Bohemians manager Seán Connor will not rule his side out of the title race just yet but concedes winning the league is now unlikely after being held scoreless at home over the weekend.

The Dubliners were second best to a Derry City side refreshed under new manager John Roberston and who should have secured full points.  "We huffed and puffed," Connor said.

His team is now seven points off leaders Drogheda United who have a game in hand. Derry remain in seventh

"I was disappointed but believe when we look back at the end of the season this will not be a bad point because, in my mind, Derry City are in a very false league position," he said.

"When I came here I said this was a rebuilding process and I eyed the top four as well as trying to do well in the cups. We're punching at a good position now and I genuinely believe this will not be a bad point.

"But we've got to be patient," added Connor.  "Some people here have lost the run of themselves.   Last year we were third from bottom and the season before that bottom six or seven.

"I think we've made progression.  It might not be quick enough for some people but I know where we're going and I think we're getting there slowly but surely.

"We've only lost four games all year so we're not doing too bad.  Nobody's pressing the panic button."

Sections of the home support criticised the manager for excluding influential midfielder Kevin Hunt from Saturday's starting line-up but Connor said the player required resting.

Hunt's young daughter has been ill for some time and Connor said the 32-year-old was not sleeping properly of late as a result.

"We need to get Kevin back playing the way I know he can play but I'm not going to do that when he's not sleeping right and is going through a difficult time at home," Connor said.

"There's no problem with Kevin Hunt.  He's a big, big part of the plans here. . .Kevin needs a rest, in my opinion."

Hunt, though, did play 48 minutes of yesterday's 1-1 draw with Wolves although when speaking ahead of that game Connor did indicate his club captain would feature to some extent.