- Michael Lynott
- Sun, Jan 13 2013
Sligo Rovers restored their place at the top of the Under-19 Northern Division table Sunday afternoon with a 2-1 victory over Derry City at Sligo Institute of Technology. Rovers had temporarily lost top spot to Dundalk after the Lilywhites beat Fanad United on Saturday.
It didn't take long for Rovers to show their intent when Gary Armstrong swung the ball in from the right hand side to Patrick Woulfe, who slotted home from close range to put the Sligo men ahead.
Derry City's first chance came when Michael Duffy had a header well saved in the 21st minute. City levelled things up in the 34th minute when defender Michael Barr crossed in a corner which Rovers keeper Adam Murphy flapped at and ended up hitting into his own net.
Early in the second half Patrick Woulfe put Sligo Rovers in front again when Ben McGarry passed it to him in the Derry box and he made no mistake with the finish. City were struggling to keep Woulfe at bay and he had a chance to extend the lead when he headed towards goal following a corner but Seamus Houghton saved for the Candystripes.
In the 85th minute Gary Armstrong had a great chance to wrap things up for the Bit O'Red when he went on a good run from midfield but he hesitated to make a decision to pass the ball, his shot was then blocked and cleared by the Derry defence. In stoppage time Michael Duffy had another chance to equalise for Derry City but his shot from outside the box went well wide.
Sligo Rovers now face an important trip to Dundalk next week, with both teams on equal points at the top of the table and Sligo Rovers having an extra game to play, it's a game the Louth men cannot afford to lose if they are to keep their title ambitions alive.
Sligo Rovers: Adam Murphy, Shane O'Rourke, Michael Casey, Hugh McFadden, Jack Selby, Jake Dykes (Ryan McManus 70th min), Gary Armstrong, Ben McGarry, Ruairi Keating (Darren Kilcawley 15th min), Colm Feeney, Patrick Woulfe (Cian Brennan 82nd min).
Subs Not Used: James O'Donnell, Colm Callinan, David Brick, Dylan Feeney.
Derry City: Seamus Houghton, Nathan Boyle, Michael Barr, Jason McKinny, Caolan McLaughlin, Conor Tourish, Aidan Doherty (Luke McCloskey 53rd min), Ryan Harkin, Michael Duffy, Conor Harkin (Tomas McCrossan 53rd min), Joshua Tracey.
