Derry City manager Peter Hutton was thrilled to see his game plan come to fruition as the Candystripes reached next month’s FAI Ford Cup final last night at the expense of Shamrock Rovers.
Hutton’s side defeated Rovers 2-0 at The Brandywell as the Hoops rearguard was finally breached by Michael Duffy and Rory Patterson in the closing minutes following the dismissal of Jason McGuinness.
The Derry boss revealed he was content to let Rovers have the ball in defence in the first half because he felt they were weak in that area and also aimed to restrict full-back Simon Madden who was a huge thorn in their side in the first meeting on Sunday.
He said: “Semi-finals can be a wee bit cagey. We were happy to let them have it at the back - one or two players in particular to be quite honest.
“They kept giving the ball back to us which was great. We had to remain patient and as the game progressed I thought we were a bit more assertive.
“We had a game plan in trying to nullify the influence of Simon Madden as well. I thought we did that fairly well. I thought as the game progressed we got stronger.
“[The red card] certainly helped. Prior to the sending-off I thought we were building a wee bit of momentum.
“I think we thoroughly deserved it. We took the initiative and went for the jugular as such by trying to finish it in normal time.
“Thankfully Michael Duffy popped up with one and again another superb finish by Rory Patterson.”
“We were happy to let them have it at the back - one or two players in particular to be quite honest.”
Hutton took over in May with Derry’s season in jeopardy following Roddy Collins’ departure which left them with two wins in 12 in the SSE Airtricity League.
European football in 2015 looked to be out of their reach through the league and Hutton targeted the Cup to rescue their year.
He said reaching the Aviva Stadium decider with St Patrick’s Athletic on 2 November is a fitting reward for the City players.
“It's fantastic. I think full credit has to go to the players for their efforts since we have come in at the start of May. They have been exceptional. It is just rewards for all the work they have put in.
“It means everything. For everyone associated with the club, players, supporters, backroom staff, board of directors, it means so much. I'm absolutely delighted for these group of players because I think they thoroughly deserve it.
“We're a game away from winning a piece of silverware and getting European qualification so we look forward to it.
“Pat's will probably be saying that it's their third time lucky - we've won the previous two in extra-time. It'll be a great game. Two teams that like to play football in the big open spaces of the Aviva Stadium.”
