Bradley: We stayed in the game like true champions

Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley admitted his team rode their luck in collecting the three points against Derry City at Tallaght Stadium.

Despite being under the cosh by their nearest title challenger for large periods of the game, the visitors couldn't find the breakthrough for all their enterprising play.

In the end, the only goal of the game came courtesy of Rovers sub Danny Mandriou to stretch their lead at the top of the Premier Division to four points.

As far as Bradley was concerned, the team’s character was impressive as the win itself.

"I thought Derry were very good first half," he told RTÉ Sport. "Alan [goalkeeper Mannus] makes a brilliant save to keep us in the game.

"We were really poor, they were very good. We stayed in the game, that’s what champions do.

"Second half, we played for about 20, 25 minutes and we got our reward."

Stephen Bradley had praise for the Rovers bench - and their opponents - after their 1-0 win at home to Derry City. Full-Time: Shamrock Rovers 1 Derry City 0#RTEsoccer