Bradley hails his men after dramatic draw at Brandywell

At the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium on Sunday, Shamrock Rovers clawed back from a 3‑1 half‑time deficit to secure a point against Derry City, a result that stretched their lead at the top of the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division to five points.

The Hoops looked down‑and‑out when the hosts stormed into the break with a 3‑1 advantage, leaving Rovers scrambling for any chance of revival.

Late goals rescue a point

In the final twenty minutes, Graham Burke struck first and Dylan Watts added a second, turning the match into a thrilling draw and keeping the title race firmly in Shamrock Rovers' control.

Bradley’s men also retain a game in hand over second‑placed St Pat's, further cementing their dominance.

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After the match, Stephen Bradley told ’s Tony O'Donoghue, “It says a lot about the group of men that we have… How people can question this group is beyond me.”

He added that the recent 1‑0 Conference League play‑off loss to KuPS in Finland should not diminish the squad’s quality or desire to win.

Derry City’s interim boss Mark Connolly expressed frustration at letting the Rovers off the hook, noting that both sides came close to victory in a see‑saw climax.

Sixteen‑year‑old Michael McColgan had a chance to snatch a winner, but the opportunity slipped away, prompting Connolly to praise the youngster’s potential.

Next up for the Candystripes is a Club Orange FAI Cup quarter‑final against Dundalk on home soil, a fixture that promises another intense encounter.

The comeback at Brandywell underlines the physical demands of travelling to Finland, back to Ireland and then an early kick‑off, a schedule Bradley believes only the most resilient groups can endure.