Bradley unconcerned by Dublin derby defeat to St Pat's

Shamrock Rovers lost their second game out of four at Richmond Park on Friday night, however, manager Stephen Bradley appeared unconcerned by the outcome in Inchicore.

"On another night, the game is done at half-time," said the Hoops manager, speaking to the press after the game, listing the chances and statistics to back up his belief that the better side lost the entertaining Dublin derby.

Rovers certainly controlled the tempo once the game settled down in the first half, and the chances did present themselves, yet St Pat's also appeared content with their hardworking and organised approach to their clash with the champions.

There were early chances for Rovers, yet the frenetic pace of the opening 15 minutes was reflected by the play inside the box where Danny Mandroiu and Rory Gaffney were unable to truly test Saints keeper Joseph Anang.

Ronan Finn did spurn a great chance to open the scoring for Rovers midway through the first half, however, Anang did well to make the crucial save.

Dylan Watts, Jack Byrne and Mandroiu again, all hit efforts goalwards in those opening 45 minutes, but in reality, the Saints goal was not really threatened, with the last of the three crashing into the side-netting.

Pat’s had a penalty appeal waved away just before the break, yet their counter-attacking approach offered little in the final third.

That all changed ten minutes into the second half as Chris Forrester rose highest to head home from a corner.

Rovers reacted with a spate of attack-minded substitutions, and while they dominated throughout the final 30 minutes, the quality of delivery was largely lacking and the chances that did present themselves were not converted.

"I thought we were very good," said the Rovers manager. "Looking at the