Johnny Kenny on the mark as Shamrock Rovers reignite their title quest with win over Derry City

Johnny Kenny rediscovered his goal touch to reignite Shamrock Rovers' drive for five as they beat putative chief title rivals Derry City for the second time this season.

The win, Rovers first in five games and second in eight since their 3-1 victory at the Ryan McBride Brandywell a month ago, closes the gap on second-placed Derry to two points.

Following Shelbourne’s late winner at St Patrick’s Athletic, Rovers remain six points off the Damien Duff’s leaders who visit Tallaght Stadium on Friday.

Though Derry, missing suspended top scorer Patrick Hoban, started on the front foot, with Michael Duffy getting a sight of goal, if only the ball would have dropped more kindly for him, Rovers should have been ahead from their first attack on two minutes.

Cameron McJannet failed to deal with Dan Cleary’s long clearance.

Kenny cleverly outfoxed the Derry captain to then skip a little too easily past Shane McEleney.

And though he rounded Brian Maher in the City goal, Adam O’Reilly tracked back brilliantly to clear Kenny’s effort off the line for the first corner of the night.

Kenny, though, wasn’t to be denied as Hoops took the lead with a terrific team goal on seven minutes.

Skipper Roberto Lopes, Darragh Nugent and Markus Poom worked the ball forward from the back.

Kenny laid it off to Graham Burke whose ferocious left-foot shot Brian Maher could only clumsily chest away.

And straight to Kenny who showed superb composure to rifle home first time from 12 yards.

Though he hadn't scored in Hoops previous two games, it was the Celtic loanee's fifth strike in seven and seventh in total for the season.

The bright start to the game was maintained as Derry looked to hit straight back with efforts from O’Reilly and Will Patching off target.

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