Independent ruling boosts Derry hopes

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.

The league had ruled that Bohs be deducted three points for fielding an ineligible player, defender Jason McGuinness, in the August 17 encounter at Dalymount Park.

Shelbourne decided to appeal that decision, and the FAI Appeals Board decreed that the Bohs points deduction should stand, with the controversial appendix that the Bohs-Shels fixture should be replayed in the interests of fair play.