Zayed on the mark to hold Hoops

THE proverbial game of two halves in Tallaght last night, as Derry City pegged back Shamrock Rovers and ensured that the champions — who looked to be in cruise control up to the break — wouldn’t open up a six-point lead as they seek to defend their title.

Stephen O’ Donnell — replacing the injured Chris Turner for Hoops, was prominent in orchestrating some promising early attacks, as both sides looked to get the ball down and pass it on a perfect playing surface. But the Derry defence had to live on its nerves, coping with the trickery of Gary McCabe on one flank and Karl Sheppard on the other, while all the time having to keep tabs on the lively movement through the middle of ace marksman Gary Twigg.

Twenty-five minutes in, and just seconds after Derry manager Stephen Kenny had tried to stiffen his defence by bringing on the experienced Eddie McCallion for the struggling Patrick McEleney, concerted Rovers pressure finally told. And it was a baptism of fire for the substitute right-back, as his main target, Gary McCabe, rose at the far post to meet Pat Sullivan’s deep cross and send a looping header beyond the reach of Gerard Doherty in the Derry goal.