Higgins: Too early to talk of statement wins

Derry City manager Ruaidhrí Higgins alluded to a tactical tweak at half time which enabled his side to pull off a landmark away win over champions Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght Stadium.

The Candystripes had to withstand a barrage for most of the first half, Ben Doherty's beautifully taken breakaway goal giving them the lead against the run of play before Johnny Kenny levelled the game with his first strike for the Hoops nine minutes later.

Otherwise, the hosts largely controlled the game for the opening 45 minutes, Graham Burke and Trevor Clarke both coming agonisingly close to scoring, while Neil Farrugia proved impossible to corral down the right flank.

However, Higgins urged more courage after the break and on 54 minutes - also very definitively against the run of play - Derry struck what proved the winner, Jamie McGonigle expertly sweeping home after a cut-back from Ryan Graydon.

"It's a brilliant win, a really really brilliant win," Higgins told RTÉ Sport afterwards.

"They’re the champions three times in a row for a reason. You’re going to come under sustained periods of pressure. I felt by and large we dealt with it really well and we looked a threat going the other way. I think it’s a sublime goal that won it (from Jamie McGonigle).

"We asked for a wee bit more courage at half time. I felt we gave up possession too easily in the first half which is not like us. And we definitely played with more courage and more belief.

"As I said, the second goal, Will Patching as played an exquisite piece of quality, brilliant from Ryan Graydon who was a constant threat in the second half and McGonigle's finish was similar to the cup final finish, great goal.

"We made a slight tactical change to get hold of the game, more control, get