DERRY CITY’S hopes of lifting the eircom League crown on Friday night have been boosted by the decision of independent arbitrator, Mr Michael Collins SC, to uphold the initial eircom League decision on the Bohemians-Shelbourne controversy.

Shelbourne manager Pat Fenlon has insisted he will not be hounded out of football despite believing he has been unfairly treated by the eircom League and FAI.

Bohemians' clash with Shelbourne on Monday night will go ahead as scheduled after a last-ditch attempt by Shels to have it postponed was turned down.