Shelbourne boss Damien Duff: I think we threw away points

With the first series of games in his debut season as manager now complete, Damien Duff has warned his Shelbourne players that they cannot afford to keep giving away goals.

Shels’ poor home record was underlined again by Friday’s 2-1 defeat by Shamrock Rovers. Shels now has one point out of a possible 15 at Tolka Park. Sub Aaron Greene struck in a late winner for the champions but how many goals were conceded has left Duff upset.

“We gave them two goals, similar to Pat’s Night, gave them two there. You can’t just cough up the ball in midfield against this quality. The lads know it but we have to stop that I think and learn fast on the job,” said Duff, whose side now face the daunting task of traveling to leaders Derry City on Friday.

“I think outside of the Finn Harps game, we’ve been in every game. But that’s no consolation. I think we threw away points. I told the boys that. I gave them numbers. You could argue Pat’s, you gave them the game, Bohs last minute, Rovers. I think we’re coughing up unnecessary points and I’m hoping for an obviously better return in the second round, maybe watch the games.

“They were great. The only disappointing thing for me is that they threw away points, quite a few points this season. You will learn.”

Now in his fifth season with the Reds, Shane Farrell scored a superb goal against Rovers and Duff is delighted with his progress. “I know he’s a crowd pleaser. You can see that he’s back in the team now. But he’s not back on the team because he’s a crowd pleaser. Because he deserves to play,” said Duff. “He’s brilliant, he brings another dimension, great energy, great hind legs and he’s very underrated technically. He is probably one of the most technically skilled players in the league. This finish isn’t an easy finish and he pushes it with aplomb. I think the world of Shane. He’s playing great for us.”