Chapman is the main man for Rovers in derby win
Sligo Rovers duo Edward McGinty and Richard Brush celebrate after the game. Picture: INPHO/Evan Logan
Two goals from Ellis Chapman, the second of which could well end up being a contender for goal of the season, saw ten-man Sligo Rovers come from behind to beat Derry City in the Showgrounds last Thursday evening.
In team news there was one change to the side that had beaten Shamrock the week previous with new signing Stephen Mallon coming in for Fabrice Hartmann.
Derry started well and had a chance to take the lead on 12 minutes. The ball was played in from the right with Reece Hutchinson making the clearance. Pat Hoban reacted quick to knock it back into the path of Daniel Kelly, who was denied by the legs of Rovers goalkeeper Ed McGinty. The visitors were dominating in terms of possession but created little in the way of chances until first half stoppage time. Again it was a ball in from the right that led it as this time it was played in by Cameron Dummigan. It bounced in front of Hoban who controlled it with his chest before executing a bicycle kick that went wide of the post.
Nine minutes into the second half and Derry did make the breakthrough. Kelly put in a cross from the right that Hoban let go under his legs and come through to Paul McMullan. He brought it under control with his left before placing it with his right foot into the far top corner giving McGinty no chance.
Going behind seemed to spur Rovers and they drew level minutes later when they were awarded a penalty. Connor Malley played the ball out left to Will Fitzgerald and he cut into the box where he was brought down by Sadou Diallo. Chapman duly dispatched the resulting spot kick as he send Derry goalkeeper Brian Maher the wrong way.
Rovers had a chance then to take the lead on 84 minutes as Fitzgerald released Hutchinson down the left. His ball in the box came through to Kailin Barlow and his snapshot on the turn flashed wide of the upright.
Five minutes later and Rovers did hit the front. Niall Morahan won the ball inside his own half and fed it quickly to Chapman. He decided to go for goal leaving two Derry players in his wake. He got past another inside the box before toe poking the ball past the oncoming Maher.
There was still time for late drama though as J.R. Wilson was sent off a minute into stoppage time after picking up a second yellow for dissent following an altercation with Hoban. Derry then had a last gasp chance to equalise on 94 minutes when Ben Doherty crossed from the left. Colm Whelan headed it down to Hoban who was denied from close range by a full stretch stop from McGinty. The Rovers keeper then reacted brilliantly to save the follow up from Whelan as his side picked up the win.
Next up for Rovers they are away to Bohemian FC this coming Friday evening. Kick-off in Dalymount Park is at 7:45pm.
