Stephen Bradley reacts to growing idea Shamrock Rovers already have one hand on League of Ireland trophy
STEPHEN BRADLEY knows there will be people quick to declare the title race over - but none of them are at Shamrock Rovers.
The Hoops moved six points clear at the top of the table last night with
And the signs for rivals are ominous as Rovers chase their fifth title in six years.
The Hoops have scored the most goals, conceded the fewest, have now won five in a row, and know how to win.
He said: 'I would understand that (it looks ominous) when you look at the group, the strength of the squad, where we are and our history.
'I totally understand that and people are allowed speak and have those opinions. But we know in here that it's the next game and that's not going to change.
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'We've been so successful because of how focused we've been. That will remain the same.
"I genuinely know and believe that we only get better as the season goes. History tells you that.
'People can talk but for us we have to stay focused. We won tonight but we move on and get ready for Galway, it's that simple.'
But the Derry City win delighted him as his side stayed calm even after Danny Mullen put the home side in front.
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He said: 'It's an important win obviously as they are the team closest to us, or were. I thought we deserved it second half.
'First half Derry were better. I thought the second half we were brilliant and really dominated the game.
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'I think when a team scores against you when you're playing so well and being so dominant in the game, it really helps to have the mentality not to panic, to stay calm.
'We were able to do that as we were dominating the game and you could see they scored against the run of play, which is fine, it happens at times.
'We made a mistake and they punished us with a great finish. But we were nice and calm and you could see we were in a good place.
'We just got back into our rhythm and got our rewards. Second half was a really dominant display.'
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His side have earned 35 points from their 18 fixtures
The win was also earned with big moments from substitutes as both McEneff and Michael Noonan - who scored for the third game in a row - came off the bench.
Bradley added: 'We know the group, they have been successful for a long long time. Everyone needs to chip in.
'And there are players on the bench tonight who will feel they should be starting and players at home tonight who feel they should be in the squad.
'I understand that but they also understand that they all have to play their part, but they came off the bench tonight and were brilliant.
'They gave us real energy and quality and the second goal is a goal of really really high level.'
While Bradley was delighted with his side's performance, he revealed that teenager Cory O'Sullivan's substitution after 17 minutes was necessary as he was on a yellow card.
The centre half was booked for a foul on Gavin Whyte after seven minutes and was later penalised for another foul on the same man.
And with referee Marc Lynch dishing out three bookings in the opening 15 minutes - he handed out six in total - Bradley admitted he feared O'Sullivan would be sent off.
He said: 'I didn't want to take any chances. The ref was giving cards out for fun at the start and I wasn't taking any chances up here, on the pitch and with the crowd behind them.'
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