Derry City lost 1-0 to Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght Stadium thanks to Johnny Kenny’s early goal.
The result leaves Rovers two points behind the Derry side, now four behind Shelbourne after the leaders claimed a 2-1 victory away to St. John’s.
The Candystripes sought their second win in Dublin in four days as they took a six-game unbeaten run to Tallaght, with their latest defeat also coming against Rovers at Brandywell last month.
However, they were immediately behind and had Adam O’Reilly to thank after just two minutes for a heroic goal-line block. This was after Kenny beat four Derry defenders and Brian Maher in a mad dash, but the former St Pat’s player denied it.
This only came as a surprise to the former Celtic striker as he would score the goal just four minutes later. He reacted quickest to strike home after Maher saved Graham Burke’s harsh drive. Ruaidhri Higgins will have been pleased with City’s response as O’Reilly and Will Patching went close with long-range efforts.
Kenny was tormenting the Derry defense once again in the 18th minute and a rash challenge from captain Cameron McJannett saw him go down in the box with a penalty awarded. However, a poor penalty from Burke was well saved by Maher to his right.
The Candystripes were perhaps relieved to go into half-time just a goal down after another desperate block from O’Reilly was required as Ciaran Coll’s clearance fell to Jack Byrne.
City improved after the restart, but, once again, it was the home team with a good opportunity just before the hour mark. Byrne played in Burke who broke away from the defense only to shoot into the side netting.
As the half wore on, the visitors struggled to create anything of note despite being just a goal down with Paul McMullan’s powerful shot in the 80th minute going over the closest they came.
The Candystripes have just picked up a point from their three meetings with Stephen Bradley’s men this season, as Rovers ended a four-game winless run.
City will be back at the Brandywell on Friday against Sligo Rovers as they look to bounce back in what is the first of three home games of the next four.
