Rovers thwart Derry

Derry City 0 Shamrock Rovers 0

STEPHEN KENNY’S assertion that Shamrock Rovers would be involved in the race for the title proved a wise call at the Brandywell last night.

In fact, Rovers produced a determined first-half display, but failed to get past Derry goalkeeper Ger Doherty, who produced a brilliant display with saves from Pádraig Amond and Stephen Bradley.

Derry, who had a Tam McManus header cleared off the line by Bradley in the 14th minute, saved their best for the final 15 minutes, Mark Farren missing a glorious chance to give the home side the spoils with just 11 minutes remaining, but not before Rovers forced Doherty into vital saves from Gary Twigg in the 58th minute and then Amond in the 64th minute.

Derry finished in determined fashion and they should have won it in the 79th minute, but Farren could only slice the ball wide of the target with only Murphy to beat.

DERRY CITY:Doherty; McCallion, Gray, Hutton, McClean (O'Brien, 67 mins); Deery, Higgins, Martyn (Scullion, 78 mins), Stewart; McManus (Kearney, 67 mins), Farren.

SHAMROCK ROVERS:Murphy; Flynn, Maguire, Price, Cahill; Bradley, Cameron, Rice, O'Connor; Twigg, Amond (Baker, 71 mins).

Referee:D Hancock (Dublin).