Derry come from behind to secure top-three finish

Derry City 2 Sligo Rovers 1: Derry City ended their home campaign with a deserved victory over Sligo Rovers, the Candystripes securing a third place finish as they look forward to a refurbished home venue next season.

And for the second consecutive week, Kenny Shiels’ side showed great character to come from behind.

Sligo keeper Ciaran Nugent produced a string of top drawer saves, particularly during the first half, to frustrate Kenny Shiels’ charges before Derry managed to beat him twice in what proved a dominant second half display.

In fact, the home side entered the break 1-0 in arrears.

The move that mattered was recorded by the visitors in the 45th minute.

Following a short corner Craig Roddan’s delivery into the danger area was partly punched clear by Doherty before Pat McCann floated the perfect chip back in, the ball finding the net much to the disgust of the home faithful.

Nugent was finally beaten in the 63rd minute.

Aaron McEneff gained possession 25 yards from goal and his solid shot crashed into the net. That goal saw the home lot grow in confidence and as they continued to probe, they moved into the driving seat in the 77th minute, Barry McNamee squeezing the ball home.

DERRY CITY:

Doherty; McDermott (Whiteside, 80), Castells, Jarvis; Schubert (Boyle, 70), McCormick, McEneff, McNamee (Doherty, 80), Daniels; Patterson, Curtis.

SLIGO ROVERS:

Nugent; Boylan, Peers, Leahy, Donelon (Doyle, 84); Russell (Place, 75), Kearns, Roddan, McCann; Sadlier, Roberts.

Referee:

R. Matthews (Longford).