John Fallon: Lesser lights of Europe show Irish clubs what they're missing
Observing Rory Patterson on the Tallaght touchline moments after Ireland's final representative crashed out of Europe last Thursday only deepened the sense of Anguish.
The former Derry City striker doesn't hit 40 'til next summer but still carries the physique of the version prolific in his pomp.
Patterson's eye for a goal – 20 over 2016 the standout season – got Derry teams over the line that were collectively inferior to the well-funded current batch managed by his former teammate Ruaidhrí Higgins.
Derry executed the second leg of the Conference League tie against Tobol Kostanay to perfection in all but one aspect. It just so happened to be most vital as the Tests become sterner.
For all the defensive sturdiness exhibited in keeping the Kazakhstan side scoreless, all they could fashion from 12 attempts at the other end was Will Patching's converted penalty to bring the tie level.
Five were on target but the most regrettable, certainly forgettable, effort of the majority off-target fell to substitute Cian Kavanagh with the last kick before extra-time was required.
Released towards goal, the youngster impetuously opted to shoot first-time and scuffed his drive Wide.
It was trademark territory for Patterson, these days contributing from the pundit's seat rather than pitch.
Derry's lack of ruthlessness in the final third cost them again on Sunday as their FAI Cup defence ended after a stalemate, and another penalty shootout defeat, against St Patrick's Athletic.
A serious injury to Colm Whelan, this time sustained on their controversial artificial pitch, robbed the Candystripes of their prize off-season recruit while Jamie McGonigle hasn't kicked on since tucking the winner early in the year at Shamrock
Read on irishexaminer.com
