Derry City manager Ruaidhri Higgins
The Candystripes have dropped points against both Dundalk and Shamrock Rovers in recent weeks, two games they came so close to winning.
Pat Hoban’s late equaliser cost City two points at Oriel Park, while Will Patching’s first ever penalty miss proved crucial in the 0-0 draw with the champions at the Brandywell.
“We could easily have taken six points from the last two games, but it wasn’t to be,” said Higgins.
“It’s a case of should have, would have, could have. When we get chances, we have to be more clinical and ruthless and take responsibility. I would be a lot more concerned if we weren’t creating chances, that’s for sure.
“I’d be lying if I said it didn’t eat at me, but football moves fast and you have to get on with it. You have to look after the next game and that’s against Drogheda and we have to go down there and win, it’s as simple as that.”
Drogheda may sit eighth in the Premier Division but in recent months they have beaten both Rovers and Dundalk at Head in the Game Park, proving that they can be a problem for any team on their day.
City themselves have won just once in three attempts against Kevin Doherty’s team this year.
“You look at Drogheda’s results against the top two this year,” Higgins added. “Dundalk have lost three games this season and two of them have been against Drogheda.
“Drogheda have also beaten Rovers and they also drew in Tallaght recently as well, so they can definitely raise their levels and it shows what they are capable of so we need to be at our best because it is a difficult place to go.”
Michael Duffy, meanwhile, could be in line to make his first start since returning to the club, and Higgins acknowledged that his return to fitness has given everyone a lift.
“It’s just a shame that we haven’t had that quality until now, but we have got him for a good number of games so hopefully he can have an impact between now and the end of the season,” he added.
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