 Stephen Kenny's side suffered their first setback of the season |
Derry City were punished for errors as Maiden City native Pat McCourt struck twice in Shamrock Rovers' 3-2 Eircom League win at the Brandywell. David Mooney put Rovers ahead in the sixth minute and McCourt added a second eight minutes later after Killian Brennan had given the ball away.
Mark Farren pulled a goal back for Derry in the 33rd minute but McCourt hit Rovers' third before half-time.
Ciaran Martyn (77) gave Derry hope but Rovers held on for a deserved win.
Mooney's opener came after good work by Trevor Molloy but the Dublin team's second goal was gifted to McCourt after Killian Brennan had given the ball away near his own penalty area.
Farren volleyed home Derry's reply in the 33rd minute after a Damien Brennan cross but Rovers were two ahead on the stroke of half-time with McCourt again supplying the finish after Peter Hutton had been caught in possession.
Martyn gave Derry hope by hammering home 13 minutes from time after good work by Sean Hargan but despite late pressure from the Candystripes, Rovers held on for a precious three points.
MMIX
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