THE ACID TEST

Devine: Bohemians have learnt how to win games ugly 

- MARK MCCADDEN

DECLAN DEVINE has hailed his side's willingness to play "ugly" - as Bohemians opened up a six-point gap at the top of the Premier Division.

The Bohs boss claimed his players spilled "a bit of acid" on their way to victory over his former side Derry City on Monday.

The Candystripes were hoping to leap-frog the table-toppers with a win, but were frustrated throughout and conceded from a controversial second-half penalty.

For the Dubliners, it was the perfect reaction to last Friday's derby defeat to Shamrock Rovers.

"We defended with aggression, we defended with unity, with bodies on the line, heading balls you're not entitled to head, your goalkeeper with a couple of big saves again.