Rovers dig in to defeat Derry and stretch lead at the top

A somewhat unconvincing Shamrock Rovers stretched their lead at the top of the Premier Division to four points as they eventually overcame an impressive Derry City at Tallaght Stadium.

Substitute Danny Mandriou tapped home what was to be the game's winning goal eleven minutes from time as the Hoops put clear daylight between themselves and their nearest challenger.

FULL MATCH DETAILS

Trusting the same eleven who started last Monday’s stalemate with St Patrick’s Athletic, Derry shaded this first half with goalkeeper Brian Maher left untested.

The best of the goal-mouth action took place in front of the home side’s goal in the opening 45.

Matty Smith struggled to deal with the weight of Jamie McGonigle’s squared ball after City had hit Rovers on the counter 20 minutes in. Hoops goalkeeper Alan Mannus making the most of Smith’s heavy touch as he scrambled the ball to safety.

Rovers, who made five changes from their win over Sligo earlier this week, saw their defence stretched a number of times in this period.

Smith's flashed cross-come-shot just needed just a toe to convert, but no City player was on hand to capitalise as the ball fizzed across the face of Mannus’ goal.

April’s Soccer Writers’ player of the month McGonigle was denied by a smart reaction save from Mannus 26 minutes in. This, after the former Crusaders striker outmuscled Sean Hoare to meet Brandon Kavanagh’s searching cross.

Alan Mannus to the rescue for the home side as Jamie McGonigle looks to put Derry ahead. Heating up nicely here at Tallaght Stadium...#RTEsoccer