Barr, Boyce impress but Derry woes deepen with Rovers defeat

DONEGAL youngsters Brendan Barr and Ronan Boyce impressed on their first starts for Derry City last night.

Although the Candystripes lost 2-0 to Shamrock Rovers at the Brandywell, there was plenty of encouragement with the displays of the Donegal teenagers.

Pictures by Joe Boland, North West Newspix

Barr made his competitive debut for Derry in Friday’s loss to St Patrick’s Athletic.

Last night, the Newtown man was handed a start by Declan Devine for the visit of the champions to Foyleside. Included at midfield, Barr turned in an excellent display before being withdrawn in the 83rd minute.

Also named in the Derry XI was Ramelton’s Boyce, who had a fine outing at right back.

Derry, though, were undone as Rory Gaffney fired in a close-range opener on 34 minutes before a stunning strike from the halfway line by Graham Burke sealed the win.

Derry are rooted to the bottom of the Premier Division with no points from their first four games.