Candystripes defeated Shamrock Rovers in Dublin

Thanks to Johnny Kenny's early goal, Derry City suffered a 1-0 defeat to Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght Stadium.

The result brings Rovers to within two points of Derry, who remain second.

The Candystripes went looking for their second win in Dublin in four days as they were unbeaten in six games against Tallaght. Their last defeat also came against Rovers at the Brandywell last month.

However, they immediately fell behind and had Adam O'Reilly to thank for a heroic goal-line block after just two minutes. This came after Kenny beat four Derry defenders and Brian Maher in a great run, only for the former St Pat's man to fend him off.

It was merely a spectacle for the former Celtic striker as he would score his goal just four minutes later. He reacted quickest and struck after Maher parried Graham Burke's rasping attack. Ruaidhri Higgins will have been pleased with City's response as O'Reilly and Will Patching both went close with long-range shots.

In the 18th minute, Kenny tormented the Derry defense again and a rash attack from captain Cameron McJannett sent him reeling in the penalty area, resulting in a penalty being awarded. However, a poor free kick from Burke was well saved by Maher to his right.

The Candystripes were perhaps relieved to go into the break just a goal behind after another desperate block from O'Reilly was required when Ciaran Coll's onward strike fell to Jack Byrne.

City improved after the restart, but again it was the hosts who had a good chance after the hour. Byrne passed to Burke, who moved away from the defense only to fire his shot into the side netting.

As the half wore on, the visitors struggled to create anything of note despite being only one goal behind. Paul McMullan's powerful shot in the 80th minute came closest.

The Candystripes have picked up just one point from their three meetings with Stephen Bradley's men this season, ending a four-game winless run for Rovers.

Derry fell four points behind leaders Shelbourne, who secured a late 2-1 away win at St Pat's.

City will be back at the Brandywell on Friday against Sligo Rovers and will look to bounce back in the first of three of the next four home games.