Derry City manager Ruaidhri Higgins says he is “gutted” that the Candystripes title hopes ended with a game to play.
A 1-0 defeat away to St Pat’s Athletic, coupled by leaders Shelbourne’s 2-1 win over Drogheda United, ended their hopes of lifting the League of Ireland Premier Division.
Higgins side have now won just one of their last five league matches as they now face a battle to qualify for Europe and they face Shelbourne in their final match.
Damian Duff’s side can lift the trophy at the Brandywell with victory over their former title rivals.
“We’re obviously gutted. The damage wasn’t done here tonight, that’s for sure,” Higgins told BBC Sport NI.
“We missed ample opportunities over the year to pick up more points when we didn’t. Ultimately, it’s cost us.”
Higgins’ side have drawn 13 of their 35 league matches and, when asked if the number of points dropped in those fixtures were pivotal, he said: “Absolutely.
“There’s no point in saying otherwise. We had loads of opportunities to take control of it and we didn’t.
“We had too many draws. Being totally honest, we’ve had too many draws over the past three seasons, really.
“It’s something we have to look at. It’s disappointing.”
Brandon Kavanagh scored the only goal of the game as St Pat’s surged past Derry into second place in the table at Richmond Park.
Higgins said “naivety” from his side cost Derry a goal just before half time.
“I thought the players gave everything and, I feel, we deserved something from the game.”
While they currently occupy third place ahead of their final fixture, Derry could drop out of the European places before the final round of fixtures if Shamrock Rovers win their game in hand.
Qualification into Europe could be sealed with victory over Drogheda in the FAI Cup final, but Higgins admitted the dressing room was “extremely flat” as their title charge stuttered in the closing stages.
“We have to try and win next week. If it’s good enough to get in the top three then fine. If it’s not then we’ll have to try and do it the hard way,” he added.
“We need to try and get a win in front of our supporters and give us a wee bit of momentum heading into the cup final.”
