An equalising goal, five minutes from full-time, kept Shelbourne on the summit of the Premier Division table when Dermot Keely's side earned a deserved point against Derry City at the Brandywell on Saturday night.
Stephen Geoghegan, took advantage of a fortuitous break when a Pat Fenlon shot deflected off Derry's Darren Kelly, the ball breaking into the Shelbourne striker's path and he gave John Connolly no chance from 12 yards.
But the Dubliners were forced to chase the game after the home side broke the deadlock in the 71st minute.
Following an Eddie McCallion corner, Paddy McLaughlin's ferocious drive was parried by Shelbourne's keeper, Steve Williams, before substitute, Stephen Parkhouse, drilled the rebound firmly into the net from close range.
DERRY CITY: Connolly; Harkin, Hutton, Kelly; McCallion, McLaughlin, Hegarty, Doherty, Hargan; Beckett, Coyle. Subs., Parkhouse for Beckett (38 mins.)
SHELBOURNE: Williams; Heary, McCarthy, Scully, Hutchinson; R. Baker, Doolin, Fenlon, Keddy; Foran, Geoghegan. Subs., Byrne for Doolin (67 mins.), D. Baker and John for Keddy and Hutchinson (both 77 mins.)
Referee: E Barr (Dublin).
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