John Caulfield has written off Shamrock Rovers bid for a historic fifth Premier Division title in a row. The Galway United manager, who led Cork City to league glory in 2017, has declared this year’s battle as a two-horse race between Shelbourne and Derry City. Caulfield’s Galway side lost 2-0 at Shels at Tolka Park last Friday, as Damien Duff’s side held onto their two-point lead over the Candystripes.
Crucially, they have a game-in-hand over Derry. READ MORE: Drogheda United announce big signing, Galway player leaves after rejecting contract READ MORE: 'I hate bullies' - Shelbourne coach on his reasons for supporting Palestine As for Rovers, they are fourth in the table after Friday’s defeat away to Sligo Rovers and are 15th points adrift of the leaders, albeit with a game-in-hand of their own. That won’t be enough to help them claw back the deficit, says Caulfield.
“I think it’s a two-horse race,” he said. “Before (Friday night), it was that. The gap for Rovers was.
.. if they were chasing one, but when you’re chasing two teams, you won’t close the gap.
“They (Shelbourne and Derry) both won’t hit a rocky patch. This league will come down to the last six or seven games, whoever holds their nerve. “Crazy results happen on the run-in as we know.
Shelbourne play a beautiful game, Derry probably score more goals but they’re reliant on (Patrick) Hoban (being) fit, and their dynamic players, (Will) Patching, making sure they perform. “Shels are a re.
