'We have given ourselves a real fighting chance in the second leg'

Ruaidhri Higgins paid tribute to his players after a magical European night at the Brandywell.

Second half goals from Will Patching and Cian Kavanagh have given Derry City a 2-1 lead heading to Finland for the second leg of their Europa Conference League Qualifier. On the 17th anniversary of the win over IFK Gothenburg in 2006, the Candystripes produced a memorable performance to give themselves a real chance of progressing into the third qualifying round. 

"It's an absolutely brilliant win," Higgins said. "It's a special Brandywell night. The noise at the end reminded me so much of Gothenburg back in '06. After getting the sucker punch just before half time with the penalty, to show that bravery and that character and courage in our play in the second half; huge credit to the players and the huge belief they showed in themselves."

Higgins agreed that his team could well have been heading to Kuopio with an even bigger lead.

"I think on chances you would have to say that," he continued. "I looked at the stats and we were the dominant team. I think we've had a stonewall penalty turned down as well, but their 'keeper has made a couple of brilliant saves and kept them in it. To be going over there, with something to protect - not that we're going over there to protect anything by the way - we're going over there with a lead and that's great, and that gives us hope and optimism for next week." 

The Derry City manager believes that his team now has every chance of pulling off something special in Finland in the second leg. 

"What's the point in getting on the flight if we don't think and feel that? We've set it up for ourselves. There's absolutley nothing guaranteed, but what it does is it gives us a real chance and a fighting chance. I think the belief the players will have gained from the performance will stand to us going over there."