Derry City manager Ruaidhrí Higgins conceded that he had to have some harsh words during half-time of Thursday night’s Europa Conference League first qualifying scoreless game against HB Tórshavn.
Higgins was annoyed that he had to use some strong words at the break, but he felt it was needed to get his players going in the Tórsvøllur stadium.
He also brought on duo Will Patching and Jamie McGonigle and the attacking pair made a big difference in the second half, as the Candystripes created chances and played with a bit more purpose.
“I absolutely had to have some harsh words at half-time,” stated Higgins.
“Our first half and particularly the opening 20 minutes performance was well below our standards and I shouldn't have had to have those harsh words at the break, but it happens from time to time.
“However what was impressive was how we adapted whenever we changed things, we got better and the boys stuck at it.
“Tórshavn hit the post early in the first half and they had a couple of good opportunities in the first half, but I felt after those few chances we probably had the better of it.
“We looked really leggy in the first 20 minutes and then we got a grip on the game and got better. The second half performance was more like us, it was just that final bit, we created a few good chances, but we just couldn’t put the ball into the back of the net, but you need your match winners to really step up whenever you are on top in games of this magnitude.”
The Derry gaffer backs his team to put in a better performance in next Thursday’s 'winner takes all' second leg clash at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.
“Look, it’s 0-0 at half-time and now can we go and win the second half at hopefully a packed Brandywell next Thursday night,” he added.
“They have some good players and a couple of really good players, but now the gloves are off and 90 minutes is behind us, so let’s go and see if we can put the tie away next week.”
