Mark Farren struck twice as second-placed Derry City kept their title hopes alive with a 2-0 win at Longford Town last night.
The win moves Derry seven points behind Shelbourne, who have played two games more than Stephen Kenny's side. Farren claimed his first goal after just 15 seconds and added a second on the half hour mark.
Elsewhere, Declan O'Brien scored the only goal of the game as Drogheda United defeated UCD to keep within sight of the pacesetters.
O'Brien struck after four minutes at United Park, leaving the hosts eight points off the lead.