STEPHEN Kenny wants to see referees give teen sensation Mason Melia more protection.
The Tottenham-bound striker, 17, came in for some rough treatment from Derry City’s defence on Monday night as St Pat’s slumped to a third defeat on the spin.
Though under the cosh for long spells from a dominant Saints, Derry struck for the only goal of the game through Liam Boyce after 29 minutes.
But Kenny fumed as hitman Melia came off late on after shipping a heavy challenge.
The former Ireland gaffer said: “Mason has been subjected to systematic fouling by opposition teams. We’ve seen different players have a go at him.
“You saw players going through him on Monday, so he needs protection and needs help.
“Their centre-half wasn’t booked for any of the first three fouls on Mason. Mason was hobbling after the first one and a free kick wasn’t given.
“The next one came right over the top of him to try to soften him up. Mason is a tough young lad and will take it on the chin, get up and go again.
“But I think he is being targeted and definitely needs protection. You can see that teams are taking turns in systematically fouling him.”
The defeat marked a second win in Dublin inside four days for Derry following their victory by the same scoreline at Shelbourne on Friday.
Conversely, it was a frustrating night for St Pat’s who slumped to a third defeat on the bounce for the first time in boss Kenny’s 13-month tenure.
They have now just two wins from their last ten games and no win at home in four. On Monday’s defeat, Kenny said: “I can’t explain it as I thought my players really played to a high level.
“Our passing, control, movement, imagination were all very good. We are just lacking the finish at the moment as we are missing a lot of chances which is hurting us.
“I think we dominated the match from start to finish. Derry scored with their one attack.”
As for Saints’ current form, Kenny accepts they have to improve with Europe on the horizon.
He said: “Yes, we do. We were kicking as we did so much right in the match and the players confidence levels were high. It was just the finish that was lacking.”
