Connolly rues sloppy goals after Brandywell collapse

It was a feeling of two points dropped for interim Candystripes boss Mark Connolly on Sunday evening as his Derry City charges failed to defend a two-goal half-time advantage, drawing 3-3 with Shamrock Rovers in a memorable goal fest at the Ryan McBride Brandywell.

Derry stormed into a 2-0 lead by the quarter-hour mark thanks to a rampant start, with goals from Ellis Chapman and skipper Michael Duffy as the stunned Hoops seamed to be suffering from a midweek European hangover. Wonderkid Michael Noonan grabbed one back for the Champions midway through the half, only for Chapman to notch his second moments later as the Candystripes looked set for a huge three points.

However, second-half substitute Will Fitzgerald proved to be a masterstroke from Stephen Bradley as the former Sligo Rovers captain set up goals for Graham Burke and Dylan Watts to claw the Hoops back into it and turn the game on its head. Fitzgerald was denied a late winner by a spectacular Tom Norcott save as they were forced to settle for a point on the banks of the Foyle.

A win would have moved the Candystripes to within four points of the European spots. However, the late Hoops onslaught instead sees them six behind fourth-placed Dundalk as Shamrock Rovers edge closer to a twenty-third league title.

Despite the overriding feeling of disappointment, Connolly was very happy with large aspects of his side’s play, especially considering their disappointing 5-3 collapse to Bohemians last time out.

“For large spells of the game I thought we were outstanding. Our shape, our press without the ball was superb. Our front foot to get after them was brilliant. Some of our play through the lines was just brilliant.

“Second half we were a wee bit timid. The goals that we gave up weren’t ideal, but overall I’m so proud of the boys, and it sort of felt like a defeat in the end. It’s definitely two points dropped. We conceded two sloppy goals, but we have plenty to work on. As I said, we controlled the game really well in spells. Those goals were just very disappointing.”

Attention will swiftly turn to the Club Orange FAI Cup, which resumes centre stage next weekend as Dundalk travel to the banks of the Foyle for what is set to be a mammoth quarter-final at the Ryan McBride Brandywell.

After what has been a disappointing league campaign for the Derry men, the cup still provides their best chance of a memorable season as Connolly and his charges hope to take another step on the road to the Aviva Stadium, having last lifted their sixth FAI Cup in 2022.

“Without a doubt this result gives us a huge amount to work with going into Dundalk next week. This is a great group, a very talented group. We want to play front-foot football, which is what we have been doing, and I think that the boys have been outstanding.

“Next week is going to be a really good game. I went down to watch them play Drogheda the other night and they are a really good team. It’s going to be a tough one, but it’s one that we are really looking forward to.”