Ruaidhri Higgins: 'The early goal definitely helped'

Derry City manager Ruaidhri Higgins singled out the experience in his team as the key ingredient to lifting the club’s sixth FAI Cup title after a record 4-0 victory over Shelbourne.

It’s the Candystripes first national gong in a decade with key players Patrick McEleney in his seventh cup final, Michael Duffy, Cameron Dummigan and Jamie McGonigle all playing key roles in the victory.

“The big grass pitch and the athletes in our team ate the ground up and our top players came to the party today and our experience helped us. The ones who haven’t played in finals will have gained huge confidence from today and that will be huge for the future,” explained Higgins.

“I come back to the experience in the spine of our team, Connolly, Dummigan, Shane and Patrick McEleney, Duffy and Jamie McGonigle who has played in two Irish Cup finals in the North so we have players who have navigated massive games in their careers.”

Goal machine from the back Cameron McJannet was the standout player in the Aviva showpiece with a brace and he has captured the hearts of the Derry faithful and it is safe to say the feeling is mutual with the Englishman proving a cult hero up north.

“You look at Cameron McJannet today, came over a couple of years ago from Milton Keynes to get his career going,” said Higgins. “He’s fallen in love with the place and the fans have fallen in love with him and to me he’s one of the most underrated players in the country. I'm delighted for him today.”

An early McGonigle goal opened the floodgates for Derry after a sensational move that involved a sweeping McEleney pass, an exquisite Ryan Graydon touch and pass and an expert finish from the front man.

Higgins feels starting quickly was pivotal in the game and believes the taste of silverware will only spur his side on to greater things as they look to mount a sustained title challenge next season.

“The early goal definitely helped, the big open spaces for the pace in our front three caused them problems and I was delighted to see that first one hit the back of the net and we grew in confidence from that.

“To win the cup is special but the manner in which we won it makes it extra special.

“This club is a big club and we haven’t won the FAI Cup for ten years which is too long. God knows we might not win another one for ten years but hopefully not! You see the potential of the club today, the numbers that travelled it was ridiculous, it’s for them. Time will tell whether it is a springboard but that’s the ambition.”

FAI Cup Final Report: Derry City 4 - 0 Shelbourne https://t.co/PPJUvJQpumpic.twitter.com/6WkWS6NtHO

— Extratime.com (@ExtratimeNews) November 13, 2022