DERRY GAFFER: WE CAN BECOME THE LYNCHPINS

TIERNAN LYNCH is convinced Derry City can become the leading force in League of Ireland football.

- PAUL O’HEHIR

It may take time to get there, but he reckons the Candystripes will only get stronger in the face of crushing setbacks like last Sunday's in Tallaght.

Derry held Shamrock Rovers scoreless at halftime but quickly fell apart in the second-half as Hoops striker Rory Gaffney ran riot with both goals.

And the defeat has left Lynch's men 11-points off the pace in third spot ahead of tonight's home clash with bottom side Cork City.

“I've watched it back on a number of occasions at this stage and I've mixed emotions,” said the Derry City boss.

"The goals that we conceded were not good enough. Alex Bannon came into the dressing room and put his hand up to take the blame.