'A win over Shamrock Rovers could kick us on'

Derry City vs. Shamrock Rovers

Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium

Tonight, 7:45pm

Ruaidhri Higgins believes that Derry City are edging closer to finding the consistency that has eluded them this season, as they prepare to host Shamrock Rovers at the Brandywell tonight.

The Candystripes are yet to win successive games this season, and while Higgins was left very frustrated after last week’s draw at Drogheda United, on believes, on reflection, that there were some very good signs of progress from his players at Weavers Park.

“On reflection, of course I was angry and frustrated because I felt the first hour of the game probably warranted us winning the game, and we didn't capitalise on that,” he said. “But on reflection, when I've looked back at the game, some of the stuff, particularly in the first half, was for me the best we've played this season. So, we just need to continue that and I've no doubt that the consistency will come.

“In this league, when you don't capitalise on your pressure and your momentum, it can catch you out. So, as I said, a lot to be positive about in terms of some of the stuff we played and stuff to tidy up on as well. But we're 10 games into a 36-game season and I'm sure sooner rather than later we'll find that level of consistency that we need.”

This weekend is huge for Derry City with the visit of the champions tonight quickly followed by the visit of St. Patrick’s Athletic on Monday night. This could be just the double header needed to kick-start the season for Higgins and his players.

“They're big games and they're great games to be involved in,” Higgins continued. “They know how to win leagues and they've set the standards for everyone else in the country they try and reach. They're great games. I think the crowd really gets up for it as well and we'll need that on Friday night and hopefully we can put in a really good performance.”

Higgins is in no doubt of the challenge facing his players tonight, with Rovers right on Derry’s tail after a difficult start to the season.

“They have a real identity and they've had it for years now,” Higgins said. “They have a way of playing. They very rarely deviate from that. The games between ourselves and them have normally been good games and both teams are really going to try and win the game. That's what we'll try and do, that's what they'll try and do and it makes for an entertaining game. There's real match winners on both teams, so hopefully we can put in a good display and get our supporters off their seats.”

“When you see the quality they have in their group and if you look through the whole league, nobody really has shown, bar Shelbourne for that period, an unbelievable level of consistency. It's just a matter of us focusing on ourselves and trying to get a big win now on Friday and hopefully it gives us a kick to move on from.”

Patching century

Tonight's game is a special one for City midfielder Will Patching, who will play his 100th game for the club. His value has been immense to Higgins in his three years at the club.

“Will's in a really good vein of form,” Higgins acknowledged. “To be honest with you, in my three years here, he's been right up there as one of the most influential players in my time here. Probably bar the start of last season, where he had a niggly injury, his form's been very consistent and he's really produced for me and for the club. I've no doubt that that can continue.”

Higgins has seen some positive signs of late despite frustrating results, and he believes it will take everyone pulling together in the same direction to get the level of consistency Derry City have been missing so far.

“It's funny because you look at last year where we had some 0-0 games where you maybe dominate the game, but you can't put teams away,” he reflected. “That was very frustrating, but I think this year we've won at home 3-0, 4-1, so we've got better at that. I just think we need to get back to being really, really ruthless from a defensive point of view.

“That doesn't mean just the back four and goalkeeper. It means absolutely everybody. Everyone has a responsibility within that. The game's not played like that anymore. Everyone within the team has a defensive responsibility. I think we're giving away softer goals than what we've been used to in the last couple of years. As I said, we're scoring some goals, so we just need to get back to having that ruthless streak from a defensive point of view.”