Ellis Chapman credits Mark Connolly for bringing enjoyment back to Brandywell

​The Englishman struggled for form at Shelbourne but his midseason move to Foyleside has seen him return to the form he showed at Sligo Rovers in his debut season in the League of Ireland.

Chapman was involved in all three goals in the 3-3 draw against Shamrock Rovers at Brandywell on Sunday, scoring twice to take his tally to five goals in 10 games for Derry and he could have netted a hat-trick.

He credits the freedom Connolly affords him for his return to form, as the Derry boss encourages players to play on the front-foot and without fear. The ex-Cheltenham Town midfielder is clearly growing in confidence.

"Since Mark's taken the job it's about that freedom," said Chapman. "Not a freedom role but having freedom when you have the ball and not getting down when you make mistakes. If you give the ball away he doesn't care because he wants you to play and that gives you confidence straight away.

"You try things that you maybe wouldn't. It's great. I feel so good. I'm loving football again, loving it here in Derry and long may it continue."

Derry's league campaign has been disastrous this term but they're starting to find form going into their biggest match of the season against Dundalk in the FAI Cup quarter-final on Sunday. It's a match Chapman can't wait for.

"I can't wait," he enthused. "I wish it was tomorrow. That's how excited we are for it. I know how important the FAI Cup is to fans here. They absolutely love it and we will do everything we can and work extremely hard to make sure we win that game next Sunday."

Sunday's draw against Rovers was difficult to take but Chapman believes they're finally starting to click at the right time.

"We're all gutted and devastated in there. It's just more frustrating because for the majority of the game we felt we played so well.

"We were on the front-foot, we pressed them, and we forced mistakes. Above all it was enjoyable out there. To be on the front foot, get turnovers high up the pitch and create chances. We're gutted It feels like a loss.

"I've played against Rovers many times now and you don't want to sit off and let them have all the ball and it becomes a long game for you.

"So we felt we could press them and get after them which is what we did. Particularly first half we got huge joy out of it and got the goals from it so we're really happy with that.

"It was nice to score. It's always nice to get a goal so early in the game. It gives you momentum and puts even more confidence in you. I'm more frustrated about not getting the win."

He's beginning to strike up a fruitful relationship with Michael Duffy and Brandon Fleming on Derry's left side in particular.

"Everyone to a man was brilliant today. I'm enjoying it. Being a left footer, I naturally go to the left side anyway with Mickey and Brando, I felt we've developed a good link there.

"Mickey Duffy, when he's on it he's the best player in the league by a mile. It's so enjoyable to play with him and be near him on the pitch and be able to link together. He got the two assists for my goals today so he's a great player.

"We have a fantastic squad which is why it's been so disappointing.

"I've only been here a couple of months but speaking to the lads before that, that's why it's so disappointing because the squad is so good. Sometimes these things happen."