Stephen Bradley hits back at Rovers' critics after comeback in Derry

The Shamrock Rovers boss says he was 'baffled' by some of the language used to question his team after they were painfully dumped out of the Uefa Conference League

Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley salutes the travelling support at the end of the game. Pic: ©INPHO/Lorcan Doherty

Derry City 3 Shamrock Rovers 3

STEPHEN Bradley hit back at media criticism directed at his Shamrock Rovers team after falling short of the group stages in Europe claiming his side 'deserve respect'.

The Rovers boss says he was 'baffled' by some of the language used to question his team after they were painfully dumped out of the Uefa Conference League by KuPs in Finland on Thursday night.

Three days later they travelled to Derry City and clawed back a two-goal deficit to earn a precious point in a 3-3 draw, stretching their lead at the top of the table to five points over nearest rivals St Pat's and Bohemians with a game in hand.

He insists he was 'proud' of his group of players for their character and grit shown in the comeback after another display of strength from the bench with Dylan Watts scoring the equaliser on 80 minutes - seconds after entering the fray, "I'm happy, most definitely," said Bradley afterwards. "Just in terms of playing Thursday, away in Finland, the travel and everything that comes with that. The early kick-off here today, the start we had in the game.

"I think how people can question this group is incredible. It baffles me. They show time and time again so much grit and character and obviously quality. I'm extremely proud of them.

"We know it comes but I understand that people are used to us winning and it comes with results. Some of the language used against the group was really, really poor considering what they've done and what they continue to do. I think they should have more credit in the bank than that.

"People have short memories. We're not trying to shy away from the disappointment not to get to the groups. We're quite clear with that but these players have been doing it for a long time - group stage football, winning doubles, winning leagues. They've had a bad 10 days and some of the language used towards from some sections of the media has been really interesting."

Ellis Chapman fired Derry into the lead after 90 seconds, with the Dubliners appearing to suffer from a European hangover.

Michael Duffy added a second on 16 minutes but Graham Burke, fresh from his costly own goal against KuPs, set up Michael Noonan to half the deficit just before the half hour mark.

Chapman restored Derry's two-goal lead four minutes later as the Candy Stripes took a healthy lead going into the break.

Rovers' second-half substitutes made the difference: Will Fitzgerald set up Burke in the 72nd minute, before Dylan Watts netted the equaliser 10 minutes from time less than 60 seconds after coming off the bench. 

DERRY CITY: Norcott 7; Barr 7, Stott 7, McClean 6, Fleming 7; Burns 7 (Cotter 6, 79), O'Reilly 7, Twisk 7 (Dummigan 6, 79) Duffy 8; Chapman 8 (Olayinka 6, 64); Smith 6 (McColgan 6, 94).

SHAMROCK ROVERS: McGinty 7; Matthews 6 (Mulraney 6, 69, Cleary 6, 86), Grace 6, C. O'Sullivan 7, Brennan 6 (McGovern 6, 79); Sobowale 6, J. O'Sullivan 7 (Fitzgerald 8, 69) , Healy 7, Byrne 6 (Watts 8, 79); Burke 8; Noonan 7.

Referee: Paul Norton.