Republic of Ireland round-up: Draw enough for Shels

A 2-2 draw against Bohemian FC saw Shelbourne FC retain a five-point lead over their local rivals at the top of the table.

Dublin rivals
With only seven games of the season played, Shelbourne are already storming ahead of the reigning champions. In a thrilling tie at Tolka Park, Jim Crawford deservedly put Shelbourne in front after 40 minutes, latching on to a mistake from Damien Lynch but their Dublin rivals equalised shortly into the second half when Derek Coughlan headed home from eight metres.

Late equaliser
Shelbourne striker Jason Byrne missed from four metres when it looked easier to score and that miss looked as if it would prove costly when Kevin Hunt's long-range strike put Bohemians in front. However, in added time, Shelbourne substitute Ger McCarthy latched on to a backheel from Byrne and converted from close range.

Crucial victory
Elsewhere, University College Dublin FC have yet to earn a point, after a seventh consecutive defeat of the season against Drogheda United FC at the weekend kept Paul Doolin's side rooted to the bottom. Goals from Declan O'Brien and Che Bunce either side of half-time gave the hosts a crucial victory.

Colwell off
Waterford United FC moved into second position courtesy of a 2-0 home win over Shamrock Rovers FC at the Regional Sports Centre. A fortuitous strike from Thomas Hughes gave Waterford the lead before Jason Colwell was sent off for Rovers just a minute before half time. Striker Vinny Sullivan wrapped up the
three points eight minutes into the second half.

Building work
Earlier in the week, Rovers had better luck when it was confirmed that building work at their new stadium in Tallaght will resume shortly after financial investment from a consortium headed by businessman Ben Dunne. In the weekend's other matches, Saint Patrick's Athetic FC and Longford Town FC drew 1-1 at Richmond Park while Derry City FC were 1-0 winners against Cork City FC at the Brandywell stadium.