John Russell is urging his players to build on Friday’s dominative win over Waterford as the Bit O’Red face into crunch clashes with both Derry City and Cork City in the coming days.
Rovers put in a superb showing despite inclement conditions at the RSC as goals from Gareth McElroy, Owen Elding, Cian Kavanagh and Francely Lomboto saw Rovers pick up a first win in six to lift themselves above the Rebels who now occupy bottom spot by virtue of Rovers’ better goal difference.
Speaking to LOITV after the four goal victory, a proud Russell spoke of his pride in a real clinical performance from the visitors who kept a clean sheet for the first time this year.
“We managed the game and did really well to get an early goal”, he said.
“It was an outstanding move, real high energy and high pressing. We looked a threat all night and managed the conditions really well. It was touch and go whether the game would go ahead but we dealt with the surface really well.
“They had a man sent off, which changed things for them but overall, we’re delighted with a clean sheet. To score four goals away from home in front of travelling support on the back of what’s been a tough few weeks for them and us is great. I keep saying it, we’ve great belief in this group. They keep working hard and a lot of our performances have been good. It’s just been about turning those performances into three points and we were able to do that tonight.”
Rovers were irresistible in the middle, bossing the centre of the pitch and that didn’t go unnoticed by Russell who heaped deserved praise on his engine room generals. While he also acknowledged the influence and input of his centre halves and goalkeeper.
“We have been playing well this year but we were guilty of giving away goals and making silly errors, but we didn’t do that tonight. Jake Doyle-Hayes, we missed him and it was great to have him come back into the team. I thought him and Ronan Manning were excellent along with Jad Hakiki.
“We played on the front foot and we showed what we’re all about. The clean sheet is huge because we haven’t managed to do that yet this season. Sam (Sargeant) was very assured and made the big decisions very well. John Mahon and Gareth McElroy defended well and had to because everyone knows the quality that Padraig Amond and Tommy Lonergan have. It was a tough night for Waterford, but we still had to perform and play to our strengths which we did.
“We need to build on this now, we know there’s more in this group and we need to push on against Derry.”
David Goulden