Two second-half goals from Derry City secured a valiant victory against Sligo Rovers following a tight encounter at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium to move the Candystripes into fourth place. Goals from David Parkhouse and Ciaron Harkin was eno
Two second-half goals from Derry City secured a valiant victory against Sligo Rovers following a tight encounter at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium to move the Candystripes into fourth place.
Goals from David Parkhouse and Ciaron Harkin was enough to separate the two sides in a game where Sligo Rovers will feel they could have had something on a different night.
The lack of conviction in front of goal proved the difference for Rovers, profligacy ultimately proving costly. The Bit o'Red came to the Brandywell having dispatched of Derry twice on Foyleside last season.
However, times have changed drastically for Sligo since then with Keith Buckley's revamped Rovers side managing to frustrate City in a dour first half. It took until the 59th minute for Derry City to break the deadlock, the ever-reliant McNamee finding David Parkhouse on the right with a deft pass before the lone striker slotted home.
Other chances presented themselves for Derry in the final period but they failed to take them and they almost paid the price. John Russell, who had been only introduced minutes prior, put a slick low cross into the path of the incoming Coughlan but he was unfortunate to see his low drive glance just wide.
In the final five, Derry City struggled to escape their own half and Russel's advancing strike on the edge of the 'D' went narrowly out for a goal kick. An extra layer of gloss was added when Ciaron Harkin secured City's second after 93 minutes to seal the three points.
The victory leaves Derry City three points behind Bohemians in third, while Sligo Rovers stay in eighth position, a three point cushion separating them from UCD.
