Damien Duff admitted a first away win over Shamrock Rovers in almost two decades was a "big statement" while insisting that he and his Shelbourne team would keep their feet on the ground.
Shels' 2-0 win at Tallaght Stadium extended their lead at the top of the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division to six over Derry City and nine clear of the Hoops.
With the sides involved in Europe already past the halfway stage of the season, it underlines Shels' potential to make a concerted push for the title.
But Duff was keen not to get carried away although the significance of a win on the road over ten-man Rovers was not lost on the Shelbourne manager.
"But if I get carried away, it gives the green light for everybody to get carried away. So the fans, everybody outside the dressing room can get as carried away as they want, get really excited but myself, the players and the staff are very calm and we're not going to come away from what we're all about and that's just working hard."
Both goals came courtesy of Will Jarvis penalties, with the winger also proving difficult for Shamrock Rovers to deal with.
The Hull City loanee had been a doubt for the game but was able to start and Duff was full of praise for the 21-year-old.
"He's a tough Yorkshireman, didn't want to wear a mask, adopted by Shelbourne, adopted by Dublin, he loves it here, we love him, special, special player, he affects games and wins games," he said.
Along with the defeat, Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley had to count the cost of growing injury issues in his squad after having to make three first-half substitutions with Daniel Cleary, Trevor Clarke and Josh Honohan all withdrawn, although the latter two are not facing significant lay-offs.
"Dan's doesn't look too good. Trevor was more precautionary, I think Trevor will be okay and Josh it's just one of them things, a clash of heads, he felt dizzy when he got up and the medics can't take any chances in that regard so I understand that," he said.
"But look, we're getting bodies back, it's fine and it's just another challenge being thrown at us. We've faced different challenges throughout the years.
"Winning is not easy, winning leagues is not easy and these players know that. They've faced different challenges throughout the years and this one's thrown at us and they'll face that head on."
Bradley added that the defensive error from Honohan that led to the concession of Shelbourne's first penalty was "basic" but that he was happy with how "brilliant" his team had been in creating opportunities during the first 20-30 minutes.
He was also satisfied with how his ten-men finished the game and backed his squad to come good and bounce back in their bid for a fifth title on the trot.
"We'll be fine. Like I said, I trust this group. I know what they do, they know what they do more importantly and we just need to stay focused."
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