The Eircom Premier League will go to a final day showdown between the top two after league leaders Cork City were held scoreless by Shelbourne at Tolka Park this evening.
Derry City, hot on the heels of Damien Richardson's side, could travel to Turner's Cross with a one point advantage next week if they beat St. Patrick's Athletic at the Brandywell tomorrow afternoon.
Both Cork and Shels took time to settle this evening and chances were at a premium until the 20th minute when Joe Gamble looked to be clean through only to be closed down by Owen Heary who averted the danger.
Joseph Ndo showed a cheeky turn of pace a minute later but his shot was stopped by Michael Devine and then cleared by Dan Murray.
George O'Callaghan had the Cork fans on their feet moments later when his right foot shot whistled past the outside of the Dean Delaney's left hand post.
O'Callaghan had another sight of goal in the 35th minute but this time directed the strike straight into the arms of Delaney.
The half ended on contentious note when Owen Heary, already on a yellow card, clipped the heels of Danny Murphy as harried the fullback into the corner, but Cork protests were in vain.
It was stop start stuff in the second period but Cork were frustrated to see chances missed by Gamble, O'Callaghan and Roy O'Donovan.
Shels hitman Jason Byrne had three sights of goal but failed to make Cork pay for some pedestrian defending.