Murphy move pays

National League/ Derry City 1; Shamrock Rovers 0: Derry City's new striker Alan Murphy started to pay back the 22,000 compensation paid to Galway United when he netted a typical poacher's goal at the Brandywell on Saturday night.

And that strike presented Derry with their first victory of the season.

Having made three changes from the team that lost 2-0 to Shelbourne the previous weekend, Derry manager Gavin Dykes was delighted with the victory but disappointed with his side's second-half showing. "We didn't come out for the second half," said Dykes. "I expected more."

And for the Rovers supremo, Liam Buckley, it was very much a case of crashing back to earth after his side's victory over Cork City. "Against Cork, I would have rated our performance as seven out of 10 but this showing against Derry was three out of 10.

"We never played in the first half and while the second half was marginally better, we're capable of much more than that. I'm disappointed but now my players are fully aware of the importance of consistency."

The goal arrived in the 34th minute and for Rovers defender Steven Gough, it was preceded by an incident he will wish to erase from his mind quickly. Having received a pass from across his back four, Gough appeared to dither, and when Murphy pounced, Rovers were in trouble.

Gough's underweighted attempt at a pass back to his goalkeeper allowed the Derry striker gain possession and he left Noel Mooney stranded before guiding the ball home.

Rovers had created early chances but Trevor Molloy and Jason McGuinness failed to find the net.

DERRY CITY: Kelly; Brennan, Hutton, McLaughlin, Hargan; Deery, Martyn, Byrne, Holt; Beckett, Murphy. Subs: Farren for Beckett (61 mins), Doherty for Martyn (87)

SHAMROCK ROVERS: Mooney; Gough, Palmer, McGuinness, Doyle; Robinson, O'Halloran, Tracey, Rutherford; Kelly, Molloy. Subs: O'Brien for Tracey (44 mins), Kenny for O'Halloran (71), Deans for Kelly (81)

Referee: Paul McKeon (Dublin).