Champions Shelbourne kicked off the new League of Ireland season with a win but goalscorer Sean Boyd admitted he was panicking at half-time after a power cut at Tolka Park.
The lights went out at the Drumcondra venue just after the half-time whistle was blown, with fans quick to use their torches to light up the venue.
The game was at a serious risk of being called off, a daunting prospect for the hosts who led 3-1 going into the break thanks to a brace from Boyd.
League rules would have seen the game abandoned and rescheduled with Shels' lead being wiped out, however an electrician in the crowd reportedly diagnosed the issue and the ESB were able to replace a blown fuse to restore power.
Greatest electrician in the world https://t.co/meyald0MuW
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) February 14, 2025
Boyd opened the scoring after catching Derry goalkeeper Brian Maher off his line before Michael Duffy levelled in a thrilling start to the game.
Sean Caffrey put Shels back ahead 90 seconds later before Boyd added his second and Damien Duff's side could have had more in what was a largely controlled performance.
Sean Boyd said prayers during Shelbourne power cut
Boyd, who was speaking to Virgin Media after the win, admitted that he said a few prayers during the power-cut, fearing his goals would be rendered null and void.
I was probably panicking yeah thinking the game was going to be off or rescheduled and it wouldn't count for anything," he said.
"I was in saying a few prayers, my Mam was probably saying a few prayers at home! But thankfully the lights came back on and we are delighted."
The 26-year-old linked well with new striker partner Mipo Odubeko, who could have scored on the night, and was full of praise for the youngster after the win.
'Mipo brings raw pace, athleticism he is amazing and he wants to score goals - you can see it by him," Boyd said.
"I loved playing with him tonight so hopefully this is the start of something really good."
🙏 "I was in saying a few prayers, my Mam was probably saying a few prayers at home!"
🗣️ Player of the Match @SeanBoyd16 is delighted the lights came back on as Shels beat Derry. #LOI pic.twitter.com/pLj7DbrHFN
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) February 14, 2025
The pair had played together in their side's President's Cup win ahead of the new season, with new signing Odubeko having a great presence up front and slipping into the team seamlessly.
The duo looks set to do damage for Duff's side this season as they look to make a strong defence of their Premier Division crown.
