SHAMROCK ROVERS earned a hard-fought 1-0 win over Derry City at Tallaght Stadium tonight to stretch their lead at the top of the Premier Division table to four points.
Stephen Bradley’s side were not at their best, and the second-place Candystripes looked the more threatening team for long periods in what was a cagey affair.
However, the Hoops improved in the second half after making a couple of changes.
One substitution, in particular, paid off, as Danny Mandroiu proved the match-winner, converting from close range in the 79th minute after Andy Lyons’ initial low shot was saved by Brian Maher.
Chances were at a premium in the first half. Jamie McGonigle played through Matty Smith, but a heavy touch saw the opportunity wasted, while Alan Mannus also made a good save, after McGonigle connected with an inviting Brandon Kavanagh cross.
Rory Gaffney and Daniel Lafferty also went close to breaking the deadlock before Mandroiu finally opened the scoring after good work in the build-up by off-season recruit Lyons.
Cameron Dummigan almost grabbed a late equaliser, as his header hit the crossbar, but the hosts held on for three points that could prove vital come the end of the season.
Derry, who were missing some key players including Patrick McEleney can take heart from a performance that suggested they are not far off the reigning champions in terms of quality.
Not for the first time though, the Hoops’ impressive squad depth was highlighted, as they found a way to win amid an unconvincing display.
Shamrock Rovers: Alan Mannus, Sean Hoare, Roberto Lopes, Sean Gannon (Sean Kavanagh 55), Ronan Finn (Barry Cotter 81), Andy Lyons, Chris McCann (Dylan Watts 69), Richie Towell, Graham Burke, Rory Gaffney (Danny Mandriou 68), Jack Byrne.
Derry City: Brian Maher, Ronan Boyce, Eoin Toal, Shane McEleney, Danny Lafferty, Cameron Dummigan, Will Patching, Joe Thomson, Matty Smith (Evan McLaughlin 78), Brandon Kavanagh (James Akintunde 66), Jamie McGonigle.
I don’t watch much LOI but tonight was a good advert for the league.
Good skill and game, pitch was in great condition and the stadium/crowd really added it it. Even my kids were taking notice.
If we could build good facilities all around the country the league could really grow.
@Dave McAuliffe: Build it and they will come.
Derry were the better team for large parts of the game tonight without really creating many chances. They hassled rovers from the start and we couldn’t get into any rhythm at all with a lot of misplaced passes. Spaces started to open up towards the end and there was a couple of lovely moves from rovers that nearly opened Derry up. We didn’t deserve to lose in Derry earlier in the season and they’ll feel they didn’t deserve to lose here tonight. Such is life.
That’s what good sides do,grind out results.KOH.
Better team tonight Derry and leave with nothing. Bench was the difference in the end. Building a good side and are going to be around challenging for a while. RAWA.
Long way to go but shams are beginning to hit top gear.they’re not a great side but have enough in the tank to see off Derry who are hugely missing Michael Duffy and the seemingly always injured pat mceleney.when Derry get those two back playing together they’ll lift the title but not before.
@Eammon Collins: ah the old “not a great side” jibe. We played well for 20 mins tonight and won. Love the way opposition fans think that saying we aren’t great or we only won the league cause there’s no real opposition or it was only half a league etc etc, actually bothers us. Here we go, 3 in a row.
@Kevin: seems you don’t like a bit of criticism. Eamon is100 % right. Shams are not anywhere near yet to a great side. Last great side was Dundalk for what they achieved. (Maybe the great Derry side who won the treble). Your team have a way to go before being recognised as a great team.
@kevbo:
@kevbo: throw all the criticism you like. You’ll have to queue up though with all the other fans of lesser clubs. We’ll just keep racking up wins, points and titles.
@Kevin: get off your high horse. As I said earlier Derry building and over 2 games we are clearly a better footballing team. Outplayed all your football (STARS)last night with youngsters who are up and coming. Missing a few quality players most of the season so I can’t wait for the future where we can play with 2 full sides. Loving it up here. RAWA
@kevbo: clearly a better footballing side? Brilliant. Can you not just enjoy what you have for now and stop being bitter about us. You’re like a sligo fan.
@Kevin: Hahaha , you lemon. As I have clearly mentioned, up here we are just enjoying the moment
@kevbo: obviously not enjoying it as much as you pretend or you wouldn’t be commenting on rovers articles every week. Imagine what it’ll be like if you ever win anything, although you probably can’t remember ever winning anything as it was last century or something. Look, you won’t have to worry about losing gallantly against us for a few months now so please god your still in the title race at that time, but i doubt it somehow. Just let it go.