Derry City lost ground in the race for the League of Ireland title as they slipped to a disappointing 1-1 draw with Shelbourne at the Brandywell.
A low-key first half saw the sides head in goalless at the break.
Jack Moylan fired Shels in front after 70 minutes after a misplaced pass from Derry goalkeeper Brian Maher.
Joe Thomson carved out an equaliser but Derry are now eight points behind Shamrock Rovers, who came from behind to beat St Pat’s 4-1 in Tallaght.
After nine straight wins Derry took on Shels in a dress rehearsal for the upcoming FAI Cup final.
It was a lacklustre affair in truth in the first half with the visitors unwilling to show their hand.
Jamie McGonigle found a yard of space but fired wide for the home side.
Kameron Ledwidge forced Maher into a save at the other end in a half of few chances.
Shelbourne were 2-1 winners at the Brandywell back in April while Derry were on a six-game winning run in the league without conceding – a streak that started with a 1-0 win at Tolka Park.
It was Damian Duff’s side that did take the lead however as Moylan pounced on a loose pass from Maher and crashed the ball into the roof of the net.
On 84 minutes the Candystripes responded as Thomson got onto the end of a Cameron Dummigan cross.
Ruaidhri Higgins’ side almost clinched the win late on when Thomson hit the post before Mark Connolly went close with a header.
It finished level though with Derry’s title race all but over it would seem.