Pat Hoban: Derry City’s trip to Sligo Rovers will be a stern early test for Candystripes

Derry City's Pat Hoban celebrates his goal in the win over Drogheda United

Match winner Pat Hoban insists Derry City will have to roll their sleeves up for next Saturday night’s encounter at Sligo Rovers.

The 32-year-old, who opened his City account in their opening night win over Drogheda United on Friday evening, is expecting a tough test at the Showgrounds.

The Bit O’Red will be disappointed to concede a last minute equaliser at Bohemians in their opening clash at Dalymount Park, but Hoban knows the home side, who will be backed with a big support, will be a tough nut to crack.

“Sligo and those places are always a tough place to go. It’s never easy,” he insisted.

“You have to man up and have a stand up kind of mentality. You have to be willing to fight when you’re playing those games away from home against teams like Sligo.

“It’s a tough place to go. but no game is easy this year.

“Look through the League, it’s not. So you’ll have to be on it every week. We got off to a good start tonight but we can definitely build on that.”

The Galway native was delighted to open his goalscoring account against the Drogs and was equally thrilled that Derry secured their first opening night win in five seasons.

“I feel good. That’s my first 90 minutes. I haven’t played 90 minutes all pre-season. So that will stand to me. The games are coming thick and fast now,” he added. We have four games in three weeks. You have to be ready for every game and that’s why we have a good squad of players who are raring to go.

“Obviously it’s a great start to the season, first game and a win and that’s what you always want.”

“I think we lost our way after we scored the first goal after a five or 10 minutes period which is not good. You have to be a