on his return to his home town as the game was delayed 35 minutes due to a

row over kit.

Referee Hugh Byrne insisted Shels all white strip clashed with Derry's

candystriped shirt.

After some wrangling, Shels reluctantly agreed to wear Derry's black away

shirt. Unfortunately, the game never really lived up to its top of the table

billing.

Derry's Liam Coyle had an early effort cleared off the line by Shels'

skipper Owen Heary.

Stephen Geoghegan and Jonathan Minnock came close at the other end before

the break.

Coyle then provided the inspiraton for Derry in the second-half but Steve

Williams saved well at the striker's feet after a mazy run.

Shels might have won it at the death, but winger Wes Houlihan's shot was

deflected out for a corner in the 90th minute.