Sligo Rovers prospects of qualifying for Europe next season receded further on Tuesday night as they lost 1-0 to Derry City at the Brandywell in their re-arranged SSE Airtricity League Premier Division game.
Will Patching's deflected free-kick in the opening half deceived goalkeeper Luke McNicholas and proved to be the matchwinner but, in truth, Derry had several opportunities to put this game beyond Rovers reach.
Will Patching 🤝 Free-kick goals
Derry City take the lead on fifteen minutes following a strong start to the game@derrycityfc 1-0 @sligorovers
Watch live 📺 | https://t.co/ZojRVr6OTp#LOI | #LOITV pic.twitter.com/R1jijCDxKt
— SSE Airtricity League (@SSEAirtricityLg) September 13, 2022
Patching and the impressive Michael Duffy caused John Russell's side several problems throughout the game - and yet one of the best chances of the match fell to Rovers late on when Aidan Keena put substitute Max Mata through on goal but the Kiwi's chip over the keeper dropped just over the crossbar.
Rovers remain 10 points behind St Patrick's Athletic with six matches remaining.
The win for Derry moves them to within one point of leaders Shamrock Rovers.
With an international break coming up, Rovers next fixture will be at home to Shamrock Rovers on Saturday, October 1st.
Tuesday night's result
Derry City 1 Sligo Rovers 0.
