Shelbourne manager Damien Duff has said his team will not get carried away after his side beat Shamrock Rovers 2-0 in Tallaght on Friday night.
Two penalties by striker Will Jarvis was the difference between the two sides as Rovers defender Roberto Lopes was sent off in the second half.
“I know they’re looking for a bit of fist pumping at the end but it’s calm for me, you can feel off the lads in the dressingroom there, there’s no parties, there’s no screaming and dancing,” Duff told the club’s YouTube channel. “It’s after post-match and go home.”
“I have to say I was disappointed with the last 25 minutes we’re always honest with them, the guys were told out there instead of us dominating their half for the last quarter of the game, they’re dominating us.
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“I know it’s a nervy finish, we want to win and finish off the game, I think we can keep the ball better, they’re a man down but other than that a good night’s work.”
The victory made it three wins in a week for Shels after beating Waterford and St Pat’s Athletic.
“In two-and-a-half years we haven’t beaten Rovers away, it’s brilliant to tick that box, don’t waste Monday, yeah have a beer tomorrow maybe watching some brilliant football at the weekend but you have to bounce in Monday.”
Speaking about his team being criticised for being a defensive side, Duff said: “Without the ball we’re comfortable. I think we’re the only team in world football that get criticised for being organised without the ball. It’s seen as a negative here.
“No. the lads know their jobs. I think it’s a plus. I think a lot of fans outside Shelbourne hate us more than they like their team. I’m glad we didn’t celebrate too much, because we’re the only football club in the world that gets criticised and punished for celebrating a goal. Is it us against the world? Absolutely.”
Shelbourne lead the division on 37 points, six points ahead of Derry City in second on 31 points, with Rovers third on 28 points.
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