Derry City manager Ruaidhri Higgins
Ruaidhri Higgins admitted his side simply weren’t good enough as they were beaten by 10-men.
It was all the more startling given the Bit O’ Red had lost their last three.
It was ironic that City had finally sorted out their home form – winning the last two scoring seven goals – only to suffer a first loss on the road.
Shels continue to be one of the toughest opponents in the division.
Damien Duff proudly boasts the best defence in the country, with just 11 conceded in 17 matches, and some key men are now returning from injury.
Said Higgins: “It was a very disappointing night but we have addressed it, as you have to do, and we move on.
“Shelbourne are a very well organised side and they don’t leak many goals. They also have talent at the top end of the pitch so we know we’re in for a difficult night.
“The players know what’s expected of them. We have to find a way and we need players going on to the pitch with a real desire to win the match.
“We’ve reached the halfway stage and we’re sitting at the top of the table at the minute but we have to ensure we have more performances like the previous weeks.”
The City boss confirmed that Sadou Diallo would miss Friday night’s match through suspension, but with Patrick McEleney and Mark Connolly returning to the squad last weekend, the Limavady man said he would be working off an otherwise same panel for Shelbourne.
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