Collins praises squad after sealing first win

RODDY Collins hailed determined Derry after the Candystripes gave their new manager the first win of his reign at the club on Friday night.

Enda Curran netted the only goal of the game in the 54th minute to give Derry a 1-0 win over Sligo that eases any concerns Collins might have felt after City hadn't won in their first four games.

While Curran, signed by Collins from Athlone during the winter, was the match-winner, Collins sent out a warning that last year's top goalscorer, Rory Patterson, will find his goals in the coming weeks.

"Let's not forget about Rory," Collins said of the Strabane man, who bagged eighteen League goals in 2013.

"He will get his goals. People are talking that Rory hasn't scored in so many games, but come the end of the season he'll be up there at the top."

Collins was in upbeat mode and enjoyed his first win as City manager.

The Dubliner singled out Curran, who’s excellent low shot gave Gary Rogers little chance of making a save.

Collins said: "It was a great goal, with a great finish after great build-up play. The all-round concentration levels and the effort that the lads put in was top drawer.

"It was a great finish and he'll get a lot more."

Collins's side got their act together in the second half and were deserving victors by the conclusion.

The Derry boss said: "The win was coming. Thank God it came tonight.

"All around the pitch everyone did their job and we got to grips with them. They passed us around the pitch at one stage. When we got to grips with that we went man-for-man and I must give credit to Pierce Lafferty (Fitness and Conditioning Coach) for our strength and fitness - and to the players for their dedication.

"It's a start, but it's only a start. We have two days to prepare and we're straight into a big one in Dundalk."

Collins gave a debut to Jon-Paul McGovern against Sligo and the midfielder gave a solid if not spectacular first appearance. The new manager has yet to see Barry McNamee in a competitive game, but is looking forward to the Donegal man's return.

Collins said: "Jon-Paul was excellent and we'll get Barry McNamee on the other side, creating and holding onto the ball. We will create more chances. We know where we're going. It's just about getting the best eleven on the pitch on a consistent basis."

While Curran netted the winner and Barry Molloy came on to shore up the shop, Derry could also point to goalkeeper Gerard Doherty as a hero. Doherty pulled off a magnificent stop to deny John Russell. "The best 'keeper in the League, but a mile," was Collins's assessment.

Derry came into the game on a downer, but the win gives the standings a better look from their current perch.

Collin said: "Don't even look at the table. The only table you look at is the kitchen table at home.

"It's too early to look at the table. You look at the table with six games gone not now."