Despite the on-field drama, the story that dominated at the time of going to print surrounded this season’s sensation Moses Dyer and his future. Rumours abounded that the Kiwi was on the verge of departure. It would be an undoubted, if unsurprising blow.
Shels have had their own seismic departure to deal with. On Sunday, Damien Duff dramatically stood down as Shels boss a little over a fortnight before their Champions League campaign was due to begin.
Duff’s passion, intensity and originality have lit up the league. The unique space he occupies in Irish sport has helped to drive the league to new heights and new audiences. His legacy in Shelbourne is secure, having taken a newly promoted team to stability, to Europe and ultimately to the title. He leaves Shelbourne and the domestic game in an immeasurably better place than where he found it.
The short-term significance for the side remains to be seen. The presence of Joey O’Brien ensures continuity and credibility. A day after the bombshell landed, Shels managed a 2-2 draw away to Waterford on Monday which was creditable in the circumstances.
The talent is there, as is the experience and physicality. There has been little to separate the sides in the last couple of seasons and there is little to suggest there will be this time around either.
Responding to derby disappointment
That rests on United’s ability to pick themselves up after a difficult derby on Monday. It also tests whether they will cope without Dyer, something that they struggled with for a spell after his controversial red card in the Showgrounds.
There was a plethora of incidents to pick apart from Sligo. United will be frustrated at their failure to convert chances late on but will understand that Sligo had the better of a chunk of the second.
However, the purple patch for the hosts coincided with the double dismissal of John Mahon and Dyer. The Kiwi had terrorised defenders and scored a good goal. Referee Neil Doyle left a few robust tackles on the striker go unchecked.
Amidst the lawlessness, the striker eventually reacted to a heavy tackle from Mahon. Although he started the skirmish, it is difficult to identify the specific action that led to Dyer’s dismissal.
It was therefore guaranteed that United would be without Dyer for tomorrow night. This now appears like it may be a more permanent problem.
Into the reckoning comes Malcolm Shaw, who has showed quality in his three outings. Elsewhere on Monday, United paradoxically looked short of energy at times but finished strongly. They should have scored in the dying embers but were denied by the woodwork and goal-line clearances.
Unusually for them, management opted for the same starting eleven when playing Friday and Monday. It is a settled side currently, but there may be some more freshening up outside of the enforced change up front.
It is also expected to be Cian Byrne’s last game in a United shirt, after a hugely successful loan spell. A suspected new arrival from the Irish League was spotted at the Pat’s game. There is some hope that he could slot into Byrne’s role in time.
The immediate focus will be on tomorrow’s game. There was little time to savour a big win against Pat’s, there should be little time for angst after Sligo.
The form guide provides little assistance in determining a winner, both sides having their ups and downs recently. In their meetings, honours are almost even. They split the series in the league, two wins each last season. Shels squeaked by in the FAI Cup on penalties. This season, there have been two score draws.
The need of the visitors might be greater. They will want to re-assert themselves and elbow for European positions. Moreover, they will be keen for form and momentum ahead of a monumental clash against Linfield.
However, no one in need for a reset would choose to come to Eamonn Deacy anymore.
