Byrne roams free to dominate blunt Derry
SHAMROCK Rovers issued a statement of intent at a packed Brandywell last night, the Hoops claiming the spoils on a fateful day for the city of Derry.
The game was preceded by an impeccably observed minute’s silence for journalist Lyra McKee who tragically lost her life after being shot during a riot in the Creggan area of the city just 24 hours earlier.
The home side knew they would face a battle and strived to match the visitors early on.
In truth, the Candystripes failed to seriously trouble Rovers’ goalkeeper Alan Mannus, as the men from Tallaght demonstrated their superiority over the hosts with slick passing and organisation.
And in Jack Byrne, Rovers boast a young player clearly capable of bossing the midfield area.
Presented with a free role, the ex-Manchester City youth celebrated his forthcoming 23rd birthday with a superb performance. And it was his intervention that secured the spoils two minutes before half-time.
With clear-cut scoring chances at a premium on the night, Byrne played an incisive pass to send Aaron Greene scampering clear. The lone striker carried the ball towards the edge of the penalty area before drilling a low shot into the net, past the advancing Peter Cherrie.
Derry went close in the early stages. In the 13th minute, Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe opted for a spectacular curling effort that sailed agonising wide of the target.
Rovers had an opportunity of their own two minutes later when Dylan Watts got his head to a Jack Byrne free. He also failed to
hit the target. Derry’s Patrick McClean had a low shot deflected wide in the 20th minute while his team-mate Eoghan Stokes pulled a shot well wide of the Rovers goal five minutes later.
As the first half drew to a close, Junior failed to meet David Parkhouse’s cross with a diving header.
But it was Rovers who had the final say at the end of the opening period.
Greene broke Derry hearts with that strike on the stroke of half-time and made an easier job of manager Stephen Bradley’s half-time team talk
The goal certainly took the wind out of the home side’s sails. However, they did create a superb chance to equalise in the 53rd minute when Junior played Parkhouse through, but he directed his shot straight at Alan Mannus and the Rovers goalkeeper made a vital stop.
Driven on by the capacity crowd at the Ryan McBride Brandywell, Derry certainly huffed and puffed but the Rovers defence stood firm. There weren’t many fans of referee Derek Tomney among the home faithful after he tested the patience of the crowd with a number of dubious calls as the game drew to a close.
Rovers could have doubled their lead during injury time but Cherrie did well to deny Greene from close quarters.
With this victory Rovers have consolidated their eight-point lead over Bohemians at the top of the table, and on this evidence, Stephen Bradley’s side are certain to be in with a shout at the business end of the season. DERRY CITY: Cherrie; Cole, Gilchrist, McClean; Harkin (McDermott, 75), Sloggett; Stokes (Bruna, 58), McNamee, Junior; Parkhouse. SHAMROCK ROVERS: Mannus; O’Brien, Lopes, Grace, Clarke (Carr, 64); McEneff, Watts; Byrne (Coustrain, 89), Finn (Vojic, 82), Kavanagh; Greene (42). Scorer: Greene. Referee: D Tomney (Dublin).