Will Patching on the spot as Derry inflict first defeat of season on Sligo

Playmaker Will Patching's well-struck penalty after 50 minutes separated the sides in an uncompromising encounter in Sligo that produced almost no goalmouth action

Will Patching of Derry City shoots to score his side's first goal from a penalty during the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division clash. Picture: Eóin Noonan/Sportsfile

Sligo Rovers 0 Derry City 1

Ruaidhrí Higgins earned victory in his debut as Derry City boss when his workaholic charges secured a gritty 1-0 win against a subdued Sligo Rovers at The Showgrounds.