Pat Scully, the 31-year-old looked up and flighted a superb chip from the corner of the penalty area which found the net over the head of the stranded Steve Williams.
Despite the defeat, Keely refused to apportion blame. "To be honest, I can't complain. I've been waiting for this result for the past 20 league games. It had to happen sometime but it's also worth remembering that we are still two points clear in the league," he added.
"Obviously, I'm disappointed at losing our record, but we've now got to put it behind us and focus on next Friday night's derby against Rovers," he concluded.
To be fair, Shelbourne threatened during the early stages with Dessie Baker flashing a shot across the Derry goal but it was the home side who really should have broken the deadlock when awarded a controversial penalty in the 17th minute.
As Beckett raced into the Shelbourne penalty area, goalkeeper Steve Williams appeared to obstruct him. And when the Derry front man crashed to the ground, referee Gerry Perry immediately pointed to the spot.
However, the home side failed to take advantage as Moran's weak spot-kick was parried by the Shels goalkeeper before the Englishman drove the rebound wide.
Coyle's strike, four minutes after the break, brought the Brandywell to life and, from that point, the home side continued to pressurise their Dublin opponents.
Derry's star striker played a vital role in a move which should have ended this game as a contest in the 76th minute.
Positioned on the left flank, Coyle's 30-yard defence-splitting pass, set Moran clear and while Tony McCarthy did get back to challenge, Moran turned inside before he sent his shot wide.
Shels midfielder Pat Fenlon had the final say and, but for a superb save by goalkeeper David Platt, the Dubliners could have grabbed a late share of the spoils.
Fenlon's shot, which took a wicked deflection off the body of the referee, saw Platt readjust to gather the ball in what proved a very nervous finish for the home side.
Derry City: Platt; McCallion, Hutton, Kelly, Hargan; Moran, Doherty, Hegarty, McCready; Coyle, Beckett. Subs: McLaughlin for Coyle (84 mins), McCaul for Moran (91 mins).
Shelbourne: Williams; Heary, Scully, McCarthy, D Greghegan; R Baker, Fenlon, Doolin, Keddy; D Baker, S Geoghegan. Subs: Van Der Velden for Doolin (58 mins), Campbell for D Baker (74 mins).
Referee: G Perry (Dublin).
