Derry City leave it late against Sligo Rovers

In their League of Ireland Premier Division match at Brandywell, Derry City defeated Sligo Rovers 1-0 to boost their European hopes. Michael Duffy scored the winner in the 94th minute.

The Candystripes are still second in the table, four points clear of the Bohemians, but they have one more game to play than the Dublin club.

Next year, the Premier Division’s top three teams will advance to European competitions.

In their previous seven league games, Tiernan Lynch’s side has won nothing.

Sligo remain in seventh place, three points clear of Galway United, who are currently in the relegation play-off places.

Following the impact of Storm Amy, which forced its postponement on Friday night, this rescheduled fixture was moved to Sunday.

Jad Hakiki’s effort, which came from just inside the area and flashed over the bar, gave the visitors the first lead of the game.

As the first half progressed, Tiernan Lynch’s side grew into the match, with Hayden Cann scoring from close range as the game began.

O’Reilly appeared to be scoring before Danny Mullen’s slip-in in the area, but Sam Sargent comfortably collected his effort, which kept the score at 2-2 after the break.

Brian Maher’s long ball was expertly deflected by Duffy, who carried the ball 40 yards before saving his effort at the near post.

It appeared to be one of those evenings for Derry City by the hour mark. After rounding Sargent, Duffy squared to Mullen, who had only been denied by a miraculous intervention from a Sligo defender, who was also in charge.

Duffy, Cameron Dummigan, and Brandon Fleming all came within ten minutes of scoring.