RUAIDHRÍ HIGGINS admits he was happy to sacrifice his football principles in Derry City’s win over St Pat’s on Monday night.
The City boss was seeking a response to Friday’s humbling 3-1 loss against Shamrock Rovers — which meant they claimed just one win in six.
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And he was prepared to concede possession against the Saints during Monday’s win-at-all-costs clash.
It was not pretty but Higgins’ decision to play two strikers paid dividends as Danny Mullen bagged a brace while Pat Hoban returned from injury to net for the Candystripes.
Even Conor Keeley’s overhead kick was not enough to sway the hosts away from their victory.
Higgins said: “It wasn’t a pretty performance. I didn’t care if it was a pretty performance.
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“We needed to find a way to win the game and we did that.
“We gave up a bit of possession which is against my principles but we needed a way to win.
“We had to be more compact, give up possession and try to break on them a bit.
“I thought we were a threat on the break and when we got into wide areas with Pat Hoban and Danny Mullen who are good at attacking balls into the box, they would score goals.
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“It’s not exactly how I would love my team to play but we’ll take it!
“With Ben Doherty on the left and Paul McMullan on the right we felt we could get crosses into the box. We defended in a 4-4-2 and were more compact.
“We weren’t beautiful on the eye but we won.”
And Higgins went so far to suggest that Monday’s win over St Pat’s felt like more than three points for his team.
The Derry boss explained: “One thing that I noticed after the game on Friday night was the pain in people’s eyes — real hurt.
“We stuck together over the weekend and got a big three points. We need to back it up now.
“We want to win every game. We understand the consistency levels need to improve and it’s a start.
“Winning the game was the only thing that mattered. It’s four wins on the spin in the league against Pat’s at the Brandywell which is good.
“It was a really good response after Friday. I’m delighted for the players.
“They deserve huge credit for showing a bit of courage and belief.”
But the Limavady man admits his side’s clash against Waterford will be a tough one at the RSC on Friday night.
Higgins said: “Waterford are a good team.
“We’ll travel on Thursday and prepare and try get another three points.”
