Sligo Rovers and Derry City share the spoils in north west derby
Sligo Rovers manager John Russell. Picture: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo
Sligo Rovers were pegged back twice by Derry City as they played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in the North West Derby which was played in the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium last Friday evening.
Derry had an early chance to take the lead when in the 7th minute Paul McMullan got to the byline on the right and crossed into the box where Pat Hoban headed it down for Duffy. He met it on the half volley only to be denied by a superb point blank reaction save from Rovers keeper Ed McGinty.
Somewhat against the run of play Rovers took the lead on 18 minutes. J.R. Wilson with a Crossfield ball from right to left which picked out Hutchinson. His dinked cross-cum-shot deceived everyone including Derry keeper Brian Maher as the ball went over his head and into the net.
Derry could have drawn level nine minutes later. McMullen with a great ball out of defence that found Duffy in behind the Rovers defence. His first touch took him a little wide with his resulting shot saved by the legs of McGinty.
The hosts started the second half with intent as Duffy flashed a shot across goal and wide two minutes into the second half.
Derry drew level soon after. Cameron Dummigan played a ball forward and Hoban met it with an acrobatic bicycle kick pass that played in Duffy. This time he made no mistake as he slotted the ball under the oncoming McGinty.
They could have taken the lead just after the hour mark when Duffy teed up Patching. He went to chip the ball into the top corner but McGinty was equal to his effort.
As in the first half Rovers went back in front out of the blue. Shane McEleney with back pass to Maher. He went to clear it with his weaker left foot. Morahan though read the pass as he charged forward from midfield chested the ball down and lashed it into the net.
Derry got back on level terms when they were awarded a penalty on 81 minutes. Patrick McEleney with a long ball out of defence that released McMullen down the right. He cut into the box where he was brought down by Hutchinson. Patching took the resulting spot kick and placed the ball inside the post just past the outstretched hand of McGinty.
Derry could have snatched all three points in stoppage time but Hoban’s powerful header from Patching’s free was denied by a great reaction stop by McGinty. Next up for Rovers is an away trip to league leaders Shelbourne this Friday evening in Tolka Park. Kick-off is at 7:45pm.
REF: Rob Hennessy (Dublin).
