RUAIDHRI HIGGINS reckons Derry City’s attack has kicked on since last season but now its defence needs work.
The Candystripes lie second in the Premier Division table but with an underwhelming points tally of 16 points from 10 games.
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They are the highest scorers with 16 goals but they have conceded 10, when four other top-flight teams are still in single figures.
And Higgins knows sloppiness will more than likely be punished when four-in-a-row champions Shamrock Rovers visit The Ryan McBride Brandywell tomorrow.
Higgins said: “It’s funny because you look at last year, we had some 0-0 games where we maybe dominated but couldn’t put teams away and that was very frustrating.
“This year, we have won at home 3-0, 4-1, so we have got better at that. We just need to get back to being really, really ruthless from a defensive point of view.
“That doesn’t mean just the back four and goalkeeper – the game isn’t played like that any more – everyone in the team has a defensive responsibility.
“We have given away softer goals than what we’re used to. We’re scoring some goals but we just have to get back to having that ruthless streak from a defensive point of view.”
City have won just one of their last five games and was frustrated at their failure to hang on for three points against Drogheda United last Friday.
He said: “On reflection, some of the stuff, particularly in the first half was the best we’ve played this season and hopefully the consistency will come.
“I think probably the first hour or so, particularly the first half, warranted more goals but it can happen and, in this league, when you don’t capitalise on your pressure and momentum, it can catch you out.
“There’s a lot to be positive about iand stuff to tidy up on as well but we’re 10 games into a 36-game season/
“If you look through the whole league nobody, bar Shelbourne for that period, have shown an unbelievable level of consistency.
“So, it’s just a matter of us focusing on ourselves and try to get a big win and hopefully it gives us a kick to move on from.”
They also conceded a late equaliser the last time they played Rovers, having come from a goal down to lead 2-1 at Tallaght before Markus Poom levelled.
STANDARD-BEARERS
And Higgins said: “They know how to win Leagues and they’ve set the standard to try to reach.
“They have a real identity and have had for years, they very rarely deviate from that.
“The games between us have been good games, there’s real match-winners on both teams. Hopefully we can put in a good display and get our supporters off their seats.”
Asked if the retirement of Alan Mannus, which saw Leon Pohls promoted to no 1, made Rovers any weaker than in previous seasons.
Higgins said: “Alan Mannus has been an outstanding goalkeeper in our league for many a year, and has obviously set a high level.
“But I don’t know their goalkeeper as well as their staff know him.
They are obviously very, very happy with him as they would no doubt have gone and got someone else.
“Listen, he’s got good attributes but hopefully we can score one or two past him on Friday.”
