Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley admitted his team rode their luck in collecting the three points against Derry City at Tallaght Stadium.

Despite being under the cosh by their nearest title challenger for large periods of the game, the visitors couldn't find the breakthrough for all their enterprising play.

In the end, the only goal of the game came courtesy of Rovers sub Danny Mandriou to stretch their lead at the top of the Premier Division to four points.

As far as Bradley was concerned, the team’s character was impressive as the win itself.

"I thought Derry were very good first half," he told RTÉ Sport. "Alan [goalkeeper Mannus] makes a brilliant save to keep us in the game.

"We were really poor, they were very good. We stayed in the game, that’s what champions do.

"Second half, we played for about 20, 25 minutes and we got our reward."

Mandriou tapped home the winner eleven minutes from time as the Hoops put clear daylight between themselves and the Candystripes and the manager praised his vital contribution.

"Danny should really be playing, but he picked up a knock last week and we are just trying to mind him a little bit," he said.

"He’s been fantastic. He gave us so much energy when he came on and looked a real threat. He was really good."