Goal-shy Sligo stop the rot with Candystripes stalemate 

James McClean back off the bench as Derry struggle again against a Rovers side that has failed to score in seven of its first 10 games

CLOSE WATCH James McClean of Derry City during the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division match between Sligo Rovers and Derry City at The Showgrounds in Sligo. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Sligo Rovers 0 Derry City 0

Sligo Rovers halted their run of consecutive defeats as they picked up a point for the first time in five games, playing out a dull scoreless draw with Derry City at the Showgrounds.

The result brings to an end the Bit O'Red's poor recent run, but will not ease the pressure on Derry boss Tiernan Lynch who is now without a win in six.

Either side hit the woodwork during a game which won't live long in the memory of those in attendance.

Both these sides desperately required points on the table for the same reason before kick-off, but under different circumstances.

Looking like they will face another relegation battle, Rovers were actually the form side coming into this tie with one win from their last five. They made two changes from their heavy defeat to St Pat's on Friday, with centre half Sean McHale and midfielder Daire Patton coming in.

Big-spending Derry managed just the two draws in their previous five and found themselves third from bottom on the completion of the first round of games. Their only two victories this season ahead of this clash, came at home against Sligo and Waterford, the division's two bottom sides.

Lynch made four switches in personnel from last week's loss in Galway. Ben Doherty, Josh Thomas, Carl Winchester and Conor Barr were all back in as the visitors looked to halt their slide. Star man James McClean only made the bench while both his brother Paddy and City playmaker Michael Duffy missed out with knocks.

Derry have found the Showgrounds a difficult hunting ground in recent years, with just one win there in their last five visits.

After a cagey opening quarter, it was the Candystripes who fashioned the better of the chances. Adam O'Reilly should have had them in the lead on 17 when Jeannot Esua's attempted clearance bounced in front of the former Pat's man. Leaning back, O'Reilly wastefully skied his volley over the Sligo bar from close range.

Skipper Carl Winchester crashed a rocketed effort from long range off Sam Sargeant's upright as City threatened again nine minutes later.

Shy in front of goal this term with just four goals from their opening nine, Rovers did produce a half chance before the interval. Seb Quirk dragged a half-volley beyond the far post from a Will Fitzgerald assist.

Chances and indeed any level of entertainment came at a premium even in this second half as both sides toiled on a bumpy Showgrounds surface.

Supporters had to wait until the 72nd minute for the next moment of note when Sargeant was jolted into action, getting down low to push away a powerful drive from twenty yards from O'Reilly.

Sligo sub Gareth McElroy then went within inches of finding an opener when his header from a Fitzgerald corner came back off the City post.

Sligo Rovers: Sam Sargeant; Jeannot Esua, Ollie Denham, Sean McHale, Will Fitzgerald; James McManus, Seb Quirk (Carl McHugh 80); Alex Nolan, Archie Meekison (Rego Priosti 88); Daire Patton; Mai Traore (Gareth McElroy HT).

Derry City: Ed Beach; Jamie Stott, Rob Slevin (James McClean 73), Conor Barr; Barry Cotter (James Olayinka 82), Brandon Fleming; Adam O'Reilly, Carl Winchester; Ben Doherty (Cameron Dummigan 82), James Clarke (Henry Rylah 69); Josh Thomas (Afolabi Akinyemi 69).

Referee: Rob Hennessy.

Attendance: 2,567