Injuries TO Tony Cousins and Brendan Markey marred Shamrock Rovers's much-needed win at Tolka Park yesterday. Jason Sherlock's goal won the points to give Rovers their first victory in seven games.

But the injuries, particularly to Markey, who tore ligaments in his right knee, made it a bittersweet victory for manager Mick Byrne.

"The club are very concerned for Brendan," said Byrne. "We're hoping that it's not as bad as it looks. If the ligaments are gone we'll just have to live with it. It's very hard on him as he was just back to full fitness."

Cousins hobbled off a minute before the interval with an ankle injury and then Markey was stretchered off after colliding with Derry goalkeeper David Platt within two minutes of the re-start.

Despite their strikers showing well, Rovers failed to score in the first half before another sparse attendance.

It was a dreadful display by Derry, even allowing for the absence of Liam Coyle, Gary Beckett and Paul Curran, and it was no surprise when Rovers scored on 60 minutes. Terry Palmer knocked down Billy Woods's corner for Sherlock to flick the ball past Platt.

SHAMROCK ROVERS: O'Dowd; Tracey, Brazil, Palmer, Woods; Sherlock, Murray, Colwell, Morrisroe; Markey, Cousins. Subs: G O'Connor for Cousins (injured, 44 mins), O'Meara for Markey (inj, 50 mins), Mannering for Morrisroe (85 mins).

DERRY CITY: Platt; McCallion, D Kelly, Hutton, M Kelly; Doherty, Hegarty, McCready, Hargan; McHugh, McCaul. Subs: Gilmour and McCann for Hargan and McHugh (both 66 m).

Referee: A O'Regan (Cork).