Dolan: we came close, but Shels deserve it

AN emotional Pat Dolan said he could not have asked any more of his players after their terrific - but ultimately futile - end-of-season push for the Eircom Premier title.

"We showed tremendous character in the second-half, especially after what the referee did to us in the first half with a penalty which was obviously not a penalty. But I can take nothing away from the effort my players put in," the City manager said.

"The thing is that Shelbourne are not where they are for nothing. They knew a draw would do them and that's what they got. But they are obviously the best team in the league and they deserve their title.