In the Premiere Division of the League of Ireland, Derry City 1 (thanks to an own goal by Hutchinson at 53rd minute) drew 1-1 against Sligo Rovers 1 (credit to Malley at 34th minute). This marks the fourth straight draw for Derry City, causing a dent on their ambitions for clinching the 2024 league championship.
Contrary to expectations, Sligo Rovers, despite a series of unfortunate events, managed to stand their ground against Derry City. They conceded an own goal, equalizing for Derry City, and faced the challenge of playing with one less player during the later stages of the game.
Once again, the Foyleside club were unable to seize full points, thus, further distancing themselves from the championship position. Sligo Rovers, who have experienced significant departures in their on-loan squad this season, has responded well under the leadership of manager John Russell. His timely involvement in the transfer market for new recruits has been beneficial, as evident by their solid first-half display at the Brandywell.
The ‘Showgies’ displayed a commendable blend of precision and rapid counter-attacking, which led to them securing a lead with Malley’s exquisite 34th-minute goal. Despite the setback, Derry City had to chase their opponents yet again, marking the fourth instance in five games.
Their woes were compounded by the loss of prime striker, Pat Hoban, due to what appeared like a hamstring problem, necessitating Danny Mullen’s call up from the reserves. Adding to this, Ben Doherty’s calf injury from the previous match against Bohemians has left manager Ruaidhri Higgins grappling with a growing list of injuries.
In an attempt to turn things around, Derry City made a hat-trick of substitutions after the game’s halfway point. Patrick McEleney, Colm Whelan, and Jacob Davenport were ushered in, replacing Adan O’Reilly, Will Patching, and Andre Wisdom on the field.
Astoundingly, the host team managed to level the score in the 53rd minute, following an unfortunate own goal by Sligo’s Reece Hutchinson who was aiming to pass the ball back to the onrushing goalkeeper, Ed McGinty. This turn of events, coupled with some tactical adjustments from Derry, provided them with a surprising boost, evidently unsettling Sligo.
There was a golden opportunity for Ellis Chapman to reclaim the lead for Sligo, courtesy of an exhilarating charge from Will Fitzgerald. His spot-on delivery deserved better but Chapman squandered the crucial opportunity from a promising position. McMullan from Derry also came close to grabbing the lead, however, his well-struck shot was expertly saved by McGinty, losing another crucial scoring opportunity for the Scotsman.
The 77th minute proved calamitous for Sligo again, as official Paul Norton showed Luke Pearce the red card for an offence that appeared to be a follow-through challenge on Maher. Despite being a man down, Sligo fought valiantly but were unsuccessful in converting several promising chances, while Derry slowly exhaled their dwindling title aspirations.
A golden opportunity presented itself to Derry in extra time when replacement Sean Robertson was in the perfect position to strike, although he disappointingly sent the ball wide. As a result, a crucial victory may have slipped from their fingers.
DERRY CITY team included: Maher; Boyce, Connolly, Wisdom (Whelan, substituted during half-time), Coll; Diallo (Robinson, substituted at 85 mins) O’Reilly (McEleney, substituted during half-time); McMullan, Patching (Replaced by Davenport at half-time), Duffy; Hoban (Replaced by Mullan at 36 mins).
SLIGO ROVERS team consisted of : McGinty; Wilson, Chapman, Denham (Replaced by Elding at 72 mins), Hutchinson; Morahan, Malley; Power, Henry-Francis, Fitzgerald; Pearce.
The match was overseen by Referee Paul Norton from Dublin.