GRACE PERIOD

Lee says this early in season isn't time to be concerned over form

- PAUL O'HEHIR

LEE GRACE has rubbished claims of a worrying start for Shamrock Rovers and insists a win tonight will see them hit their stride.

The three-in-a-row champions are second bottom of the Premier Division following Friday's 2-1 home defeat to chief title rivals Derry City.

Rovers opened the new campaign with a draw in Sligo and backed it up with another in Drogheda having let leads slip in both games.

But they are only five points off early pace-setters Derry and centre-back Grace is adamant there is no reason to panic.

City will travel in confidence having smashed UCD 4-0 on Friday but Grace said: "It's good to get back on the horse and try to put it right.

"You would like to be top of the league but it's not where we are at the moment. It's three games in and it's a long season.