How do you reflect on the 2-1 win over Shels at Tolka Park on Friday?

“We played really well. I don’t think Shelbourne had a shot on target in the game. We created a number of opportunities and we had a goal disallowed. Overall, I think we deserved the win.”

With Dan Cleary and Josh Honohan scoring the Rovers goals, it must be pleasing to have such a good goal return from your defenders this season – Lee Grace has three, Josh Honohan three, Dan Cleary two and Pico Lopes has one.

“We have always been a team where we have had the goals spread around the team. We know on set plays, we have brilliant delivery and we have big physical players. When you combine that, it gives you a chance of scoring goals. I’m delighted that Dan scored, Lee scored one that was disallowed and then Josh gets the winner. It is really important that everyone is chipping in with goals like that.”

The tale of the game will be Josh Honohan getting the winner after scoring an OG – that second Rovers goal came from a great passing move.

“It was a really good move. We showed great patience, and it shows the work that Josh has been doing behind the scenes since he came here with Mary (Larkin – Rovers’ sports psychologist). He has really worked on being ready for situations like that, where you can have setbacks and you could see straight away that, after that unfortunate OG. That is just one of those things that can happen, mistakes happen but he responded really well. I thought he was excellent, and I was delighted that he went and got his goal.”

There were eight minutes of injury time put up and you played close to ten showing great resolve to see out the game and get all three points.

“I can’t remember seeing eight minutes in a domestic game before so that was a bit unusual. I thought the defenders played really well. Shels had big players on the pitch like Sean Boyd at that point and they were putting it in the box. Their defenders came up and they are dangerous. I thought we defended really well and were excellent.”

The fans enjoyed the celebrations after seeing the team’s first win in Tolka Park for three years

“It was an important win, as every win in the league is but Dublin derbies are special for the fans. For us to win over there, it is long overdue. It was great to be able to have that moment with the fans, the players and the staff. It is important you celebrate these moments.”

Next up is a trip to take on third placed Drogheda on Monday in Louth.

“Drogheda are having a brilliant season. Kevin (Doherty) is doing a brilliant job up there. We know it is going to be a really difficult game, we are under no illusions about that and we have full focus on Drogheda.”

How is Adam Matthews after being withdrawn so early in the game?

“It looks like he will be out for a bit of time. He is an experienced player, and he knows his body. He tried to push off and he felt his calf go.”

Great to be able to have a player of Lee Grace’s calibre to come on after five minutes even if he himself is only back from injury?

“It is always the worry when a player has been out for a few weeks but Lee keeps himself in great condition and he always does his work behind the scenes. When you do that it means you are ready to be called upon very quickly. He was ready to go. It was great to see.”

Any other injuries concerns ahead of Monday?

“Everyone is good bar Adam who will be out for a few weeks I’d imagine. We got a few knocks as normal after the game but nothing too serious.”