Ruaidhrí Higgins happy for Derry to win ugly in clash with Cork

Derry City boss Ruaidhrí Higgins acknowledged his side had to rely on their grit rather than their class to see off Cork City and advance to the quarter-finals of the Sports Direct FAI Cup.

The Candystripes prevailed 1-0 at Turners Cross, with substitute Sam Todd heading home the only goal of the game on 72 minutes.

A relieved Higgins paid tribute to Derry's opponents after the full-time whistle, telling RTÉ Sport: "I thought Cork were outstanding tonight.

"They have two of the best strikers in the country playing for them and a brilliant stadium, with brilliant supporters.

"I think things are looking up for Cork. They've already won the first division, maybe not mathematically, but they're going to be a Premier Division team next year.

"They had a go at us, and we weathered the storm. We weren't dominant or free-flowing by any stretch, but we found a way.

"In the first round against St Pat's, we were outstanding in how we played and in our attacking play, but tonight we had to show a different side to us.

"First half, we didn't really compete the way we would have liked from a physical point of view. Second half, we did that better and wrestled a bit more control, and we got the breakthrough and hung on."

"To be honest, I think if we had been 3-1 or 4-1 winners, I don't think anyone in the stadium could have complained" - Tim Clancy

The disappointment of opposite number Tim Clancy was all too clear.

"I don't think they had many chances in the game, bar corner kicks and a few set-pieces," the Cork manager opined.

"They're as good as there is in the country and in the Premier Division. They'll be right there at the last kick against Shels.

"To be honest, I think if we had been 3-1 or 4-1 winners, I don't think anyone in the stadium