Pic: George Kelly

Shamrock Rovers secured their second win of the season with a 1-0 victory over fellow title contenders, Derry City. The fixture was uneventful for large parts as it took a penalty from Dylan Watts to separate the two sides. The home side grew into the game in the second half, beginning to threaten their opposition’s net. It was eventually unlocked when Adam Brennan won a penalty after being taken down inside the area. For Stephen Bradley, it was a historical night, as he surpassed the record of most games in charge.

Uneventful opening half

The Hoops recorded 74% of the first half possession, compared to Derry City’s 26%. However, despite this, they never looked like getting going. Stephen Bradley’s side dictated the game and dominated the ball, but appeared to be unable to unlock the Candystripes defence, a reminder of issues that they still face.

Shamrock Rovers took six shots in the opening half, forcing Eddie Beach into making four saves. There was a lack of continuous momentum for the home side. Derry City allowed Rovers to play in front of them and not come tight to force them into decisions, allowing time and space in possession. This suited Rovers, but overall led to a lack of urgency and required great patience for the reigning champions.

The saves that Beach was forced into were primarily timid efforts from Jack Byrne outside the box. These attempts lacked pace and never worried the keeper; however, they showcased the firm hold Rovers had over their opponents for the opening 45 minutes. After 33 minutes, he was forced into an impressive save after Byrne slipped Graham Burke through on goal.

Pressure begins to build

Stephen Bradley’s team talk at the interval was sure to inspire his players to step up the pressure. For the next 45 minutes, his side acted with more urgency and threat, causing issues for the backline of Derry City. Before being withdrawn on 71 minutes, Victor Ozhianvuna continued to have a positive impact on proceedings, making former Hoop, Barry Cotter, work.

Shamrock Rovers had nine shots in the second half, four being on target. Compared to Tiernan Lynch’s side, whose options were limited, they failed to register a shot on target for the whole 90 minutes. Hostile receptions were in store for both James McClean and Barry Cotter anytime they were in possession.

One who continued to impress throughout the whole game was Jack Byrne. He was at the forefront of any danger caused by his side. He concluded the victory with an 80% pass accuracy rate, completing 51 out of 64. 40 of those successful passes were also in the opposition’s half as he attempted to unlock the defence.

The deciding moment

In the 80th minute, Jack Byrne gave a direct pass to Adam Brennan. He makes a threatening run into Derry City’s area, only to be taken down by substitute Conor Barr. There has since been some social media reaction to imply that there was no direct contact between Barr and Brennan. The run made by the former UCD man was dangerous, leading to a decision being forced upon the defender.

The spotkick was eventually taken by Dylan Watts, who calmly slotted it into the bottom right corner, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way. It was his first of the season, his last being a free kick against Galway United that sealed Shamrock Rovers’ 22nd league title. He did not get a place in the starting lineup against Derry City; he was introduced after 71 minutes in place of Ozhianvuna.

Holding out

Shamrock Rovers did not have to dig deep to hold onto all three points. They managed the game well for the remaining eight minutes of normal time, plus the four additional minutes. They earned a succession of corners that aided their goal of seeing out the 1-0 victory in place of chasing a second goal. This, combined with winning throw-ins on the back of the corners, ensured that Derry City’s opportunities were limited and offered little hope of spoiling Bradley’s historical night.

Bradley’s historical night

Ahead of kick-off, it was confirmed by the club that the fixture marked Stephen Bradley’s 445th game in charge. This record spans since his takeover in 2016, leading Shamrock Rovers to a decade of success. Since his appointment, the club has won five league titles, two FAI Cups, and two President’s Cups.

He surpassed the record previously held by Paddy Coad, who managed Rovers for 444 games, spanning from 1949 to 1960. During his time, he served as a player-manager and brought three league titles and two FAI Cups to the club.

Before the game began on Friday night, Bradley was given an award to mark the special occasion. He was presented on the pitch accompanied by staff members of the club. He always hails staff and the supporters, including when he has had tough moments in his life.