Damien Duff Shelbourne FC Masterclass: Title-Winning Tactics Vs Derry City

The final game week of the League of Ireland had been anticipated for months.

Derry City were due to face Shelbourne FC.

Both sides had been the front runners for most of the season, and many dreamed of the final match deciding the league champions.

Inconsistency from both sides allowed for reigning champions Shamrock Rovers to have a chance of winning their fifth title in a row despite not having led for any of the campaign.

Derry City were unable to maintain the form that would allow them to be crowned champions for the first time since 1997, losing crucial games in the run-in.

This put destiny in Shelbournes hands as the final match of the league campaign took place.

If Shelbourne beat Derry City, they would secure their first title since 2006.

However, if they fail to win and Shamrock Rovers beat Waterford, the league will remain in Tallaght. 

This tactical analysis will demonstrate how Damien Duffs tactics succeeded in setting up his side to secure victory in what was undoubtedly the biggest match of his managerial career.

With Rovers dominance in recent years, there was significant pressure to take this golden opportunity.

The Reds attacking, defensive, and set-piece tactics will be analysed in detail to show how they overcame the enormous pressure to win their final game and create history. 

Shelbourne FC Attacking Analysis 

In the opening minutes, the initial tactic that Duff had instructed his side to carry out was evident.

They were going to take no chances in possession.

During Shels build-up play, they launched the ball forward with the aim of finding their centre-forwards.

This was out of character for the North Dublin side, which has made the third-lowest number of long passes in the League of Ireland this season.

As the ball reached its intended target, the midfield four worked on getting on the end of second balls in the hope of maintaining possession. 

In this situation, Shelbourne striker Martin leaps for the ball and beats the challenging defender in the air.

He then shows real quality by finding one of the supporting players who has made a supporting run.

Both strik