Rovers get off to a flying start

Shamrock Rovers got their new season off to a flying start at the Brandywell last night inflicting a second defeat on Derry City.

Derry goalkeeper Alan Gough was responsible for two glaring mistakes which allowed Rovers to take the points.

In the 17th minute a Marc Kenny free from the edge of the penalty area made its way through a ruck of players to find the net with the Derry goalkeeper badly placed.

Then in the 71st minute a throw-in from the left saw Gough advance but Rovers striker Noel Hunt hooked the ball over his head to present Shane Robinson with an easy chance.

Derry were rewarded with a late consolation when defender Sean Hargan netted in the 93rd minute after the visiting defence failed to clear.

Derry City: Gough, McCallion, Hargan, Kelly, McLaughlin, Hutton, Beckett, McGlynn, Coyle, Hughes, Martyn. Subs: Friars for Hughes (59 mins); McCready for McGlynn (80 mins);

Shamrock Rovers: O'Dowd, O'Keefe, Doyle, Byrne, McGuinness, Scully, Tracey, Robinson, Hunt, Kenny, Keddy. Subs: Grant for Keddy (half-time); Francis for Robinson (80 mins).

Referee: P McKeon (Dublin)

Derry City ... 1

Shamrock Rovers ... 2