It was a drama filled second half that seen Derry City and Sligo Rovers share the spoils at the Brandywell on Friday night in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division. A goal from Sander Puri shortly followed by a sublime lob from Seanan Clucas ensured that both sides would gain a point in a relatively close 1-1 game.
Both sides couldn't afford to give too much a way giving their struggling positions so the opening stages were quiet as both teams felt each other out. It was Sligo who went close on 33 minutes with the first chance of the game that could have resulted in a goal. Dinny Corcoran found himself with his back to goal 12-yards from Shaun Patton's goal. The central striker turned quickly and unleashed a thunderous low effort on the Derry goal however it rocketed off the post, much to Derry's delight.
It was Derry's turn to go close three minutes later. Mark Timlin done well on the left flank to beat his man and play a neat through ball to Cillian Morrison, the striker attempted to trouble Richard Brush's goal but a last ditch block from Stephen Folan prevented such danger.
On 41 minutes, Sligo had the last attempt on goal in the first half. Sander Puri had possession in the 18-yard box and was allowed to progress by the Derry defending force, he eventually got his shot away but it deflected off one of the defenders for a corner which ultimately came to nothing.
That was that for a rather subdued first half, however the second period was to be much more action filled. Just 5 minutes into the second half, we had the opener. The ball was played in behind the Derry defence and Sander Puri was more than happy to give chase. He retrieved the ball after a mix up between defender and keeper, he took it past Patton and slotted home into an open net.
However, the jubilations of the travelling fans were to be short lived. Barely 60 seconds later, Clucas gained possession of a bouncing ball on the edge of the 18-yard box, the midfielder had one quick glance at Brush who was slightly off his line and Clucas took full advantage sublimely lobbing the keeper much to the relief of the watching Derry faithful.
After 62 minutes of play, Derry went close to breaking the deadlock. Shaun Kelly played a low cross into Barry McNamee in the Sligo box, the midfielder had an effort on goal but the ball deflected off the defender and harmlessly trickled wide.
Four minutes later, there was more drama at the Brandywell. A Mark Timlin challenge on Kevin Devaney was deemed reckless by referee, Arnold Hunter who produced the red card almost immediately. A decision that seemed rather harsh and one that would dictate the pattern of the remainder of the game. Sligo began to assert their dominance with the extra man although never really troubled Patton's goal although were granted the perfect opportunity on 82 minutes when Corcoran was fouled in the box which led the referee to point to the spot. Alan Keane stepped up to take the penalty, although the full-back blasted his shot off the crossbar.
Sligo seemingly threw away a great chance to gain an extremely valuable three points as they were held by 10-men Derry. The Bit O'Red were arguably the better side over the 90 minutes but were held well by a resilient Derry side.
Derry City: Shaun Patton; Shaun Kelly, Shane McEleney, Aaron Barry, Dean Jarvis; Mark Timlin, Seamus Sharkey (Patrick McEleney 46), Seanan Clucas, Philip Lowry (Sean Houston 84), Barry McNamee; Cillian Morrison (Ryan Curran 73).
Subs Not Used: Gerard Doherty (gk), Anthony Elding, Joshua Daniels, George Kelly.
Booked: Sharkey (24).
Sent Off: Timlin (66).
Sligo Rovers: Richard Brush; Alan Keane, Gavin Peers, Stephen Folan, Danny Ledwith; Kevin Devaney (Morten Nielsen 67), Ryan McManus, Steven Beattie, Eoin Wearen; Sander Puri, Dinny Corcoran
Subs Not Used: Ryan Coulter (gk), Raffaele Cretaro, Gary Boylan, Keith Ward, Gary Armstrong.
Booked: Ledwith (53)
Referee: Arnold Hunter (IFA).
Attendance: 1,052.
Extratime.ie Man of the Match: Sander Puri (Sligo Rovers)
