Michael Duffy the hero again as Derry City win in Sligo

Sligo Rovers 0

Derry City 1

Derry City picked up their first win at the Sligo Showgrounds for the first time since August, 2021 thanks to yet another goal from Michael Duffy.

Duffy’s first half free kick, more of a cross than a shot, was enough to settle a game devoid of much quality throughout. But the result was hugely important for City boss Tiernan Lynch, with the Candystripes now off the bottom of the Premier Division thanks to their first away win of the campaign.

Sligo Rovers started the game as the better team, but they were aghast to find themselves a goal down after just 20 minutes, in what they believed was controversial fashion. Michael Duffy delivered a free kick into a packed penalty area from the left wing and although Hayden Cann came close to glancing it on, the ball ended up in the net with no actual touch. The home side protested that the City defender had been in an offside position and therefore distracted goalkeeper Walsh, but after consulting his assistant, referee Rob Hennessey awarded the goal, Duffy’s fourth of the season.

A poor game failed to provide much attacking excitement, but after a dire second half, Sligo could have saved themselves with just five minutes remaining when Hakiki played substitute Stephen Mallon in on goal, but Brian Mher came out of his goal bravely to smother the shot and sends the ball behind for a corner.

Sligo exerted some late pressure, and John Mahon might have been the Bit O’Red hero with time running out, but his header didn’t have the power to beat Maher.

Teams

Sligo Rovers: Walsh, Lintott (Mallon HT’), Hutchinson, Van Hattam, Denham, Mahon, Malley (Manning 78’), Doyle-Hayes, Fitzgerald (Lomboto 78’), Hakiki, Kavanagh.

Derry City: Maher, Doherty, Connolly, Todd, Cann, R Boyce, Diallo (Harkin 36’), O’Reilly, Thomas (Ferguson HT’), Duffy, L Boyce (Mullen 70’).

Referee: Rob Hennessey.