Stephen Bradley and Ruaidhrí Higgins left with conflicting emotions after Shamrock Rovers dismiss Derry

Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley praised his side's performance after they recorded a comprehensive 2-0 win over SSE Airtricity League Premier Division rivals Derry City at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.

The league champions capitalised on a lethargic first-half display from the home side, with goal from Richie Towell and Jack Byrne sealing a second victory in three days, following Friday's hard-fought 2-1 win over Sligo Rovers.

"We're delighted with the performance overall," Bradley told RTÉ Sport. "We know it's a tricky pitch, we're coming off the back of a tough game on Friday, but I thought the players were excellent.

"First half, we played some really good stuff and second half we managed the game."

Rovers were forced into a change just after the hour mark as goalkeeper Alan Mannus had to be replaced by Leon Pohls, after the ex-Northern Ireland international damaged a finger ligament.

Pohls went on to save a penalty from Ben Doherty late on.

"It's an interesting week for Leon," Bradley added. "He gets married on Tuesday, it's his birthday today and he saves a penalty!

"He's had to be patient, he's had to work behind the scenes and he's come up trumps for us tonight."

Ruaidhrí Higgins laments a lack of first-half intensity from his Derry City side in their loss to Shamrock Rovers. pic.twitter.com/rjqTbFtqyD

Candystripes manager Ruaidhrí Higgins was surprised by his players' flat perfromance, particularly after Friday's 2-0 win over St Patrick's Athletic.

"I didn't see it coming, to be honest, because of the intensity we played with on Friday night," he said.

"We just didn't replicate tonight and against good sides, when you don't bring that intensity, you get punished.

"Over the course of the game, the damage was