Highs and lows will make Derry City stronger: Walter Figueira

The talented 25 year-old forward who produced a 'man of the match' display in the 2-0 victory over his former club, Waterford on Friday night was in the thick of the action and was fouled for both penalty decisions either side of the half-time interval.

His former Chelsea youth teammate, Conor Clifford clinically dispatched both spotkicks to hand Derry a much needed victory which lifted them into sixth spot.

The Candy Stripes have been on the receiving end of some heavy criticism after letting slip a 1-0 lead deep into stoppage time against Bohemians and then losing to an 87th minute strike against Sligo Rovers leading into Friday's home clash with third placed Waterford.

Despite a worrying run of four games without victory, Figueira insisted the team remained 'tight-knit' and 'positive' and they certainly got their just rewards with a polished, professional display against the Blues.

"I'm just delighted," he said. "For the whole team, even as a club, it was important for us to get three points and bounce back from the week we've had.

"The boys were hurting. The boys were really hurting. We were devastated to lose at Bohs and also at Sligo. It was important we managed the game and got three points.

"To be fair we've just been unlucky recently. We haven't been managing games so it was important we managed the game today which we did well and we kept a clean sheet so we will just try and move on from this, try stay positive, try stay tight-knit. This will make us stronger having the lows and then the highs like today."

The Londoner bought a foul just inside the penalty area from Tunmise Sobowale at the end of the first half and was clattered to the ground by a robust challenge from Robert McCourt at the beginning of the second half.

He had tested Waterford keeper, Brian Murphy with a terrific effort from distance moments before that second penalty decision and played Ciaron Harkin in for an excellent chance 15 minutes from the end.

It was a superb display from the City forward who was a constant attacking threat and he's delighted to have played his part in the win.

"I know I'm an important player for the team so I had to kind of step up as well and take responsibility and try to win us games. So I'm very delighted to get the three points today.

"I feel like if you're focused enough you can get the result you want. We all had an aim today. We knew we had to get three points. We knew we could trouble Waterford like we can trouble anyone in the league."

Was the team feeling the pressure going into the game?

"I wouldn't say pressure, it was more of a focus because we were hurting. I'm just delighted we got the three points because it was a real relief."

The Waterford bench weren't happy with the award of the first penalty when Sobowale barged Figueira to the ground but the Derry man claimed he was 'smart' as he anticipated the contact from the right-back.

"I was smart basically. I had to anticipate the impact and the contact. I'm just trying to be more involved. My goal involvement this year has been decent for the club so I'm just trying to get those numbers up and trying to get some more goals to drive us up the table.

"We've got important games this month coming up and we need to try and get as many points as we can and then look forward to the cup as well."

As a forward thinking player, Figueira admits he wanted to take the second spotkick but was overruled by his 'good friend' Clifford who completed his brace with a cheeky Panenka penalty.

While he was delighted for Clifford to get on the scoresheet, he warned he won't be as easily shaken off when the next penalty is awarded.

"You know what? Me and Conor (Clifford) we're good friends. I've known him since my youth days. I live with him. He hasn't been getting a lot of game-time recently so it was important for him for his morale and his confidence because he is a good player.

"It's hard to take though because I obviously want to get my goals up as well but I think it was good for the team morale. We're all tight knit and we grow like that but . . . . next penalty I'm on it!" he smiled. "That's a fact because I got to look after myself as well."

Derry have two weeks until their next league outing against champions elect Shamrock Rovers and while Figueira admits he needs some recovery time after a hectic schedule, he can't wait for the rest of the campaign.

"Obviously we've got two weeks now to focus and recharge. I've played a lot of minutes. I've done about three games, three 90 minutes so it's tough, tough on the legs but it was important we dug in. I'm looking forward to the next month."