Sligo Rovers were held to a 1-1 draw by title-chasing Derry City in the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium last night in the League of Ireland Premier Division.
Derry needed a minimum of four points from their double-header to steal a late march at the top of the table, but have just managed to pick up two from their home games against Bohemians and Sligo Rovers.
Rovers started on the front foot, and the pace of the game was dictated throughout by Player of the Match, Jack Henry-Francis.
The Bit O'Red's bright start was rewarded on 34 minutes, when Henry-Francis' superb touch on the edge of the Derry box found its way to Connor Malley.
The former Dundalk man unleashed a ferocious half-volley from 30 yards into the top corner, giving Derry 'keeper, Brian Maher, no chance.
The second half started in the same vein as the first, with Derry fortunate to equalise against the run of play. The unfortunate Reece Hutchinson attempted to clear Paul McMullan's cross in from the right, and the ball looped up over Ed McGinty and bounced agonisingly over the line.
The Brandywell surface claimed another victim with 15 minutes to go, as Rovers' top scorer, Ellis Chapman, rolled over on his ankle with nobody around him, and required a stretcher and oxygen as his season came to a premature end.
Things got worse for Sligo Rovers less than five minutes later, as striker Luke Pearce was shown a second yellow after contesting the ball with Maher inside the Derry box.
Despite going down to 10 men, Rovers still created the lion's share of the chances, but neither Will Fitzgerald or Simon Power could convert.
Both sides were forced to settle for a point in the end.
A disappointed John Russell gave his thoughts to Ocean FM Sport at full-time.
